Everything and More

Serving as a volunteer, staff employee, and board member, Shirley has done it all. After retiring from 30 years at the Washington State Bar in Seattle, Shirley and her husband moved to the area looking for a slower pace of life. When driving past the Overland ReStore near their home, she became interested in Habitat’s philosophy and charitable mission and began working as a ReStore volunteer.

“I just wanted to give back to the community and do some volunteer work, so I started volunteering in the Restore one afternoon a week,” said Shirley.

Her administrative and accounting abilities served ReStore well from data entry to running the cash registers. After five years of ReStore volunteering from 2008 to 2013, she inquired about an open position at Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity’s administrative office, eventually landing her a part-time role as Operations Manager.

“It was just something I believe in and a way to help someone along,” Shirley said. “Teaching someone new skills, making them be a part of [the homeownership process], and having some skin in the game so that they can also help someone else out down the road is important.”

During that time, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the entire Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Her past work experience transferred nicely to the needs of the organization and allowed for administrative and accounting responsibilities to be managed. Additionally, she acted as a liaison for families and their homebuying process, speaking to her deeper appreciation for Habitat’s mission.

Shirley retired in 2019, moving her full capacity to the Board of Directors for Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity. When asked what moved her to wanting to be a board member, she stated that being a volunteer and employee provided her a dual perspective for the organization.

“I feel lucky that I've done both the volunteer and employee side of things,” said Shirley. “I think I have a good sense of the organization having done both of those, so hopefully it’s of some value when questions come up. I can kind of talk from both sides. I've seen the board view on things, but then again, I can also see the employees’ side of things.”

When asked what is most notable about her time working and serving with Habitat, she noted that families fall in the spotlight.

“I think just the stories of the people we serve and listening to some just talk about their experiences and what they've gone through,” said Shirley. “I mean, it's just heart wrenching...”

She dreams of the affiliate growing and being able to serve more people, solidifying her commitment to Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity’s work in the Treasure Valley.