Spring 2015 Serving McLeod County Moving a House to Create a Home A new project model for Habitat’s 23rd home During this cold Minnesota winter, Lilia Vega and her four children lived in their rented 3-bedroom trailer in Glencoe, Minn. When they turned up the heat, some rooms were extra warm while others remained cold. The family looks forward to the promise of 2015, when they will have more space and comfort when they become the 23rd Crow River Habitat homeowner partners. Lilia’s family’s home will be a rehab project, a first for Crow River Habitat. An existing home in Glencoe that was donated to Habitat will be moved to Morningside Drive in Hutchinson as soon as the spring road restrictions are lifted, likely in May. By August 2015, the basement and portions of the home will be rebuilt and it should be ready for the family to move in. Of the project, Lilia commented, “When you ask God for something, He has even bigger plans.” In the new home, only two of the four children will have to share a room, and as Lilia said, “the house will truly be ours.” In the past her children have had to move often, so this stable home will be a change for the better. The kids love to be outside and will love to have the space to play — perhaps even with their own swing set or trampoline. Sarahi (9), Genesis (11), Isaias (7), Lilia, and Gaby (5) Vega Lilia will complete at least 200 hours of sweat equity. She has already been volunteering on the Hilltop project this winter. She knows of colleagues at Customer Elation and friends from her church who plan to help volunteer. Lilia laughed when she said, “The phrase ‘Minnesota nice’ is so true. It means a lot to us that people will volunteer, and there are a lot of people who volunteer in MN... I’m so thankful that people care about their community here and are willing to donate their time and resources.” Read more about Lilia and her family on page 5 >> Lot of the future Vega home Saturday, April 4th at 10:00am Ground Blessing Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt Join Lilia Vega and her family, volunteers and neighbors at 141 Morningside Drive in Hutchinson. And because it’s Easter weekend, bring the kids for an Easter Egg Hunt following the program! To volunteer your time to help build Lilia’s home, call (320) 587-8868, or visit our new website at www.crhfh.org 218 Main Street South, Suite 116, Hutchinson, MN 55350 320.587.8868 www.crhfh.org Our Mission in Action BOARD OF DIRECTORS A message from the Executive Director: Kevin Dietrich President Richard Navara Vice President Renee Bryan Treasurer Kelsey Midthun Secretary Brandi Johnson Sam Scholl Sarah Schwedler Candace Carlson Bill Hard Levi Schultz Vicki Foster Gene Brandt Over the past several months when reflecting on my Habitat adventure, I am convinced I was led to Habitat for Humanity by the higher power that guides us all. I am certain our paths are chosen for us and we are led to where we are supposed to be. If we listen closely and watch for the signs, we’re drawn down the path we are meant to be on. STAFF Michele Meis Executive Director [email protected] Pam Johnson Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] Todd Schnobrich Construction Manager [email protected] CONNECT WITH US 218 Main Street South, Suite 116 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320.587.8868 visit our new website www.crhfh.org facebook.com/crhfh A year ago, I found myself in the position TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! of being able to take the summer off and I was looking forward to spending the extra time with my family. Since my grandchildren would not be out of school for another couple of months, I chose to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Within a few weeks, I was asked if I would be interested to helping guide Crow River Habitat for Humanity back to a stable and prominent position in McLeod County. I accepted the challenge and am so glad I did. I’m thankful our Board of Directors had the forethought and wisdom to see the need for a full-time person to lead this organization. So many wonderful things have happened these past months. We’ve gained many new volunteers, including four new board members. We have a positive balance sheet and a bright outlook for the future. This year we will complete the rehab and sale of a distressed Partner Family home, move a donated house to create a home for our 23rd Partner Family and, with God’s blessing, help two additional households improve their homes through our A Brush with Kindness program. All this is possible due to the generous donation of time and resources from individuals, foundations and businesses. