Judy Dare: Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity

“Judy Dare has been volunteering with Habitat Tucson for the past 20 years, and has worked behind the scenes in every imaginable way. Working retail at the HabiStore. Hammering away on the build site. Supporting staff at the office. Serving on the Habitat Board.

But partnering with families—walking them through sweat equity, financial classwork, and mortgage payments—was hands-down her favorite part. To this day, she’s still good friends with a family she partnered with almost 20 years ago. Back then, Judy remembers meeting their five-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son, and now, she’s excited to see them graduate college. It’s a spectacular feeling, watching the long-reaching impact of her work ‘behind the scenes.’

But Judy’s giving back doesn’t stop there. She is also a legacy donor, which means she has included Habitat Tucson in her will. The way Judy sees it, giving is an extension of her volunteerism. “”I trust Habitat so much,”” Judy says. “”And the value of a volunteer is giving of your time and money – I’m going to say both. Helping an organization that you believe in – that’s the value of a volunteer.”