Abby moved to Fort Wayne from Michigan two years ago and has recently joined the ProFed Credit Union team as the Assistant Vice President of Commercial Business Development. One of the reasons she joined the banking world is because she enjoys helping people improve their financial stability and helping them get to where they want to be financially. In her free time, Abby enjoys traveling, especially to California, Colorado, or anywhere with mountains, as well as spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and swimming with her husband. Abby is actively involved in volunteering in the Fort Wayne community with The Kelly Cares Foundation, Relay for Life, and the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.

“I believe in helping those who need basic life necessities that most people take for granted — like an affordable home. I also love that building homes as a community not only impacts the families who move into the home, but also those who help make it possible.”

We’re excited to welcome Ashley back for her second ReStore Your Passion event as a Goddess Contractor! Ashley moved to Fort Wayne in 2006 and received a BA from the University of Saint Francis. After a few years in marketing and freelance design she pursued her other passions in regenerative agriculture and herbalism. She is now the owner of Fox & Fodder LLC and is a vendor at the YLNI Farmers Market. Through Fox & Fodder she provides the community with fresh produce, honey, pasture raised eggs, herbal skincare products, and various arts and crafts.

“The struggle to keep a roof over your head is one I’m all too familiar with. As a young adult, I graduated college and struggled with being able to afford housing — I often had to choose between paying rent and having enough to eat. Having those firsthand experiences makes helping others achieve their dream of owning an affordable house even more rewarding.”

Retta graduated from The University of Saint Francis with a BFA in Art Education & Interior Design and a minor in Special Education. In 2013, after leaving Art Education, she founded Not Too Shabby, a home décor and more store in Angola, Indiana. After meeting her husband in 2021 they purchased an old church in Columbia City built in 1892 and renovated it into the store it is now, The Shops @ The Sanctuary. This new store layers contemporary, vintage and antique furnishings with a fresh mix of art, accessories, and handmade pieces, even beautiful clothing, Retta believes that your environment should always bring you joy. This is her driving passion behind every design she makes for her clients. Keeping a space at a price that the client is happy with is also a rewarding challenge — you don’t have to spend a mountain of money to gain a beautiful space, all you need is a creative designer.

“People may shop at the Habitat Restore and purchase something for their home or building materials to save money on a home renovation project. BUT those purchases are just the beginning of another family’s story. I wish people could follow a dollar and see where it goes… I think of a single mom with three kids who left a very bad situation and now with the help of Habitat she sees that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She purchases her first home and her kids are provided a way out of the cycle. There are a million and one more stories of hope and success for families that have the will but just didn’t have the way until Habitat for Humanity stepped up and extended their generous hand. I’m excited to be a part what Habitat Greater Fort Wayne is doing. Where some may see a beat-up piece of furniture/a beat down individual; I see some spark of life left, and with enough love and support the materials/furniture/people can get a fresh start at a new life and new adventure and have something to be proud of.”

Shanice recently moved to Fort Wayne and is a Senior Associate at Katz, Sapper, Miller on the tax side where she focuses on individual and business income tax preparation. As a new member of the community, Shanice is excited to get involved with different organizations such as Habitat to give back in any way she can. Shanice has volunteered at the Habitat Restore as well as on the build site during last year’s Women Build fundraiser.

“I love that Habitat empowers families in our community to purchase homes with affordable mortgages.”

Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Julie comes from a large family of entrepreneurs (the Wall family owns local businesses including a local roller rink — Roller Dome North, a trophy shop, contracting companies, artistic woodworks, and many more) and always knew she would have a business of her own. Julie received her BFA with a focus in printmaking in 2009 and wanted to bring what she learned into the community while offering opportunities to other artists and art lovers. Julie currently designs & creates everything for her shop and studio, the HEDGE. The HEDGE began in 2013 as a fine art printshop. She continues to create fine art prints, while providing letterpress services, community workshops, custom engraving, calligraphy, and much more while also providing her own line of unique products including statement jewelry, stationery, and artistic house wares while balancing a busy schedule of murals in and around the Fort Wayne area. Her sponsor, Narrative Design, is a group of professional Interior Designers who work on both new and existing spaces. They excel in creating space plans to optimize the use of an area and selecting finishes that are both aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for the application.

“I truly believe when people are given access to a safe home, they can accomplish great things. Habitat helps with this in so many ways and I feel honored to be part of the fundraiser this year.”

Originally from the Boston area, Tracy has a background in management, sales, and coaching. She moved to Fort Wayne in August 2019 when her son asked her to join him in moving away from the hustle & bustle of New England life. She currently works at the Baldus Company as a Project Manager and her son, Luke, works at Weigand Construction as a Project Engineer. Tracy enjoys spending time with the friends she’s made in The Fort, volunteering at The Rescue Mission, attending City Church and working in her yard. Tracy’s passion to help others and her resourcefulness along with Luke’s craftsmanship will be key characteristics that propel the team as they begin the creative journey towards the finish line where their team will unveil their refurbished Restore piece!

“Life has a way of hitting us when we least expect it — blindsiding us with circumstances that often appear too difficult to overcome while offering us many reasons to quit. Having walked through many hardships myself and coming out the other side, my heart is full of love for those who struggle mentally, physically, and spiritually. I’m blessed to be able to give in this way, to give a helping hand and make a difference in the world.  Plus, my YES to serve is much bigger than my reason not to.” 

Arissa is the Global Manufacturing Systems Coordinator and Women in Manufacturing Chairwoman for GM Fort Wayne: was born and raised in Roanoke, IN. She was the only one in her family born in Roanoke, the remainder of her family all originated from Wisconsin. When the GM Plant first opened in Indiana, many of the Wisconsin team were offered the option to transfer to a new plant, the Doran’s took that opportunity! 4 Generations in General Motors later, Arissa has held many roles ranging from her first day as a brand-new temporary employee through her current position 11 years later. Outside of work, Arissa enjoys refurbishing furniture as a hobby, so restoring furniture for Restore Your Passion is the perfect fit!

Arissa’s team jointly agreed to start 2023 as a year of re-invigorating their Women in Manufacturing group at GM and are excited to be kicking off their team with a fundraiser for Habitat and families in their community.

Lynn Reecer, Real Estate Advisor and Broker Associate with Encore Sotheby’s Realty, has lived in the Fort Wayne community since 1993. Her career truly is her hobby as she enjoys meeting new people, helping them transition through a huge life change, using her creative skills in marketing and sales of properties, as well as remodeling, building, and interior design to create lasting relationships. Additionally, Lynn enjoys training and supporting her team of local agents and employees to thrive in their careers. She has been recognized as Fort Wayne Citizen of the Year, Greater Fort Wayne Small Business of the Year, and Traditional Home Magazine’s Classic Women of the Year Award to name a few. Lynn has been involved in supporting many community agencies such as the Aboite New Trails, Inc., the Fort Wayne Trails, Fairfield Elementary School, Upstate Alliance of Realtors, Women’s Business Leaders Council of Greater Fort Wayne, and more.

“I fell in love with Fort Wayne upon my family’s relocation here in the 1990’s, through my entree and experience in the non-profit business community. This wonderful, Midwest town raised my three children so well and raised my husband and me from our young 30’s to our (more mature!) 60’s. I am a huge believer in ‘To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected.’  Having appreciated a safe homebase in Fort Wayne for over 30 years, it was easy to accept the recent request to help Habitat provide safe home bases for more fellow Fort Wayne citizens in need.”