Homeowner Judy Cook pays it forward as a dedicated volunteer in Maine

When Judy Cook asked a neighbor in 2023 if he knew of anyone who could help her repair a dangerous, rotting deck on her home, she asked the right person. Not only did he know of a housing nonprofit in town that excelled in home repairs, but he also was a volunteer with the group.

That group was the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing. The only Fuller Center covenant partner in the state of Maine was eager to help her tackle this Greater Blessing project.

They did issue one warning, though — she just might get hooked on helping people have simple, decent places to live. Having never so much as swung a hammer nor used a screw gun, she doubted that.

She was wrong. Not only did she fall in love with the mission, but “Jude” (as she playfully refers to herself) would go on to become a prolific volunteer with the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center — logging more than 45 volunteer hours on four different projects in 2024 alone. She also has served many additional hours on committees, helped plan and execute the group’s fifth anniversary fundraiser, and has shared Christmas joy with other Fuller Center homeowner partners in the area.

“All the experiences that I have been involved with through the Sebago Fuller Center have impacted my life — starting with the group of volunteers who came on a hot summer day to build a beautiful deck and inviting me to join them in the work,” Cook said. “What a gift!

“I became part of a community and organization that has helped me become a better person,” she continued. “The compassion, teamwork, and life lessons that I have experienced working with Fuller Center have been incredibly fulfilling. I’m forever grateful and will continue to pay it forward!”

Sebago Lakes Fuller Center Director of Families & Projects Jim McBride said that Cook has experienced the pure joy of being part of something that helps the greater good. That he says, is the “lasting gift” that overflows from a faith-in-action project. Each project has a ripple effect of kindness that spreads across the community and shines from each encounter.

“Judy Cook is a perfect example of faith in action,” McBride said. “She needed a hand-UP, and with sweat equity has paid it forward many times over to help others in need across our community.”