Donor Stories

Susan and Clayton are longtime supporters of Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity and have served the organization in a variety of ways. Their yearly donations continue to support specific mission needs while they also generously give of their time by serving on the Board of Directors, Committees, and as hands-on Hammer & Saw and Women Build volunteers in the construction field.  

Susan, a lifelong educator, knows that the stable home life that children receive from living in a Habitat home directly translates to their success in school and in life.  Clayton, who had a 35-year career in affordable housing and retired as CEO of Rochester Management in 2011, saw firsthand the positive impact of quality, affordable housing on urban families.  When their children became independent adults, they revised their Estate Plans to include Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity as part of a planned giving strategy. 

Susan and Clayton have conveyed that “We believe our commitment to helping hard-working families attain their dream of homeownership and financial security can be achieved through our participation in the Legacy Builders Society which will support the future sustainability of Greater Rochester Habitat’s mission”.

Lyle and Linda Tague can be described as a couple whose passion for giving goes beyond just financial support—it’s a commitment of time, talent, and heart. For over 15 years, they have been dedicated supporters of Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity, driven by a deep belief that life can be challenging, but with hard work, perseverance, and a strong sense of community, great rewards are within reach.

Lyle’s journey began on a dairy farm in Northeast Pennsylvania. There he spent his childhood working alongside his parents and brother to run the farm. From a young age, Lyle knew he wanted to be an engineer, a dream he nurtured through years of hard work. 

It was at The Pennsylvania State University where Lyle met Linda, and their shared dreams led them to settle in Rochester, NY, when he accepted a position with Eastman Kodak Co. He thrived there in a variety of roles until his retirement in 2009.

Reflecting on their journey, Lyle shares, “We didn’t always have a lot when I was growing up, but we worked hard for everything we had. Once Linda and I were married, and I secured a job in engineering, we realized that owning a home was more than just a roof over our heads. A home is the foundation upon which dreams are built.”

For Lyle and Linda, homeownership is synonymous with stability. They understand that having a secure place to call home not only provides a sense of safety but also creates opportunities for growth. They believe that a stable home leads to better educational outcomes for children, which in turn opens the doors to new opportunities and helps break the cycle of poverty.

What sets Habitat for Humanity apart, in their eyes, is its unique ability to connect donors directly to the results of their contributions. “Habitat is unlike many other non-profits in that you can see exactly where your gift goes. You can witness the transformation as a house is built, knowing that you’ve played a part in making it happen.”

As Legacy Builders, Lyle and Linda are more than just donors—they are committed partners in creating lasting change. Through their financial contributions, as well as the bequest of their home, they are helping to provide the foundation for countless dreams to be realized. Their legacy is one of hope, stability, and opportunity for generations to come.