MEDIA RELEASE: Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Welcomes Two New Employees

Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity recently filled two open positions with new employees, Layne Cates and Joely Dixson.

Layne Cates has joined Habitat as a grant specialist, supporting the organization’s efforts to secure funding for Habitat’s New Home Construction and Critical Home Repair programs.

Cates is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and nonprofit administration. She brings experience in nonprofit development, grant writing and donor engagement. Most recently, she served as development coordinator for the Hearts for Hearing Foundation, where she helped secure five- and six-figure gifts and supported corporate sponsorships, grant reporting and donor stewardship initiatives.

Before that role, she served as an intern for Make-A-Wish Oklahoma and taught English language arts for Shelby County Schools’ Summer Learning Academy. In her new role, Cates will assist with the preparation, submission and tracking of grants, helping ensure continued investment in Habitat’s programs and long-term impact for families across Central Oklahoma.

Joely Dixson is Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s new volunteer coordinator.

Joely Dixson joins Habitat as new volunteer coordinator

Joely Dixson has joined Habitat as volunteer coordinator, where she helps lead and support the organization’s volunteer efforts across build sites and programs.

Dixson earned a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Seattle University in Seattle. Her experience includes serving as an executive assistant for the Regional University System of Oklahoma, as a field and digital organizer for Joy Hofmeister’s gubernatorial campaign, and as an intern with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition and International Environmental Corporation.

In this role, Dixson works closely with individuals, corporate groups and community partners to coordinate volunteer opportunities that directly support Habitat’s mission. Volunteers play a vital role in building homes, completing critical home repairs and supporting Habitat’s ReStores — all of which contribute to safe, stable housing for families across central Oklahoma.