Thank you from the Bichler Family

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

The Bichler Family at the front door of their new home.

Each year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity partners with countless volunteers, donors, and supporters to make the dream of homeownership come true for our partner families. In 2011, our organization partnered with the Bichler family and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to complete the Thrivent Builds Home in Fargo.

Jennelle contributed more than 250 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of her future house and the future homes of other Habitat Partner Families and by presenting her story to the community. Jennelle and her three children moved into to their new home in early December and the family was able to celebrate their first Holiday season in their new home.

Below is a note from Jennelle expressing her thankfulness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and all of those dedicated volunteers and donors who made her home a reality. We hope you enjoy reading this note as much as we do!

Many in today’s world go about life living the dreams they have and never stop to smell the roses. Many of us don’t stop to lend a helping hand to the hungry, homeless, parentless, or even sightless. So many of us are afraid that more will be required of us or think we don’t have what they need. However, through this past year I have been blessed with many opportunities to meet and get to know people, organizations, and churches that have taken the extra mile to help those around them without thinking twice about whether or not they could.

My family can’t find the right words to even express our thanks and gratitude. There are not words to make each person truly understand how each hand that has touched our home in one way or another means more to us then ‘Thank you’ can ever cover. You’ve given us not just a chance to own a home, but hope and love. The hands that have worked with my family through this year are now a part of our family forever. They have shown and taught each one of us something about how much one person can truly do with the right heart and mind.

I could say ‘thanks and we are truly grateful,’ but honestly these words can never truly express how my family feels. So I must just add that I pray that Christ blesses each person, family, organization, and church that has helped in the process of making a home for my family. That the love and kindness that has been extended to my family, will be extended and multiplied for each one of you. May all the blessings be given to you all, for your work has given us the precious gift of a home.

In Christ name and with Love,

Jennelle, Jabaz, Damarha, and Chaz

Art Instead of the Landfill: An Artist’s Perspective on “Home is Where the Art Is”

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

The idea “art instead of the landfill” is one of the driving forces behind Habitat ReStore’s “Home is Where the Art Is” Recycled Art Show and Silent Auction. Over the past 5 years, Habitat ReStore has diverted approximately 1,400 tons of materials from area landfills by accepting donations of used appliances, furniture, and home improvement materials and selling them at low prices to local shoppers.

Earlier this winter, local artists created pieces using at least one ReStore material for the “Home is Where the Art Is” Recycled Art Show. The materials they used varied, from small dowels and metal hardware to large windows and doors. Their work gives a new meaning to “repurposed material,” and is now on display at the Spirit Room in downtown Fargo. The art will be auctioned off to benefit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity at a special event featuring appetizers and wine tasting on Saturday, February 4^th at the Spirit Room.

"Saw Blade Wind Chime" created by long-time Habitat volunteer Gary Brekke.

One of the artists participating in this event is Gary Brekke, a longtime volunteer crew leader for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. Here’s what he has to say about his experience with this event and his “cutting edge” wind chime made out of saws:

“I’ve been a building volunteer with LAHFH since 1996 and an ‘artist’ since a kind grade school teacher told me I was …. so when the ReStore Home is Where the Art Is project was announced, I thought, ‘what a great way to combine both passions to benefit LAHFH.’

Saws are used all the time on the build site and over the years I’ve noticed that if bumped just right they make a different sound — ‘music’? — than normally heard on the site while cutting wood … so for this year’s ReStore project I decided to use combine these tools to make ‘music’ with help of the wind. So this ‘cutting-edge’ wind chime was created … Enjoy the music responsibly since these are still sharp …

Music instead of the landfill …

Art instead of the landfill …

Builder turned artist changes tools into art …”

Art is available for viewing at the Spirit Room, 111 Broadway, Fargo and through the online flickr album. The February 4^th event includes a silent auction, wine tasting from Bernie’s Wine and Liquors and appetizers. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $15 at fargostuff.com, The Spirit Room, and Habitat ReStore. You can also purchase tickets for $20 at the door on February 4^th . Must be 21 or older to attend.

Join us at the 2012 Home is Where the Art Is event:

When: Saturday, February 4^th from 8 am- 10 am

Where: Spirit Room, 111 Broadway, Fargo

Is ‘Exercise More’ on Your New Year’s Resolution List? Do you want to help Habitat?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Then start a Tour de Habiat team!

You’re probably wondering what is ‘Tour de Habitat’ or how do I get involved? Each year Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity holds Tour de Habitat-an annual stationary bike race where teams compete against each other to raise money for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds support the building of homes for families in need in Cass and Clay Counties; making homeownership a reality for these hard-working families in our area. In 2012, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity hopes to raise $40,000 through Tour de Habitat.

Team Spinning, Building Together at the 2011 Tour de Habitat

At Tour de Habitat, teams of six cyclists compete against each other for most miles biked, and most dollars raised for Habitat. Each team member takes their turn to see how many miles they can pedal a stationary bike in one 15 minute-heat. Prizes will be awarded to both individuals and teams for the most money raised, most miles ridden, plus many more!

As a rider, you can work towards achieving your New Year’s resolution while helping to raise funds and awareness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. Working out isn’t your resolution? That’s fine too! You can still spend a fun Saturday afternoon leisurely pedaling and cheering on your teammates as you work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of local families.

How Do I Get Involved?

Start by building a team: Building a team is easy! Find 5 friends, coworkers, relatives, etc. and come up with a team name. Then register your team by having each member set up their individual fundraising page at: www.firstgiving.com/LAHFH and follow the Team Checklist.

