Jeannie Pleban, a social worker from Great Yarmouth, volunteered at the Billy Graham Mission England crusade in Norwich 40 years ago, which changed her and her husband Eddie’s lives. Jeannie worked in the office at Carrow Road, where she met a young man named Kevin Woods who spoke enthusiastically about the work of the YMCA in Norwich with homeless young people. After helping a young woman withdraw from drug use, Jeannie connected with Pastor Dave Macfarlane from the YMCA, eventually leading to Eddie being offered a job as Catering Manager. Eddie worked at the YMCA for 27 years, rising to become Housing Services Manager and supporting numerous young people, even after surviving a brain stem stroke in 2011.
After witnessing the impact of the YMCA’s work, Jeannie decided to become a qualified social worker in 1998, to better support traumatized young people she was working with. Even after retiring in 2014, Jeannie continued to be active in supporting families who had been victims of violent crime, sexual and domestic abuse. In 2022, due to family circumstances, Jeannie reached out to an organization called Restitute for support and was offered a part-time support worker position at the age of almost 76. With the help of God, she continues to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
The experience at the Billy Graham Mission England crusade not only led to Eddie’s long career at the YMCA but also inspired Jeannie to pursue a career in social work to help others in need. Their story is a testament to the impact of faith and volunteer work in changing lives and making a difference in the community. Despite facing challenges such as Eddie’s stroke, their faith and dedication to helping others have enabled them to overcome obstacles and continue serving those in need.
Jeannie and Eddie’s story serves as an example of how a single event, such as volunteering at a crusade, can have a profound impact on one’s life and inspire a lifelong dedication to serving others. Their journey from volunteering at the Billy Graham Mission England crusade to becoming dedicated social workers is a reflection of the power of faith, compassion, and determination in making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. Their commitment to serving others, even in the face of adversity, is a true testament to the impact one’s actions can have on the lives of others.
