Long before moving to Trinity Community of Beavercreek, Gene Williams was an avid supporter of its mission and vision. After all, she’d served as a volunteer at Trinity for more than 30 years, finding caring ways to live out her Christian faith.

“I’ve always appreciated the work they do here,” she says. “As a faith-based community, they will never turn anyone away because of an inability to pay -– and that’s important. Everyone should have a have a place to call home.”

Since moving to the campus nearly three years ago, Williams’ volunteer activities have only increased. A member of the Trinity Auxiliary, she says she came to “sew and dough!”

“I love to bake, and I love to sew so I’ve put those two talents together to help raise funds for Trinity,” she says. “It’s not only fun, but it’s for a good cause.”

The auxiliary, made up of about 25 women from local churches, hosts several events throughout the year, including a Christmas party, a quilt raffle, birthday parties and an annual strawberry shortcake dessert party.

Williams says she has read the Bible cover to cover and puts its words into action in practical ways. A member of Mt. Zion Church since moving to the Dayton, Ohio, area in 1962, her Christian faith is an important part of her life.

“I believe in loving people,” she says. “Not just for what they do, but for who they are. I love attending chapel service here and serving those around me.”

Her tireless dedication to serving others has earned Williams a Ben M. Herbster Award. Named for the late Rev. Dr. Ben M. Herbster, founding president of the United Church of Christ, the award goes to individuals who best exhibit leadership and a philanthropic spirit. She is also a member of the Society of Stephen, a membership organization of annual donors to United Church Homes. All that and she continues to be active in civic organizations such as the P.E.O Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization dedicated to women’s educational opportunities and advancement.

“Even though I was a stay-at-home mother, I received my degree in interior design and fine arts from Ohio State,” she says. “I feel that every woman should have the opportunity to get a college education.”

Williams believes that everyone should give, whether it’s time, money or talents.

“When I still had young children at home there were lots of people helping me,” she says. “I told my mother that I was concerned that so many people were doing for me, and I wasn’t able to give anything back. She said, ‘Your time will come,’ and it has. I love helping others, not just because it makes me feel good, but because I love people.”