Why Brooke and Brad Keep Coming Back

Brooke didn’t sign up for this expecting it to change her life.

She was just getting to know a new coworker – Annie, a fellow second-grade teacher at College Park Elementary – when Annie invited her and her husband Brad to come help out at a Home Repairs for Good project.

They said yes. Had a great time. And the rest is history.

Since that first project, Brooke and Brad have become a staple at our organization. You’ll find them supervising sites, organizing teams, talking with homeowners, and smiling their way through just about anything — gutters, paint, weeds, or a front porch that needs a little love.

“I really like witnessing Brad's leadership skills as a Site Supervisor,” Brooke said. “Watching him set up the projects for success is inspiring. He is calm, communicative, and friendly to our volunteers. By the end of the last project, the whole team applauded him.”

(Yes, literally applauded him.)

The two of them bring different strengths to the work. Brad often leads the charge, overseeing projects and setting the tone. Brooke keeps things moving, shares the mission, connects with homeowners, and makes sure nobody walks away feeling small – especially first-time volunteers.

“I never did any of this before I started,” she said. “But Home Repairs for Good's number-one priority is safety. They never scoff at you if you need help with something or just don’t feel comfortable. Even if you don’t want to climb a ladder – they get it.”

And when it comes to convincing people to join them?

“I first share the mission of the organization,” Brooke said, “but then I like to go into more details about the type of projects you can help with, how kind the homeowners are that I’ve had a chance to talk with, and the amazing dopamine rush you feel after spending a few hours in nature with other kind-hearted volunteers to help someone in need.”

That feeling? It’s what keeps them both coming back.

“It is amazing. It’s quite addictive because I cannot stop smiling. I think the best word to describe it is euphoric.”

This month – Volunteer Appreciation Month – we’re honoring people like Brooke and Brad. The ones who just said yes. The ones who show up with joy and keep coming back with purpose.

Because what we’re doing here matters.

“Aging in place improves the quality of life for older adults and can even elongate their life span,” Brooke shared. “It just shows the importance of the work that Home Repairs for Good is providing for our community.”

And in addition to continuing to volunteer, Brooke has recently joined the Home Repairs for Good team as an AmeriCorps VISTA member focused on donor relations and communications. 

We’re grateful for their hands. Their hearts. And that one small ‘yes’ that helped build something much bigger.