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization. Never in my life have I met so many kind and thoughtful people; so many that care about their fellow human beings and are so willing to give of themselves to help others help themselves. Frequently, all it takes is a hand-up to rise out of poverty and give your family a better life. I sincerely want to thank each and every one of you for listening to your calling and seeing your signs. Our door is always open and we invite you to come in and join us in changing the world by eliminating poverty housing. Many Blessings, Michele Meis - Spring 2015 - 2 Partners and Programs Thrivent Financial Helps Us Build in 2015 For the tenth consecutive year, Thrivent Financial is committing millions to stabilize, strengthen and secure communities in 2015 through its unique partnership called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. In 2015, it will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 121 Habitat for Humanity homes in the U.S. through the Thrivent Builds Homes program. Funds will also support the Thrivent Builds Repairs and Thrivent Builds Worldwide programs. From the partnership's inception in 2005, Thrivent and its members have now committed more than $213 million and more than 4.4 million volunteer hours. Here in McLeod County, we will be building one of those 121 homes. Crow River Habitat has been awarded $59,491 from Thrivent Financial, which is half of the construction costs for the Vega family home. This build will involve all the typical local Habitat players—but we also hope to involve new people through this partnership, including members of Thrivent Financial and other local Christian church groups. There will be work this spring doing site preparation and preparing the house to be moved. Then, we will begin the build in earnest with a build day schedule of Thursday, Friday and Saturdays through July. “It will be inspiring to work alongside Habitat families, Thrivent members and others to build the home,” said Diane Knorr, a financial representative with Thrivent Financial. “Sharing our time and talents helps us live generously and strengthen our community.” Building this home will be more than just boards and blocks. It’s sweat and smiles, borne of hard work and expressions of faith. There are many ways you can help, and they’re not all swinging hammers. Find out more by talking with Habitat staff, or the local Thrivent Financial representatives Diane Knorr, Christine Ruppert, and Roland Ebent. “We are extremely grateful to Thrivent Financial and its members for their continued support of Habitat for Humanity,” said Michele Meis, Executive Director of Crow River Habitat. “Because of this generosity, more families will have a safe, affordable place to call home.” Visit www.thriventbuilds.com for program information. Are you a member of Thrivent Financial who’s eligible to direct Choice Dollars®? Choice Dollars charitable grant funds can make a world of difference to Crow River Habitat as we work together to build the Vega family home. By directing Choice Dollars, eligible Thrivent members recommend where they feel Thrivent should distribute a portion of its charitable grant funds. Directing Choice Dollars is easy. Simply go to thrivent.com/ thriventchoice to learn more and find program terms and conditions. Or call 800847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt. New program helps home renovations become a reality In 2014, Crow River Habitat for Humanity started working with low-income homeowners to repair and maintain the exterior of their homes through A Brush with Kindness program. In 2015, we hope to be able to complete at least two projects. The first will be exterior maintenance for Hutchinson resident, Bob Arndt. ——— Homeowners and Volunteers Needed ——— We need your help finding homeowners needing repairs, as well as caring volunteers to work alongside and assist homeowners in completing the necessary work! It would be possible to complete more projects if an individual or two would volunteer to be the Site Supervisor. Typical projects take two to five days from beginning to end. Please contact [email protected] or call 320-587-8868 if you are in need of help with your home or could help others with theirs. - Spring 2015 - 3 Habitat Highlights Celebrating 20 years of Hope Where Are They Now? The Wolff Pack Since 1994, Crow River Habitat has completed a total of 22 homes, which consist of 14 homes in Hutchinson, 5 homes in Glencoe, 2 homes in Stewart, and 1 home in Brownton. The 23rd home will be completed in 2015 in Hutchinson. The founding group was excited to make a difference in their community and now they are able to see the fruits of their labors. Over 20 years, 22 families—including 40 adults and 53 children—are now living in decent and affordable homes. On September 15, 2014, supporters of Crow River Habitat gathered together to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Many past board members, volunteers, partner families, and interested community members shared food and experiences and how Crow River Habitat has blessed their lives. Whether they were a partner family, a volunteer, a committee member, or a board director, past and present, all had heartwarming memories to share. “As a new volunteer to Crow River Habitat, I loved walking from table to table hearing words like community, affordable housing, sweat equity, volunteerism, and thankfulness, along with please pass some of that hot dish!” said Candace Carlson. “It’s great to be a part of a community that really makes a difference in the lives of so many.” Happy 20th Anniversary, Crow River Habitat! And wishing many more smiles, hearts and homes ahead! Above: The Vega family Left: Executive Director, Michele Meis and Board Chair, Kevin Dietrich Right: Anniversary attendees - Spring 2015 - 4 It’s been two years since Beckie Wolff and her family moved into their new home. Before Habitat, the Wolffs resided in an apartment that prevented the kids from being kids