Jeannie Lawrence started with Habitat in 2010, training to become a crew leader. In 2014 she won the Cat’s Paw award, given in recognition of unique talents and specialized construction skills, particularly for accomplishments in her specialty areas of insulation and interior paint.
Jeannie had always wanted to help Habitat and so she signed up through her church, Due West United Methodist. On her first day as a volunteer, Brett Miller (crew leader) asked if anyone knew how to use a nail gun. Nobody spoke up. He asked if anyone wanted to learn. Nobody spoke up. Jeannie said to herself, “Well, they said they would teach the volunteers,” so she raised her hand. She ended up spending the whole day on a ladder, installing siding. At the end of the day, Brett asked her if she wanted to train as a “ghost” and she said yes. This was our good fortune and is now Habitat history.
Jeannie studied interior design at San Jose State and has held many different jobs. She was a payroll supervisor for the Alaska pipeline and the corporate liaison between headquarters and the skilled nursing facilities the corporation owned and managed. Jeannie still works part time at America’s Mart in women’s fashion. In June, she will co-lead Ocoee Outreach, a mission trip with her church to Cleveland, Tennessee where they will repair homes in an impoverished community.
When a home is dedicated, Jeannie enjoys see the new homeowner’s excitement. During the ceremony the homeowner receives not only the “keys” to the new house, but also symbolically receives the keys to a better life. She believes that the Habitat Litany, read at the Dedication, really tells what Habitat is all about. “Make me concerned enough to help, by word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.”
It’s obvious that Jeannie is a multi-faceted woman. However, it will not surprise you, that even with all her interests her greatest joys in life are her three children and three grandchildren.
Thank you Jeannie for sharing your knowledge, dedication and passion with Habitat during the past five years. We hope to see you on the build sites years to come!