We would not be able to do everything we do without our donors. Some volunteer their time, others give financially. Why they choose to support Seafarers’ House is often very personal as is the case with Dodie Keith-Lazowick, President and Managing Principal of KEITH and Associates, Inc. a Pompano Beach-based civil engineering firm.
Dodie and her firm are donating site planning and engineering services as we prepare for the construction of our new Welcome Center. She has a close connection to the sea. Her son Nicholas attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and today is a Chief Engineer for Seadrill.
Nicholas was first introduced to Seafarers’ House when his grandfather Bill Keith took him to one of our Golden Compass Award ceremonies, where he met and spoke with numerous others who work in the maritime industry. Nicholas was hooked. His career takes him around the world, during which he visits other Seafarers’ homes.
“Supporting Seafarers’ House was a natural fit to further engage with the organization given our personal ties to it. My son Nicholas noticed accommodations abroad were nicer than our local chapter at Port Everglades. So, when Seafarer’s House decided to upgrade its facility, it was natural decision to offer our services and time,” says Dodie.
Seafarers’ House provides a safe, welcoming place within the port for mariners from around the world to get off their ship where they can access technology (free Wifi), religious, medical services and much more, Dodie notes. When they cannot get off their ship, Seafarers’ House clergy and volunteers conduct ship visits bringing needed items and support.
“It’s a safe place for anyone from anywhere around the world to go when they come into Port Everglades. Knowing that our American men and women on ships have the same resources across the globe is comforting,” says Dodie.
When asked why others should support Seafarers’ House Dodie says: “Everything they do makes a difference in the life of a mariner as they pass through our home port. It is an incredible organization, helping to provide tangible resources for men and women from around the world. You can help by providing donations, volunteering, or even participating on the board.”
Thanks to Dodie
’s dedication to our mission and her company’s support, Seafarers’ House plans to construct a new home for mariners who visit our port. Seafarers’ House launched its three-year, $4.5 million capital campaign in May 2018. The new 15,000-square-foot building will include: a meditation garden, expanded recreation areas, an improved experience shopping for personal items and other essentials, space for training, meetings and professional development and an indoor/outdoor café so visitors can enjoy a hot meal.
KEITH has been in business since 1998 and provides civil engineering, transportation design and development, construction management, comprehensive planning, landscape architecture, surveying and mapping and subsurface utility engineering services.