ReEmployAbility has been named Volunteer Team of the Year – ReStore by Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough, recognizing the organization’s meaningful and measurable contributions to local ReStore operations and the community.
Presented at Habitat’s 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, the award honors partners who make a significant impact on Habitat’s mission to build and improve homes for families in need. ReEmployAbility was selected based on its sustained involvement, including contributing more than 1,000 hours of service and supporting approximately 10% of total volunteer time across two local ReStore locations.
Driving Impact Through Volunteerism
ReEmployAbility’s involvement began in April 2024, when 19 employees volunteered to help prepare a Habitat ReStore for opening. The team organized inventory, moved donated furniture, and helped create a retail space that generates funding for affordable housing in the community.
That initial volunteer effort expanded into a deeper partnership rooted in ReEmployAbility’s mission of connecting injured workers to meaningful work while they recover.
Since the partnership began, individuals participating through ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work® program have contributed consistent, hands-on support at ReStore locations — many serving up to 40 hours per week — helping sustain daily operations that directly fund Habitat’s homebuilding efforts.
A Partnership Creating Measurable Impact
Habitat for Humanity emphasized the importance of this collaboration and its tangible impact on operations.
“With both ReStores operating at full capacity, consistency became critical — and ReEmployAbility has delivered exactly that,” said Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay. “In less than a year, their program has contributed over 1,000 hours of service, representing roughly one-tenth of all hours across our ReStores. That level of support is essential to keeping our operations running.”
ReStores rely on volunteer support to operate successfully, generating revenue through the sale of donated goods that directly fund the construction and improvement of homes for families in need. Reliable, ongoing support plays a key role in ensuring those resources reach the community.
Recognition That Reflects Real Impact
“Being named Volunteer Team of the Year is an incredible honor because it reflects the real impact our team and injured workers are making,” said Debra Livingston, CEO of ReEmployAbility. “At the heart of what we do is connecting people to meaningful work while they recover — and through this partnership, that purpose translates directly into stronger communities.”
ReEmployAbility’s support for Habitat also includes leadership engagement. Livingston participated in a Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside volunteer build as part of the Tampa Bay Business & Wealth 2025 Women Who Win awards program, contributing to the Longlake Preserve community, which ultimately provided homes for 54 families.
ReEmployAbility’s recognition highlights how purpose-driven service and community partnership can create lasting impact, both for individuals on the path to recovery and for the families Habitat serves.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough is a nonprofit housing organization working to expand access to affordable homeownership across the region. Through volunteer-driven construction, community partnerships, and its network of ReStore retail locations, Habitat generates funding to build and improve homes for families in need. ReStores play a critical role in this model, converting donated goods into revenue that directly supports housing development and neighborhood stability.
About ReEmployAbility
ReEmployAbility connects injured workers to meaningful work while they recover, helping individuals stay active and engaged while supporting nonprofit organizations with consistent, hands-on service. Through its Transition2Work® program, the company partners with organizations nationwide to create structured opportunities that benefit both people in recovery and the communities they serve — bridging the gap between recovery and purpose.