Volunteer Spotlight: Janette Smith

By March 19, 2024Tiger Team, Volunteer

4 Year Tiger Team Member

Have you heard of the legendary Tiger Team of Greater Indy Habitat? This group of committed volunteers is really the backbone of our affiliate, helping to build homes and advocate in our community for affordable housing. One name stands out brightly among the rest of the orange sweatshirts: Janette.  

Before her Tiger days, Janette spent her days as an Environmental Consultant after working for 26+ years at Dow AgroSciences. As a self-proclaimed “compulsive community volunteer,” Janette retired, but didn’t slow down, letting her altruistic spirit shine through endeavors spanning from church activities to neighborhood initiatives. 

Back in 2019, Janette was volunteering on a Habitat build site when she embarrassingly dropped a tape measure down an HVAC vent. The rest is history as she then joined the Tiger Team and started volunteering more and more just as the world was shutting down due to the pandemic.  

Janette has continued to show up on the build site and in the warehouse, sharing her calm and patient presence with all. Specifically, Janette has a large role in the Women Build! She has participated both as a Team Leader and as a Tiger Lead on the Women Build homes over the past few years. Being a part of the entire experience is part of why Janette continues to be invested in this mission. She gets to see the process from start to finish; from laying the floor system to seeing the new homeowner cut the red ribbon at their dedication. 

Janette was named the 2022 Tiger of the Year by her peers – a huge testament to the impact she has not only in the larger community, but on those who volunteer alongside her on the Tiger Team. Here at Greater Indy Habitat, we are grateful for her commitment to bringing hope to others, witnessed by what she does and who she is.  

Want to wear orange like Janette? Find out more about being a part of our Tiger Team! 

Hear about our other inspiring volunteers!