Heart of Habitat awardees pose for a group photo with staff and host, Seri Jones.

Five Volunteers Recognized at the Heart of Habitat 2024

Building More Than Homes: Habitat Capital Region's Night of Gratitude for Volunteers

In conjunction with National Volunteer Month (April), Habitat for Humanity Capital Region honored volunteers at the third annual “Heart of Habitat Gratitude Gala” on Thursday, April 18. The event celebrated all of the people who volunteer their time to the mission of Habitat Capital Region, and gave special recognition to several volunteers who were presented with Gratitude Awards for their exceptional volunteer service over the last year.

Award categories included: Lifetime Achievement – with service of three or more years; Tool Box – with service of more than 100 hours per year; Corporate Framework – with commitment to community nonprofits; Sweat Equity Showcase – with a significant impact in the Homeownership Program; and Incline – with service of 25 hours or more as a new volunteer.

Brent Taylor, President & CEO of Habitat Capital Region, highlighted the remarkable contributions of volunteers to the mid-Michigan area, acknowledging their pivotal role in the organization's achievements. "The essence of Habitat for Humanity's work is embodied by our volunteers," Taylor noted. “We are so appreciative of their service to our community and of our corporate partners for making the event possible.”

Honoring Volunteers: Current and Past

Jane Johnson speaks to the crowd after receiving the Heart of Habitat Lifetime Achievement award.

Making the evening extra special, Habitat Capital Region renamed the award previous called the Heart of Habitat Award to the Jane Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring Jane Johnson – a recently deceased Core Crew volunteer of over 25 years. She committed significant time and energy in every conceivable volunteer capacity. Renaming the award is Habitat Capital Region’s way to keep her legacy of service alive in the community.

Heart of Habitat Gratitude Awardees

Charlie observes while Mike Schilling secures the windows of Habitat homeowner Brittni's home.

Schilling began volunteering with Habitat Capital Region in 2002 and has been an integral part of over 50 projects.

Karen Lockwood smiles at the camera between securing deck boards at a ramp build.

Lockwood has volunteered for 5 years and contributed 325 hours in the last year.

Six women employees from MSU Federal Credit Union smile for a picture in front of a wall they raised during Women Build 2023.

MSU Federal Credit Union supports Habitat Capital Region through volunteer groups, corporate partnerships, and affordable mortgages for the Homeownership Program.

Michelle Brittain does a big smile for the camera while at the saw!

Brittain volunteered over 30 hours on a home in Lansing, starting her journey in late fall.

Five people carry the soon to be roof of Habitat homeowner Brittni's shed.

Reyes enthusiastically volunteers to help build other future Habitat homeowners’ houses while she is in the Homeownership Program and is waiting to be matched to her home.

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