Celebrating 30 Years:

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with two of our longest-tenured volunteers, Jim Parker and Bill Devine, to hear their stories and celebrate Fox Cities Habitat’s 30 year anniversary. Bill and Jim have volunteered alongside each other for decades, and have seen Fox Cities Habitat transform and grow immensely. These gentlemen have undoubtedly turned their volunteering into a labor of love. To see their interview and reflections on our 30-year impact, watch the video below!

Watch the Interview Below!

Jim started volunteering with us 30 years ago and is one of the founding members of the Construction Manual Committee, was part of the foundation of our Senior Crew, and has been an active volunteer on our construction sites. Bill started volunteering with us about 25 years ago and is on the Marketing Committee, ReStore Committee, and helps with many projects throughout the organization. Bill and Jim have seen Fox Cities Habitat grow exponentially from two staff members in a closet at the local Goodwill, to an affiliate with over 40 employees and over 1,400 volunteers.

A Hand Up

“Habitat to me is a major contributor in improving the community for low-income and minority people.

I think that’s a need we have as a country, and Habitat has a significant role in helping address that problem.”

– JIM PARKER

Because of the dedication of our staff and volunteers, Fox Cities Habitat has been able to make a significant impact over the last 30 years. Together, we have helped over 1,000 people in our community earn safe and affordable homes, revitalized 20 neighborhoods in the Greater Fox Valley through our Rock the Block program, have helped nearly 100 families received affordable repairs through our Home Repair program, and have diverted 12.2 million pounds from our landfills because of our ReStore. Our volunteers have put in over 80,000 hours in order to make these accomplishments happen.

A Lasting Impact

“A couple of years ago I was at an event in Menasha where we had a little booth out at the farmers market.

A lady came up to me, she was a homeowner, and she was just so thankful and said, ‘Thirteen months from now I’ll have paid off my house and I’ll be debt free. I can’t thank you enough.’

I mean, we change lives with this organization!”

– BILL DEVINE

The impact we’ve made is directly because of committed volunteers like Jim and Bill. Thank you both, and all volunteers, for the endless time, energy, and support you have given to this organization.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at Fox Cities Habitat, and we’re certain there’s a role that is just right for you. For more information on how you can volunteer alongside wonderful people like Jim and Bill, visit our volunteer page.

Back to blog