Tag Archives: volunteer

LAHFH staff member Katie McCormick says “Farewell”

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Program & Marketing Manager Katie McCormick has announced her resignation and accepted the Communications Coordinator position with YWCA Cass Clay.  Below, Katie reflects on her time with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

As I look toward the next step in my career, I will always look back with a fondness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and the mission of this organization.

Katie McCormick accepts a check from Bremer Bank with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director Rob Rich in 2012.

I began my career at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in the spring of 2007. Since that time, the affiliate has accomplished a number of great things. We completely overhauled the Family Services program- implementing a stringent Family Selection process, strengthening the Family Mentor program, and developing an in depth Homeowner Education Curriculum. In 2011, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Family Service Program received the Best Practices in Family Service Award from Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota.  This high honor recognizes the local affiliate for having the strongest and most comprehensive Family Services Program in the entire state.  The volunteers and donors who make this program possible are truly some of the most selfless individuals that I have had the pleasure to work with.

Also during my time with this affiliate, we dove into social media.  We joined Facebook, started tweeting, found YouTube, jumped into blogging, and most recently joined Pinterest.  I had the privilege of working with some amazingly dedicated volunteers to share the mission of Habitat for Humanity with our community.

Katie McCormick with members of the 2013 “Home is where the Art is” planning committee.

We celebrated our 20th anniversary as an affiliate in 2011 and spent the year reflecting on all the success we have had in our community.  From the ReStore expanding to a significantly larger retail space at 210 11thStreet North in Moorhead in January of 2008 to 47 families who have a place to call home- Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has so much to celebrate.

This affiliate has done so many great things over the past 6 years and I am certain that it will continue to do great things in the future. I would like to thank all of you who have contributed your time, talent and efforts to help make the work of Lake Agassiz possible. It has been my honor to work at this organization and the mission of building homes, communities, and hope will always be near to my heart.

Katie McCormick

Join us in thanking Katie for her years of service at an Open House in her honor:

Where: 210 11th Street North, Moorhead

When: 11:30am until 2pm on Friday, March 8, 2013

From the Executive Director’s Desk

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The impending winter weather has me wishing that it was summer and I could be spending time out on the Habitat build site with all of you spirited volunteers.  Even though it looks like it will be an eternity before summer is here and we’re back on the build site, it really is only a few short months away.  In the mean time, there are still lots of other ways you can help Habitat.

Consider doubling your impact with Habitat by giving during this year’s Giving Hearts Day on Thursday, February 14, 2013.  The first $4,000 given to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity during this 24 hour online giving event will be matched by Western State Bank- giving you the chance to stretch your donation twice as far.  To make a secure online contribution to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and have it matched, simply go to www.impactgiveback.org on February 14 and search for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  As always, all donations are tax-deductible.

Want to do something more active?  Consider joining (or forming) a team for Tour de Habitat. Each year Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity holds Tour de Habitat – a stationary bike race where teams compete against each other to raise money for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  Join Habitat for a fun afternoon on Saturday, March 9 at Courts Plus to leisurely pedal and cheer on your teammates as you work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of local families.

If volunteering is more your style, we still have lots of opportunities available.  Consider joining a committee to help with the work behind the scenes.  ReStore is always looking for volunteers- individuals or groups- to price donations, prepare items for sale, receive donations, cashier, and so much more.  If you’re interested in volunteering with Habitat, send us an email at habitat@lakeagassizhabitat.org.

With all of these opportunities to get involved with Habitat, I’m sure summer will be here before we know it.  Thank you for your continued support of our mission to build homes, communities, and hope in Cass and Clay counties.

Rob Rich

Executive Director

National Day of Service: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said,  “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Today, January 21st, people from all walks of life across the United States are banding together to try and answer this question.  The MLK Day of Service is one piece of President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve.  Around the Fargo Moorhead Community, volunteer groups are forming to tackle projects, and here at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, we’re gladly taking part in this national event!

 

Teachers and staff from JPII Catholic Schools spend the morning at Habitat ReStore as part of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day of Service.

Today we welcome teachers and staff from JP II Catholic Schools in Fargo, who are turning their day off from school into a day on to help out at Habitat ReStore. The ReStore relies on volunteer groups like this one to complete large tasks that would be very difficult to accomplish with our small staff.  ReStore Volunteers help keep our costs low so that we can use all store proceeds to further Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s goal of providing simple, decent and affordable housing for families in Cass and Clay Counties.

“We are excited to make our in service day, a day of service to the community,” said Karin Larson, JPII Catholic Schools. “We tell our students to give back and felt it was important for us as teachers and staff to give back too.”

