Joanne Bookmyer

Center for Community School Partnerships

A research and evaluation specialist at the Center for Community School Partnerships, Joanne Bookmyer joined the Yolo County Habitat for Humanity's board of directors three months ago. She is one of two UC Davis employees serving on the board, along with wildlife, fish and conservation biology researcher Cathy Lawrence. Bookmyer attends meetings, helps with fund raising and works with families hoping to find affordable housing through the organization. Lawrence, who has served on the board since August 2004, volunteers her time to find grant opportunities and write grant proposals. Habitat for Humanity has not built houses in Yolo County for the past four years, but will begin construction on three lots in Woodland this spring, Bookmyer said.

Why did you get involved?

It's appealing to go out and build and at the end of the month have a house. That's why I originally called. But there's so much more to Habitat. Building a house involves negotiations with the city, fund raising, finding families. I joined the board to deal with those issues.

What is special about Habitat for Humanity?

I like the idea of the community coming together and collaboratively working to make a product you can see at the end. It's a cool community thing.

What has been the highlight of your service?

Meeting the families we're going to be working with. I see how excited they are when they find out they are getting houses, and that makes me feel really good. -- By Mike Sintetos