a lead sponsor on the Makala/Mbembi house, which broke ground in July of 2022. After both signed up as volunteers on the build, they quickly became familiar faces on our sites - volunteering nearly every Saturday since.
We are so grateful we’ve gotten to know them through hard work. We are equally grateful for their talents, time, and commitment to this home and to the Makala/Mbembi family.
“I got involved because our church was participating in a build and I wanted to do something good,” said McFadin, who is planning to increase his support of Habitat McLean County through a State Farm Good Neighbor Grant.**
McFadin retired from State Farm after 32 years in their IT department.
McFadin went on to say how much he loves doing construction projects like this, even though his experience was limited. “I was excited to learn some new skills,” he said. “I liked hanging the siding, since I had not done that before. I also loved learning from the Retired Crew guys who were all great teachers.”
Stephen Lakebrink is a retired Mechanical Engineer from Clinton Power Station. With that career, it was not a surprise when Lakebrink shared, “what intrigued me about volunteering with Habitat McLean County was my love for putting things together.” He enjoyed doing all the outside work this summer.
“I think it’s neat that one of the site’s Project Directors we worked so closely with [Roger Scott] was named the new Executive Director!" added Lakebrink.
Thank you, Mike & Stephen, for everything you’ve done for the Makala/Mbembi family!
Habitat relies on the help of dedicated volunteers like Mike and Stephen.
If you are interested in making a big impact and learning new skills, email Lindsey about volunteering, or call her at 309-827-3931.
**State Farm will make a $500 grant on behalf of an employee - current or retired - who contributes 40 or more volunteer hours to an eligible charity.
