NEWS & STORIES

At Habitat for Humanity Calaveras, the true foundation of our mission is built upon the hands, hearts, and diverse talents of our volunteers. While we are incredibly fortunate to have a community of supporters who step up every day, we recently asked our staff to nominate the individuals whose contributions truly defined this past year. While we can never say ‘thank you’ enough to everyone who serves, this post is a special tribute to the names and faces that have become an inseparable part of the Habitat family this year. From professional expertise to “figure-it-out” energy, here are the stories of our 2026 featured volunteers.

Paula: Capturing the Heart of Our Mission

Volunteering is often the quickest path to finding a true sense of community, and Paula is the perfect example. Since arriving in Calaveras County, she has jumped in with both feet, joining our PR Committee and sharing her extraordinary talents as a volunteer photographer. Paula brings a warmth, creativity, and steady presence that strengthens our team every day. Her photography does more than just document events; it reflects the faces of those building a better future and captures the heart of our mission in a way words simply cannot. We are so grateful to have her creativity and heart as part of the Habitat family.

Debby: The Magic of Connection

Debby is a driving force behind many of our most meaningful community moments. As an Event Innovator and Cause Champion, her precision and vision elevate every event she touches—from the festive “Home for the Holidays” to the iconic Winter White Gala she and her husband, Bob, host in support of Habitat each January. Debby has a unique ability to create a warm, inspiring atmosphere that unites local leaders and supporters in a collaborative environment. Her leadership doesn’t just help raise vital funds; it strengthens the social bonds that make our housing projects possible.

Pam: A Foundation of Loyalty

Few have dedicated more to the growth of this affiliate than Pam. Her professional background as a finance director help us to make sure our organization was built on a rock-solid foundation. Today, as a Board Member and Chair of the Finance Committee, Pam’s expertise is critical as we navigate projects of historic scale like the 107-home Eureka Oaks development. Whether she is leading the online auction, helping with the Habitat Cookbook, or managing complex audits, Pam’s loyalty reflects a deep commitment to our neighbors.

Madison: Our Volunteer of the Year

We are especially proud to honor Madison, a senior at Calaveras High School, as our Volunteer of the Year. Balancing academics, volleyball, and work, Madison has been an integral part of our Homeowner Services team since 2025. Her mindset—“If I don’t know it, I’ll figure it out!”—has led her from creating professional board presentations to witnessing the impact of our Home Repair program firsthand. Madison represents the next generation of service, proving that you don’t need a lifetime of experience to make a life-changing difference.

Celebrating Marie

Every movement needs a backbone, and at Habitat for Humanity Calaveras, that role is beautifully filled by Marie. Initially joining us with a simple desire to learn more about our mission, Marie transitioned from a new face to a cornerstone of our team in record time. While many see the excitement of our public events Marie’s impact is felt in the quiet, steady strength she brings to our Resource Development team. From crafting thoughtful grant applications to providing vital administrative support, her professional expertise and “all-in” attitude ensure our mission has the resources it needs to move forward.

Habitat Cookie Crew: The Heart of the Home

At Habitat Calaveras, we know that a strong community is built on more than just solid foundations—it’s built on warmth and hospitality. Our amazing Cookie Crew embodies this spirit perfectly. Whether they are providing the “fuel” for our build sites or adding a sweet touch to our community events, these volunteers bring a unique kind of joy to our mission. Their dedication proves that every talent has a place here; by sharing their time and their baking, they remind our homeowners, staff, and volunteers that they are part of a family. We are so grateful for the heart (and the sugar!) they pour into building a more vibrant Calaveras County.

Our movement is growing, and as these stories show, we need a wide variety of skills to build a more vibrant Calaveras County. Whether you have a professional talent to share, a desire to learn something new, or simply a heart for your neighbors, there is a role for you here.