Strengthening Service Through Volunteers
"My career doesn't have to be something that only serves myself. While seeing the need is heartbreaking, I have counted myself lucky to be able to make an effort to meet that need as a part of my daily work."
For Jaelle Freeman, national service has been an opportunity to strengthen volunteer engagement while helping create lasting change for families in Hancock County. As the Volunteer Coordination Specialist at Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County, Jaelle has spent her service term building upon the organization's volunteer program by recruiting, retaining, and recognizing the individuals who make Habitat's mission possible.
Working across Habitat's ReStore, Critical Home Repair, and New Home Construction programs, Jaelle has implemented new strategies to enhance volunteer engagement while facilitating the day-to-day coordination of volunteer groups. From expanding outreach efforts and establishing new corporate partnerships to creating consistent communication with volunteers, her work has strengthened the foundation of Habitat's volunteer program for years to come.
One of Jaelle's proudest accomplishments has been transforming the organization's volunteer recognition efforts. After researching recognition practices at Habitat affiliates across Ohio and the country, she compiled a comprehensive report that helped guide the implementation of new appreciation initiatives at her host site. During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, she coordinated a volunteer raffle by securing $380 in donated prizes from 36 local businesses and interviewed dedicated volunteers to create spotlight stories highlighting their commitment to serving the community.
"It was super rewarding to hear how much our volunteers appreciated the additions to our practices," Jaelle shared. "It is exciting to know these new strategies will outlast my service term and continue impacting volunteers at Habitat."
Throughout her service, Jaelle has also developed greater confidence in her communication skills. Whether introducing community members to Habitat's mission, coordinating with volunteers, or reaching out to local organizations for support, she has embraced opportunities that once felt outside of her comfort zone.
"I hope to carry this confidence into my future professional pursuits by being eager to undertake unfamiliar tasks, knowing they are always opportunities for growth," she said.
Like many VISTA members, Jaelle has learned that capacity-building often requires balancing multiple priorities. One of her greatest professional challenges has been determining which responsibilities to prioritize during busy seasons. Through experience, she has developed stronger time management skills and learned to approach each day with greater intentionality, ensuring her efforts align with Habitat's mission and greatest needs.
Looking back on her service, Jaelle believes the impact extends well beyond the projects she completed. The volunteers she helped coordinate contributed to the construction of six homes that will provide stability for local families for years to come. At the same time, the volunteer engagement systems and recognition strategies she developed will continue strengthening Habitat's programs long after her service concludes.
Serving alongside families experiencing poverty has also reshaped Jaelle's perspective on work and service.
"My career doesn't have to be something that only serves myself," she reflected. "While seeing the need is heartbreaking, I have counted myself lucky to be able to make an effort to meet that need as a part of my daily work."
Although she is still exploring her next step—whether serving another VISTA term with Habitat or pursuing a ministry position in her hometown—Jaelle knows the lessons she has learned through national service will stay with her wherever she goes.
When asked whether she would recommend national service to others, her answer was immediate.
"Yes, I would absolutely recommend national service to others. It is an amazing, unique opportunity to discover the nonprofit world, learn about yourself and your vocational calling, and serve those around you, all at once."
Through her dedication to volunteers and her commitment to building sustainable systems, Jaelle has left a lasting impact on Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County and the community it serves.
