Women Build Homes, Community and Hope

Since Sam and her family have moved into our neighborhood/cul de sac, she has brought the sense of “good neighbor” to life in my neighborhood. She is always doing something to help out her neighbors: mowing when they’re gone; bringing treats to her neighbors that she and her kids made; and being so welcoming to everyone. I was working on a large yard project that involved tons of rocks that needed to be moved. She not only offered to help me (which I kindly declined), she came over and told me she was there to help. And help she did! She hauled the rocks from the front yard to the backyard and then all I had to do was place them. She was a true life-saver that hot Spring day! Sam is wonderful in all her various life’s roles: Daughter; Sister; Wife; Mother; Aunt; and Friend. It is women like Sam who truly make a difference in your life – and in your community! Thank you for being the terrific person you are, Sam!

Nadine Stannard not only has a good sense and strong understanding of community she also is committed to “building community.” Nadine has been a very active and contributing member of the Wichita Area Builders Association since she joined in May 2001. As owner and manager of Associated Materials, a solidly run business with an excellent reputation, Nadine has served on the Association's Board of Directors; chaired and continues to serve on a number of key committees of importance to her business and herself personally. She is an advocate for self-sufficiency through helping others achieve affordable homeownership. Through her giving and involvement with organizations that share similar objectives Nadine has helped build, both literally and figuratively, a stronger community than would be the case otherwise.

Joyce is a Community force to be reckoned with! In the years since I first met Joyce on a Wichita Habitat for Humanity build, I've seen her Chair committees for Habitat while serving as an Ally for the Circles program - a program designed to help our community citizens living in less than ideal situations find a way to reach up and achieve their dreams. She believes in providing a "hand up" not a "hand out." She served on the Wichita Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors while supporting many community organizations such as the YMCA and Riverfest. She represents all that is wonderful with Wichita!