Missouri REALTORS® are not only real estate professionals, they’re so much more. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards, in elected positions, and volunteer their time to make communities a better place to live. They’re educators, serving on panels and facilitating industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Member Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members!
This month we’re shining the Member Spotlight on Jenny Lorenz-Rudkin, REALTOR® with Re/MAX Boone Realty in Columbia, Mo.
Jenny volunteers her time at Welcome Home; a non-profit veteran-centric organization in Columbia, Mo., with a community-based approach that empowers homeless and at-risk veterans to return to society as productive self-supporting citizens. “One-third of all homeless are military veterans,” said Lorenz-Rudkin. “Of all things, homelessness is not something they should ever experience.”
As an active volunteer with Welcome Home, Jenny strives to make these veterans feel as welcome as possible. “I provide one of the most basic of comforts to our veterans – a nice, warm meal,” said Lorenz-Rudkin. “During their stay at Welcome Home, veterans are busy getting military paperwork in order, working with their case counselor, polishing their resume, or going to work. Hunger doesn’t help them be productive in those efforts, so I work hard to make sure they thoroughly enjoy the meals we serve them.”
In addition to providing meals, Jenny offers a different perspective than most other volunteers. Conversation. Jenny works with the board directly to offer personal insight that she garners from personal conversation with the veterans. “I know their names, I know their stories, and I know they deserve better than life on the streets,” said Lorenz-Rudkin.
To capitalize on providing a better opportunity at life for veterans, Jenny not only dedicates her time to fundraising, she donates 10% of all her REALTOR® commissions to Welcome Home. “My clients know that when they work with me, they work with someone who is passionate in the mission to find them a great home, and a home for veterans at the same time,” said Lorenz-Rudkin.
If you’re in the community spotlight or know someone who is, let us know. We’d love to shine our Missouri REALTORS® Spotlight on you!