Learning and Leading: Brenda's Volunteer Story

Brenda's support for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity may have started small, yet it's only grown as she's become more involved. It all began more than 25 years ago when she participated in a multiple-week Habitat build with her employer. The company-wide build was an annual event, so Brenda eventually became a crew leader in 2002. She returned to that role each year until she retired in 2017.

Now that Brenda has more free time, she volunteers both on and off the build site. On Tuesdays, you can find her wearing a hard hat and swinging hammers with Women Build or another Regular Crew. On Fridays, Brenda volunteers at ReStore, making an environmental impact while still supporting affordable housing. (Usually, she goes to the New Brighton location, but she's also helping prepare the new Brooklyn Park store!)

"There are lots of opportunities at Habitat," she explains. "You can find what's right for you and sign up for as much as you want."

No matter where she serves, Brenda says the experience and knowledge she's acquired are invaluable. She's gained confidence to refinish her own basement, complete with a family room, bedroom, utility room, and bathroom. She supports Restore by both buying and donating items. And the skills she's learned even helped Brenda get a part-time job in her retirement. Brenda is a handyperson with Senior Community Services, helping older adults stay in their homes and communities.

"Habitat and ReStore staff are good at showing you how to do things if you need help. I've learned a wealth of skills, and it's something I like to do," Brenda adds. "Now I can confidently handle problems for clients, saving them money and helping them stay in their homes, and I can also fix things in my own home."

From taping and mudding on site to repairing chandeliers at ReStore, Brenda loves learning new things, using skills to make a difference, and leading by example. In her own words, she simply likes to fix things and solve problems while working with a team. Now that Brenda is a seasoned volunteer, she's passionate about creating a welcoming environment for new volunteers, especially women.

"We empower each other to learn new things, gain confidence, and expand our skills," she says. "I hope I help provide a positive experience so volunteers keep coming back."

And Brenda keeps showing up herself because she wants everyone to be able to experience something she holds dear: being comfortable in your own home. By volunteering at ReStore and build sites, Brenda is helping make that possibility a reality for more families in the Twin Cities. If you're interested in joining people like Brenda, she will be the first to tell you that you don't need experience:

"Staff and volunteers are welcoming and will show you how to do things. Everyone is learned, even seasoned volunteers," Brenda says. "You don't need to have skills. You just need the motivation and desire to learn."