Last fall, Janet Nelson took her longtime support for Habitat for Humanity to the next level by becoming the first member of The Carter Society, our new planned giving program. Janet spoke with us recently about how she first got to know Habitat Greater Boston and why she was moved to include our organization in her estate planning.

HFHGB: Where did you grow up and how did your childhood shape you?

JN: My early years in Somerville and Brighton had some challenging family dynamics, but we always had a roof over our head and food to eat. My mother was a very kind, patient, and compassionate person. She taught me the value of empathy and generosity at a young age and that has stayed with me throughout my life.

I’ve used the lessons of resilience and compassion to help others through volunteering, either through time and/or money and supporting causes that make a difference to others in need and changing lives for the better.

HFHGB: How did you become involved with Habitat Greater Boston? Why do you support us?

JN: My involvement with Habitat started when I worked for Boston Edison (now Eversource) many years ago. We had a volunteer day for employees each year and a bunch of my co-workers and I went several times. I enjoyed it so much and saw the benefits of building houses for people that needed quality, safe homes, and I started donating money as well as my time going forward.

One of my favorite memories is a volunteer day (named “Team Janet”) that was organized by Habitat former employee Peter Trainor. Many of my family and friends came and spent the day working on a new home that was under construction. The future owner was also there helping out and it was wonderful to make the connection of the family we were building a home for and making their dream possible. I look back at the photos that we took that day and it makes me smile at how happy I was working as a team with so many of my loved ones!

HFHGB: You give generously to Habitat Greater Boston every year. Why did you choose to also include us in your estate plans?

JN: By including Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston in my estate plan I know that my planned gift will go on to help families’ dreams come true even though I’m no longer here to enjoy reading in the Habitat newsletter about their “welcome home” party and the life-changing impact when their home is completed. When I am gone, I hope my loved ones will remember that I appreciated all the good things I had in my life and that I wanted to leave the world a better place by donating to help people to have a stable, warm, safe, happy, and comfortable home.

You are invited to become a Founding Member of The Carter Society. For information about joining, including Habitat Greater Boston in your estate plans, or making an endowment gift, please contact Chief Development Officer Tricia Casey at triciacasey@habitatboston.org or by calling 617-675-6727.