Team Checklist

Form a team of six riders and designate a captain. Register teams by February 24, 2012.
Hold a team meeting. Decide on a team name, rider order, a theme or make a miles/funds challenge to another team.
Set Fundraising Goals: $250 minimum per cyclist ($1,500 for the team). Create your own fundraising page at: www.firstgiving.com/LAHFH.
Ask for help reaching your fundraising goal. Reach out to your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, book club members, associates, Christmas card list, etc. and ask them to help you, help Habitat! Use your fundraising page to securely raise money online up to the day of the event. Turn in “off-line” pledges (cash/checks) by March 2 at the LAHFH office (210 N 11^th St. in Moorhead).
Come ready to have fun on Saturday, March 3^rd at Courts Plus Fitness Center!

So get started on your New Year’s resolution today – Bike to Build and Start a Team!

Questions?
Call Jackie at 218-284-5253 x2 or email habitat@lakeagassizhabitat.org

Martin Luther King, Jr. “Day of Service” with Habitat and NDSU Volunteer Network

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed on January 16, 2012, and across the country, organizations are promoting volunteerism to answer one of Dr. King’s most urgent questions ‘What are you doing for others?’. The Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located at 210 North 11th Street in Moorhead, will be receiving help from a number of student volunteers this Monday, January 16, as North Dakota State University (NDSU) Volunteer Network has stepped up to offer a helping hand to nonprofit organizations in need around the community through their Service Plunge.

Every year, the NDSU Volunteer Network holds their Service Plunge to coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day of Service and invites all campus organizations to participate in a service project in the community. This year, more than 15 student organizations at NDSU will gather on Monday to volunteer at organizations around Fargo-Moorhead. For the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, the help couldn’t come at a better time.

Volunteers move donated product to the sales floor at the Habitat ReStore.

“We’re so grateful that the NDSU Volunteer Network is urging students to help nonprofits in the community on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day of Service,” said Shelby Cochran, ReStore VISTA at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. “Our organization always has a strong need for volunteers, and we’re hoping the Day of Service not only helps us on Monday, but also urges people in the community to start 2012 off on the right foot by incorporating volunteerism into their lives.”

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and Habitat ReStore rely on dedicated volunteers to further their impact, whether these volunteers serve on a committee, work on a Habitat build site, or volunteer in the ReStore.

During the Day of Service students from Kappa Psi, the pharmaceutical fraternity at NDSU, and Engineers Without Borders will volunteer to help with the large task of reorganizing the sales floor at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. A task that Cochran says would have taken over a week without the help of volunteers.

“It’s amazing what a few hours of good will from strangers can accomplish for organizations like ours. We’re looking forward to accomplishing a lot in a short period on Monday,” said Cochran.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells new and gently used building supplies, furniture, appliances, and much more to the general public. All proceeds raised from the store support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to provide affordable homes for families in Cass and Clay Counties.

Announcing New Board of Directors Members

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce the addition of 4 new members to the Board of Directors:

Judd Graham is market president with responsibility for Wells Fargo’s Business Banking operations in Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks, and Moorhead. A native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Graham holds a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, and has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He joined Wells Fargo in 1994 and has served in his current role since 2008.

Josh Hoper has more than a dozen years of experience in technology and business consulting, currently a technical specialist and serving on the Board of Directors at Summit Group Software. His desire to serve with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is fueled by his experience working with various commercial, government, & non-profit organizations to align their technology investments with their mission.

Angie McCarthy is a Platinum Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. She holds the designations of Certified Financial Planner practitioner, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. She has been with Ameriprise Financial for 20 years and lives in Fargo with her husband Shawn, children Adam, Megan and Cullen and their terrier, Zoe.

Searle Swedlund has worked for Concordia College for 12 years in a variety of roles. Currently serving as Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at Concordia College, part of his role is advising the student Habitat for Humanity board who work to coordinate 7 trips for 135 students to work on Habitat for Humanity build sites throughout the nation.

The Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors has overall governance and fiduciary responsibility for the local Habitat affiliate and ReStore operation. Board members are selected for both their commitment to the mission of Habitat for Humanity and to represent the entire community. We look forward to working with these new members as we continue building simple, decent, affordable homes in Cass and Clay counties.

Home for the Holidays- Thank you from the Fronning Family

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

The Fronning Family on the Barnesville Build Site in June 2011.

Each year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity partners with countless volunteers, donors, and supporters to make the dream of homeownership come true for our partner families. In 2011, our organization partnered with the Fronning family to complete the first Habitat Home in Barnesville.

Rogena contributed more than 250 hours of “sweat equity” in the Habitat ReStore and on the construction of her future house and the future homes of other Habitat Partner Families. Rogena and her two children moved into to their new home in early October and the family was able to celebrate their first Holiday season in their new home.

Below is a note from Rogena expressing her thankfulness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and sharing how the family enjoyed their first holidays in their new home. We hope you enjoy reading this note as much as we do!

Dear Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity:

The Fronning family cat enjoys the family's Christmas tree.

We have been so very blessed this year. Not only do we finally have a space to call our own, but we can FINALLY decorate as we choose. We really looked forward to having a space to do with as we pleased… to not have to worry about hanging lights here or not there. And as you can see our pets also enjoyed the holiday decorations. I must say it was really fun to visit with the neighbors on how they decorate their space for the holidays.

We also had our first dinner guests over for Thanksgiving. Our home felt so warm and cozy and inviting. Thank you so much for giving us a safe, warm place to call our own!.

To the Build Crew especially- Thank you for what you do. I have learned so much from all of you. You are such a blessing to so many.

Many Blessings to you always,

Rogena Fronning and Family

Building Homes, Building Hope

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity: building simple, decent, affordable homes since 1991.

Monthly Archives: January 2012