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I have served as the MCHFH Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant for over five years. I am passionate about addressing hunger and homeless issues as my faith directs me to serve my neighbors in need. My journey here with Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity started in the Fall of 2017 when I left my previous employment. During that time, I actively searched for opportunities to serve the local community until I secured new employment. I had volunteered with Habitat only a couple times in my life prior to working for MCHFH, but I knew it was an organization with mission and vision I supported. It is important to me that I work for causes that align with my values. During this transition time, I started as a substitute in the schools, and I found a volunteer project to work on a Habitat house. I went a few times to help in a house repair project and I felt very useful and easily connected with those with whom I was working. It was during a lunch break conversation I learned MCHFH was looking to hire a bookkeeper. This was a clear opportunity to use my skill set and experience. From day one, it has been a great fit to serve in this capacity. It is a great example of how giving of yourself not only blesses those you are serving but becomes a blessing for you as well. I am honored to be a part of the MCHFH team where the Board and Staff support each other and the mission of Mecosta Habitat! I am involved in the Mecosta County community in a multitude of ways. For the past five years, I have served on both the Project Starburst food pantry Board, (currently as Chair) and as the Big Rapids CROP Hunger Walk Coordinator. I volunteer at Camp Brethren Heights, where my husband serves as the Director, and we participate in the Lighthouse Homeschool Cooperative. For the past two years, we have been involved in a variety of old-time music festivals and local music jam sessions to help our children grow in their musical abilities and education. As a result, I have been assisting with the planning of Wheatscouts, the children and youth’s traditional arts programming at the Wheatland Music Organization. Working with Mecosta County Habitat has shown me the severity of critical home repairs and financial need of our neighbors with low- income. One example is a family that applied to the CHR program and didn’t have running water for eight months. This was shocking and overwhelming to me when I have personally experienced and struggled during a power outage for three days without running water to drink, cook, clean, bathe, etc... Staff and contractors worked together for the MCHFH Critical Repair Program to drill a new well and have running water just before a new baby was born and Christmas Day. Although my Habitat work duties are mostly administrative and clerical, I recognize the importance of my work contribution and its role in the larger mission and vision of MCHFH. This fulfills my personal mission and values when I learn of the scope of the projects and the families being served here in Mecosta County. Thank you to our supporters near and far who give in many ways as they are able to; each gift of time, talent, and money is much appreciated and used to support our programs. “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” Margaret Mead
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