Faces of Habitat: Meet Brenda

Faces of Habitat is our ongoing blog series where we shine a light on the amazing people who make Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity what it is.

This month, we're featuring our Director of Family Services, Brenda.

Brenda has been with Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity since September of 2018. However, she first got involved with Habitat in 2015 as a volunteer in the Homeowner Advocate role. "I loved getting the chance to walk alongside future homeowners as they were navigating their journey to becoming homeowners."

Keep reading to learn more about Brenda!

What is your favorite part about working with Habitat? In other words, what is your why?

My why for working at Habitat comes from how I was raised. I was blessed with amazing parents who taught our family that home is more than a roof and walls; it is a loving, safe place where the outside world cannot shake you. It is where you are ALWAYS welcome, no matter what. That sense of security and belonging shaped who I am, and I want to help others families experience that same feeling. Being even a small part of creating a safe, stable home for someone else feels incredibly meaningful to me. Helping others build that foundation for their own families is exactly why Habitat matters to me. 
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What is one moment that stands out from your time at Habitat?​

When I reflect on my time at Habitat, it’s difficult to point to just one defining moment because it’s truly a collection of meaningful experiences that stand out. It’s the joy in a child’s eyes as they learn they can paint their bedroom in their favorite color for the first time in their lives. It’s a teenager quietly sharing the relief of seeing their parents rest easier, knowing their family finally has a safe and stable place to call home. And it’s the heartfelt words from parents at closing, expressing that we’ve become not just partners in this journey, but an integral part of their family. These moments, big and small, are what make this work so deeply meaningful they are constant reminders of the lasting impact a safe, affordable home can have on a family’s life.

What is something you love to do when you're not at work?

I love spending time at the lake with family and friends. It is my happy place. My favorite part is watching the younger generations run around having the time of their lives. They’re camping, splashing in the water, fishing, or just relaxing soaking up the sun. I have to admit I like to stir up a little harmless mischief while we’re out there. Nothing says “lake day” quite like sneaking up behind someone on the dock and giving them a gentle toss into the water. The splashes and mock outrage are all part of the fun. There is something magical about the lake. It brings out everyone’s playful side and reminds us how good it feels to just enjoy each other’s company. 

Just for fun: if you could instantly become an expert at anything, what would it be?

I’d choose being a master gardener. There is nothing better than stepping out your back door and picking fresh veggies. At my house half the time they don’t even make it back into the house before they are eaten. I’d love to use that passion to bring people together. Fresh food, good company, and garden full of shared stories just feels like the perfect combo. I wouldn’t want to keep the fun to myself. I would like to teach others how to grow their own little slice of deliciousness too. Growing food is great but growing community is better.