One Family at a Time

Darlene Eckert, Volunteer since 2015 and Past Board President

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen quietly—between coats of paint or during shared smiles on the job site. For volunteer Darlene Eckert, one particular day spent painting inside a future Habitat home became a powerful reminder of the difference Habitat makes in the lives of families.

While working alongside a partner family, Darlene listened as the mother shared her heartfelt excitement about finally providing her two children with a safe and welcoming space to call home.

“She told me how her current home was too small, and how her children both shared a bedroom with her,” Darlene recalls. “She was so grateful because this new home would give each child their own room for the very first time.”

The mother’s joy and gratitude were tangible, filling the room and touching everyone nearby. For Darlene, hearing this firsthand was a deeply humbling experience.

“It reminded me not to take even the smallest comforts for granted,” she says. “That moment strengthened my commitment to volunteer, knowing that we really do make a difference—even if it’s one family at a time.”

For Darlene and many Habitat volunteers, the work goes beyond construction—it’s about building hope, stability, and the chance for families to thrive. Whether it’s through painting walls, lifting beams, or sharing stories, every effort adds up to life-changing impact.

“Being part of this journey, even in a small way, is incredibly rewarding,” Darlene reflects. “It’s the reason I keep coming back.”