This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re so excited to celebrate the amazing people who help make Beaches Habitat for Humanity what it is. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do—they bring their time, energy, and care to every part of our organization.

From building homes to supporting our programs behind the scenes, our volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life. Each one plays a special part in helping families build better futures. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on five of our regular volunteers who show up again and again to make a difference. We couldn’t do it without them!

Susie Miller

Susie Miller grew up in Louisville, KY and has been part of Beaches Habitat since 1994. She first helped with the construction team, but later stepped away due to physical limitations. Susie has done so much over the years — she served on the board for 5 years, helped choose future homeowners for 18 years, and even tutored kids at the Donner Center for 10 years when that was a part of Beaches Habitat’s programs.

She enjoys meeting new families and says there’s always a sense of hope in those conversations. What she loves most about Beaches Habitat is how it brings neighbors and the community closer together.

When she’s not volunteering, Susie enjoys walking on the beach and spending time with her 5-year-old triplet grandchildren. She also volunteers with BEAM, the Beaches Library, Beaches Watch, Mission House, and the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol. Susie believes that even one person can make a difference — and we’re so lucky she chooses to make a difference with us!

Jane Kosut

Originally from Southern California, Jane Kosut started volunteering with Beaches Habitat in 2007. She joined the construction team and has done just about everything — framing, roofing, siding, painting, landscaping, and more! Jane loves the people most, both the crew and the future homeowners. Her favorite part of a build is framing and meeting the families.

Her favorite memory from volunteering? She once got locked in a bedroom while installing a door and had to climb out a window!

Jane is full of gratitude and enjoys spending time outside. She loves biking, playing tennis, and grabbing lattes with friends. She’s also part of the Beaches Activist Movement and has been a coordinator for her book club since 1997. Jane loves being part of a team that helps people build strength, stability and independence!

Paul Finley

Paul Finley has been with Beaches Habitat since 1991 — more than 30 years! He started as a volunteer team lead and also served on the board and fundraising committee. In 2003, he became our Construction Manager.

Paul is great at showing new volunteers how to do the work. He believes in the power of teamwork and learning together. What he enjoys most is working side by side with volunteers and homeowners and helping the community grow stronger.

For Paul, a great day at Habitat means working hard, learning something new, and leaving the site feeling like the team really made progress.

Jayson Judy

Jayson Judy is originally from Greensboro, NC and moved to Jacksonville in 2016. He loves spending time with his wife and son, and enjoys golfing and fishing.

Jayson has supported Habitat for Humanity for 15 years and joined the Beaches Habitat family in 2023. He works with Doug Brown on our education efforts and joined the Family Support Committee in 2024.

Jayson says, “Helping people is at the heart of who I am. Beaches Habitat gives me the chance to do that, and the people here are the kindest I’ve ever met.” He believes in giving more to others than to himself every day.

One of his favorite memories is meeting Napoleon, a homeowner who greeted the team with music and fresh fruit from his garden!

Darlene Galla-Spechler

Darlene has been a regular volunteer with Beaches Habitat since the final phase of the Ocean Gate community build. She and her husband Mark also volunteered with Habitat on Long Island before moving to Florida.

Darlene loves music — she listens to and plays the hammer dulcimer and is learning the piano again. She also has a passion for sailing.

She says she keeps coming back to Beaches Habitat because of the amazing teamwork and the feeling of doing something good. Her favorite parts of a build day are framing the first walls, roofing, and the morning greetings. She also loves the laughter, the teamwork, and of course — Brigid’s hugs!