Nearly Three Decades of Giving Back to the Community She Calls Home

For Antoinette, Beaches Habitat for Humanity has never been just about building houses. It’s about the community she grew up in and the local families building a path to homeownership.

Nearly 27 years ago, she learned about Beaches Habitat while attending an information night hosted by her church, St. Paul’s Catholic. She had grown up in Jacksonville Beach and attended local schools, and she wanted a meaningful way to give back.

“I wanted to get involved with an organization that gave back to my local community,” she remembers.

She found that opportunity on Beaches Habitat’s Family Selection Committee. The committee plays an important part in each family’s path to homeownership. After staff review an application, committee members visit the family at home to better understand their need for housing. Then they work with staff to select the families who will partner with Beaches Habitat to build and buy a home. She joined the committee and never left.

Stepping Up Where Needed

Her role has grown with the years. About ten years ago, she became Chair of the Family Selection Committee. Always willing to help where needed, she also began handling weekly administrative work in the office. Last year, she joined the Governance Committee as a non-board member, and, most recently, she joined the Board of Directors.

But beneath the roles is something more personal: a genuine belief in the people and purpose of Beaches Habitat.

“I offer my time to this organization truly believing in what they stand for and with the hope that I can be a part of them accomplishing their mission,” she shares. “Seeking to put God’s love into action and bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope is a powerful message.”

Many of the people she had worked alongside have become lasting friends, all working toward the same goal: a decent place to live for every family.

The Moments That Matter Most

Having met many families during home visits, at the very start of their journey, she finds the dedications bring everything full circle.

“The moments that have stayed with me the most occur at the home dedications,” Antoinette explains. “This is the climax to the entire process that you have been a part of. It is so very rewarding and humbling to hear the homeowner speak of their journey and know how their lives have been forever changed by owning their own home.”

That perspective has followed her home, too.

“Volunteering with Beaches Habitat has made me even more grateful and thankful for the blessings of owning my home,” she reflects.

Nearly three decades after that first meeting, Antoinette’s commitment is as strong as ever.

Volunteering isn’t always one extraordinary act. Sometimes it’s choosing to show up, year after year, because you believe everyone deserves a decent place to live.

We’re grateful for Antoinette’s years of service, and for the difference her time has made for local families.

Want to make a difference close to home? Learn more about volunteering with Beaches Habitat at beacheshabitat.org/build.