due to noise restrictions and limited space to play. Now settled into their own home, the ‘Wolff pack’ (as Beckie refers to them) are doing great! Left to right: Karlee, Kara, Beckie, Darrin, Dylan, and Katie Middle schooler Karlee (12) enjoys being creative and active with dance. Dylan (11) can typically be found buried in a new book as an avid reader or playing sports, with basketball and football ranking as his top picks. All-American girl Katie (8) finds it easy to get along in any group with her smarts, charm, humor and compassion and is also in dance. Kara (6) is uber girly, confident, and a natural athlete, keeps busy in dance and gymnastics. Darrin (4) is an active boy who can tell you everything about dinosaurs. He loves to learn and is in Headstart. And Beckie? Well, she’s pretty busy raising those wonderful kids and taking care of everyone. She is very interested in working, but transportation continues to be a barrier. Aside from the home, Beckie is thankful for the lifelong friendships she has gained by being the 21st Habitat for Humanity home owner. Your Time Gives Hope 1. VOLUNTEER! On a committee or on a project, hearts and hands are needed. 2. Return the envelope included in this newsletter with a donation. 3. Attend the Spaghetti Dinner at the Vineyard United Methodist Church– April 15th. th 4. Attend our 10 Annual Hammer & Nails Dinner – April 24th. 5. Choose Crow River Habitat to receive your Thrivent Choice Dollars. 6. Eat at Dairy Queen in Hutchinson on the 4th Monday of the month from 5-8 pm. 7. Recycle your aluminum cans at McLeod County Solid Waste. Ask them to donate the proceeds to Crow River Habitat. 8. Shop and donate a portion of purchases to us. eBay & PayPal Giving at givingworks.ebay.com and Amazon Smile at smile.amazon.com. Choose us as your favorite charity. 9. Drop off used ink cartridges at the Crow River Habitat office or sign up to be a Business Supporter- email [email protected]. 10. Donate your old used vehicle through our Cars for Homes Program. Simply call 1-877-277-4344 or go to www.habitat.org/carsforhomes. Learn or develop skills. Benefits of Volunteering 10 Ways to Support Crow River Habitat for Humanity Teach your skills to others. Enhance your résumé. Gain work experience. Build self-esteem and self-confidence. Improve your health. Make important networking contacts. More about the Vegas (continued from page 1) 32-year old Lilia Vega hasn’t always lived in this cold climate. She was born in Mexico, but grew up and graduated high school in Texas. Today, Lilia enjoys full-time work at Customer Elation in Hutchinson as a Support Specialist. She’s engaged to Jaime Naranjo, she likes to cook and complete do-ityourself projects. She also loves children, and is involved at Riverside Church in Hutchinson. Lilia’s oldest daughter Genesis (11) is in the 6th grade in the Glencoe-Silver Lake school system. Genesis is shy, except with close girlfriends, and helps care for her siblings. Sarahi (9) is in the 3rd grade at the same school and is very social, loves math, and enjoys LEGOS—even organizing them by color! Isaias (7) is in the 2nd grade at Park Elementary in Hutchinson and he also loves playing with LEGOs and video games. Lilia’s youngest, Gaby (5), is spunky, smart and absorbs everything her siblings say. When the whole family moves to Hutchinson, Lilia will be grateful that all her kids will be able to attend the same school system. Lilia learned about Habitat for Humanity when talking to Karen Klimp, the 22nd Crow River Habitat homeowner partner, who is a colleague at Customer Elation. When Lilia heard the good news, she cried tears of joy and said, “I knew my prayers had been answered.” Help build Lilia’s home Without active volunteers, Crow River Habitat for Humanity would not be able to help all the families that we have and all the families we will partner with in the future. Please consider giving your time to help give a hand-up, not a hand-out, to families in need in McLeod County. Call 320.587.8868 or visit www.crhfh.org to volunteer today! - Spring 2015 - 5 218 Main Street South, Suite 116 Hutchinson, MN 55350 Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Hutchinson, MN Permit No. 60 Serving McLeod County GO GREEN If you would like to: Receive the newsletter electronically, or Update your mailing address ...it’s easy to let us know! Send an email to [email protected] or call the office at 320.587.8868 Upcoming Events Spaghetti Dinner — April 15 from 4:30-7pm Vineyard United Methodist Church, Hutchinson 580 Hilltop Drive NE List Price $120,000 Realtor: Greg Witt, Edina Realty previous Habitat home 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, attached garage. Completely refurbished, new kitchen cabinets, flooring and woodwork. Central Air and New Air Exchanger. Kitchen appliances included. Open floor plan and large backyard. Great Area, Great Schools, Great Buy! This newsletter is made possible by: - Spring 2015 - 6 Hammer & Nails Dinner — April 24 at 5:30pm Event Tickets $40, Raffle Tickets $5 Days Inn, Hutchinson Building Home #23 — May, June, July 2015 Volunteers needed! Music in the Park — June 22 Library Square, Hutchinson Habitat 500 Bike Ride — July 12-18 Donate to Team Crow River Women Build — dates to be announced soon Volunteers needed!
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