Volunteer Spotlight

Mark & Marie Lenko Volunteers since 2010

LHFH: Tell us a little about yourself…

Mark & Marie: We have lived in the Northern Virginia area since getting married almost 27 years ago.  Mark is the President of Semper Technology, Inc.  He also serves on the Board of Keep Loudoun Beautiful and is a member of the Cascades Green Team as well as the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce Green Business Committee.  In his limited spare time, Mark enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, and aviating.  Marie is the Executive Assistant to the CEO at NEW Customer Service Companies, Inc. and is also a member of the Cascades Green Team.  In her limited spare time, Marie enjoys reading and kayaking.       

LHFH: What was your first ever volunteering experience?

Mark & Marie: That would probably be volunteering in our community of Cascades, where we have lived for the past 19 years.  As members of the Cascades Green Team, we lead the effort in community litter clean-ups that are held twice a year, organize the annual Green Expo, and help the community of around 6,000 homes reduce its environmental impact.

LHFH: How did you become interested in Loudoun Habitat for Humanity?

Mark & Marie: We volunteered at a team build through Marie’s company and we’ve been hooked ever since.  We’ve moved up the ranks of volunteering to become the House Leads at 35 Alden Court, which has been a challenging, yet rewarding experience.

LHFH: How long have you been volunteering here?

Mark & Marie: We have volunteered with LHFH every week for over a year with the exception of a few weekends where we had a Keep Loudoun Beautiful litter cleanup or some other community project.

LHFH: What three things do you cherish most about your volunteer experience at Loudoun Habitat?

Mark & Marie: We’ve enjoyed working with and getting to know the partner families.  It is very rewarding to see their excitement as their new homes progresses towards completion.  We also admire the dedication of the other volunteers who give their time to make a positive difference in someone else’s life.  In addition, we are grateful for the opportunity to help Loudoun Habitat reduce its environmental impact by avoiding bottled water at our Alden house, reusing or repurposing whatever building materials we can, and recycling as much as possible.

LHFH: What have you learned/gained as a volunteer?

Mark & Marie: We've certainly learned some valuable home renovation skills from all the talented volunteers and tradespeople.   As house leads, in addition to the dynamic task of matching volunteers with available jobs, we’ve learned that there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to get these homes ready for their new families.  Everything from purchasing supplies, soliciting new companies to possibly donate time and building materials, coordinating with groups that volunteer to provide lunches at the build site, communicating progress to Bud Green for his weekly construction updates, etc., etc.  Somehow, everyone’s efforts come together at the end to provide partner families with safe and sound homes.  It really is quite amazing!

LHFH: Any advice for prospective volunteers?

Mark & Marie: We are strong believers in giving back to the community through volunteering and LHFH is a great way to do just that.  Don’t think that just because you are not an expert at something, you won’t be able to contribute.  LHFH offers various ways to volunteer, whether it be stocking shelves at the ReStore, serving on a committee, providing lunch at a build site, or swinging a hammer as one of the crew.  Just don’t be afraid to try something new and have fun!