Ms. Joanne Cooksey Interview
1. How long have you been in Charleston?
My mother passed in 2002, but I arrived here March 3, 2003.
So, I've been here for 7 years.
2. What do you do for a living?
I am now a retired nurse- worked for 37 years in the hospital.
3. Tell us about some of your hobbies on your time off.
I like music a lot, and enjoy helping my neighbors. Most of them
are elderly but were kind enough to help my mother at one time.
I now enjoy being a homebody, where I can just be myself.
It's a huge change from when I worked in the health care field;
those times I was working more often than not.
4. Concerning the house, how will these improvements
help?
I have a brand new bathroom which I love, and new windows that will help with insulation during hot summers and cold
winters. My reconstructed roof will also help with insulation. Volunteers also painted everything. I've also been
given some insight on how to maintain the home with some
d-i-y home improvements. Using the tools have been a
learning process, but its good to know!
5. What kind of improvements will have been made once
your home is completed?
My roof, windows, floors with vapor barrier underneath, bathroom, water heater, and a strong protective back door
6. Any word of advice or hope to others in your similar position?
I hope others will see how habitat has helped me through their
hard work and dedication. Like Mrs. Kelly told me, "we're not
here to beautify your house- we're here to make it safe and
efficient." I've been helping people for 37 years now and habitat
is my blessing in return.
Gimme Shelter!
