Loretta Hardman

As a volunteer you get as much back as you give.
That is one of the joys of it, you’re giving and getting.

-Lori Hardman

Lori Hardman likes to see results. During her 30 year career with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, she helped see many projects through to completion. Upon retirement, she began volunteering at a local hospital and women’s shelter.

"I just feel like you need to volunteer your time," said Lori. "I don’t know why I have been so blessed. I’m healthy and I have enough. There are too many people who don’t. It makes me feel good to do good for others."

Soon Lori found Habitat for Humanity, and with it her passion for building things and seeing the fruits of her labor. She has been involved in building some 25 homes, the most recent of which are in Georgetown County, South Carolina. She spends two days a week donating her time to families and people in need.

"Habitat for Humanity offers a hand up, not a hand out. The homeowners must qualify for a mortgage; they learn about the practical, financial and legal aspects of owning a home. They have to put in hundreds of hours on the build," said Lori. "It is an all-encompassing education being received and a great thing to be able to pay forward. Many of the of the homeowners stay on to help build the next home for somebody else.”

Lori also helps with Habitat for Humanity fundraising events as well as in Habitat’s ReStore when needed.

In her spare time, Lori likes to travel. She’s visited Japan and China, and she’s been on safari in Africa, to name just a few of her adventures. Her husband Pierce will be joining her on the cruise!