When the Givers Become the Receivers

Francine and Dewayne describe themselves as "yin and yang".

Dewayne is soft-spoken, a military veteran who served in both the Marine Corps and the Army. Francine, by contrast, is outgoing, having spent her career as a social worker. Despite their different personalities, their commitment to one another is unmistakable. Married for 43 years, they have stood by each other through life's greatest joys and its most difficult challenges.

Francine recalls coming home after emotionally draining days at work, often overwhelmed by the difficult situations she had witnessed. Dewayne would listen, reassure her, and ask a simple but powerful question: What can we do to make a positive impact? In turn, Francine has supported Dewayne through numerous health challenges connected to his military service at Camp Lejeune.

Service members stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, were exposed to drinking water contaminated with hazardous chemicals. The contamination has since been linked to serious illnesses, including several forms of cancer, Parkinson's disease, and ALS (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). Dewayne himself has survived stomach cancer, two strokes, and a heart attack. Yet, as Francine points out, few people would ever guess what he has endured. He still drives, remains sharp, and approaches life with quiet resilience.

Together, they are the proud parents of five children and the leaders of what Francine affectionately calls an "army" of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even adults who have "adopted" them as parents.

Their gift for building community extends far beyond their family. When they lived in Chicago, their neighborhood was a diverse one. During holidays and community gatherings, their home became a welcoming place for people of every background. Neighbors affectionately nicknamed it "the Rainbow Coalition" because anyone might be there—Hawaiian, German-Irish, Native American, African American, Japanese, and more.

Francine attributes this spirit of hospitality to her religious upbringing, which taught her to love people unconditionally. She was raised to care for others by offering food, clothing, and compassion whenever she could. She remembers buying socks and winter coats for neighbors in need—not because she expected anything in return, but because helping others was simply the right thing to do.

"You want to see that you can instill pride in people just by some of the things that you do, and not say, 'I helped you, give us some money.' It's not like that. I don't believe that our Father God intended anything like that." — Francine

When the couple moved to Indiana, Dewayne's home state, they found themselves on the receiving end of the same kind of kindness they had spent their lives showing others. As their home began to need critical repairs, Home Repairs for Good stepped in.

Since 2024, Home Repairs for Good has completed yard, roofing, gutter, plumbing, and HVAC projects at their home. Last summer, Francine feared Dewayne would not be able to safely endure the heat after their air conditioner failed. Because of his COPD, the extreme temperatures posed a serious health risk. This summer is different. Thanks to a new air conditioning unit provided by Home Repairs for Good, their home is comfortable again, bringing peace of mind to both Francine and Dewayne.

"We've cried lots of tears of joy. Because when you are used to being the giver, sometimes it's hard to receive." — Francine

https://youtu.be/TDob5xORQNU?si=_f1LdWOmw764yEAW

Francine and Dewayne share their experience with Home Repairs for Good.

"You'll never hear a complaint out of me. This is a service that I thoroughly enjoy, being a military man. Because I did so much for people from one end of the country to the other. To have somebody come and do things for me like this is a blessing. I love it. I can't say enough about Home Repairs for Good." — Dewayne

Since receiving repairs, Francine and Dewayne have become enthusiastic ambassadors for Home Repairs for Good, sharing their experience with friends and neighbors who may also need assistance.

One friend, who is in her 80s, had become increasingly isolated and hesitant to trust others. Francine encouraged her to reach out, reassuring her by saying, "These people are going to make you feel so comfortable and welcomed.” Today, their friend has completed the vetting process and is excited about the repairs that lie ahead.

Francine and Dewayne have devoted their lives to serving others—whether through military service, social work, or simply opening their home and hearts to those around them. Their generosity, resilience, and compassion continue to be an inspiration.

We are honored to support them as they age safely and comfortably in the home they love. If their story inspires you, consider helping another family experience the same sense of security and care by making a donation today.

Source

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. "About Camp Lejeune, NC." Camp Lejeune, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 Nov. 2024, https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/camp-lejeune/about/index.html. Accessed 14 July 2026.