If you’re not able to take part in a volunteer project for the National Day of Service, don’t worry- Habitat ReStore has volunteer projects available all year long! Whether you are interested in helping out in the store on a regular basis, serving on a committee, or know a group that needs a volunteer project, Habitat ReStore has something for everyone.  To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, visit our website.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells new and gently used building supplies, furniture, appliances, and much more to the general public. All proceeds raised by 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 Officers

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity congratulates their newly elected President of the Board of Directors, John C. Thomas, Vice President of Engineering with Phoenix International. John has served on the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors for the past three years. He lives in West Fargo with his wife Amanda and their twin daughters.

 

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity would also like to congratulate their additional newly elected officers: Vice-President Judd Graham, Market President with Wells Fargo. This is Judd’s second year serving on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors.

 

Jennifer Quast, Services Practice Manager with Microsoft.  Jennifer has served on the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors for the past 3 years and has perviously served as the Board Secretary.  In addition to her role with the Board of Directors, Jennifer currently serves as the chair of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer Committee.

Secretary Josh Hoper.  This is Josh’s second year serving on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors.  In addition to his role with the Board of Directors, Josh serves on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Resource Development committee.

Member-at-Large Angie McCarthy, Platinum Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. This is Angie’s second year serving on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors.  In addition to her role with the Board of Directors, Angie also serves on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Resource Development committee.

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 newly elected officers as we continue building simple, decent, affordable homes in Cass and Clay counties.

Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2013

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As a new year approaches, we start to make a list of our resolutions. What will we do differently this year? How can I make my life better? For 2013, let Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity help you keep those resolutions on track all year long. Here are some of the most popular resolutions and ways we can help you stick to them:

Event attendees view art pieces at the 2012 “Home is Where the Art Is” event.

Enjoy Life More: We get so busy in our lives that sometimes we forget to take a moment and enjoy what’s around us. In 2013, take the time to see what’s new in our community. LAHFH can introduce you to local artists at our “Home is Where the Art Is” recycled art show and silent auction on Feb. 2, 2013. See how these artists turn reclaimed items from our Habitat ReStore into works of art. You’ll have the opportunity to bid on the art pieces in a silent auction.

Riders of the Purple Sage cheer on their team mate at the 2012 Tour de Habitat.

Lose Weight & Get Fit: Some of us say this every year and by the second week of January, we’ve already blown our diet and can’t find the energy to go to the gym. However, this year will be different because Tour de Habitat will give you a reason to go to the gym. The annual stationary bike race and fundraiser has teams of six riders taking turns to pedal for 15 minutes. Form your teams now and start training for the event on Mar. 9, 2013!

After Tour de Habitat is over, you can keep in shape by training for the Fargo Marathon. LAHFH has formed a GoFar Charity team and as a team member, you’ll receive lots of perks including VIP gear check and hospitality room in Charity village. Visit http://www.active.com/donate/LAHfH to register and join our team.

Spend More Time with Friends & Family: If you’re looking for something new to do with friends and family, come out to a construction site and help us a build a house. Volunteers don’t need construction experience since our crew leaders will train and help you along the way. We also provide all the tools and materials. Take a break from the lake this summer and get your hands dirty with LAHFH. You’ll be helping a family build their new home while you build lasting memories with yours.

Get Organized: Do you have unfinished projects around your home? Or maybe you finally want to organize the garage. Habitat ReStore may have just what you need for a lot less than those big box stores. The local home-improvement thrift store offers quality new and gently used building supplies, furniture, appliances and much more. We also accept donations, so check with us before you dump any furniture or appliances.

Volunteers worked together to build the Nelson Family’s home in 2012.

Volunteer:A popular, non-selfish new year’s resolution that can change your life as well as countless others. LAHFH has many ways for you to volunteer. Whether it’s joining a committee to donate your talents and expertise or spending an hour each week working at the ReStore, we have volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule.

To see a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit our website at www.lakeagassizhabitat.org and click on “Volunteer”. You can also contact us directly at 218-284-5253 ext. 2 or at habitat@lakeagassizhabitat.org if you’d like more information or if you have questions about volunteering.

Santa Donates, Shops at Habitat for Humanity ReStores

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Santa readies Blitzen for a trip to the Habitat ReStore to donate leftover gifts from Christmas 2011. The birth of Blitzen’s triplets forced Santa to clean out the barn, which resulted in Santa’s first of many donations to the ReStore.

Interview With Habitat for Humanity International ReStore Support Group

RSG: Hi Santa. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about your involvement with Habitat for Humanity. Tell me, how did you first get involved with Habitat ReStores?

Santa: Well, many years ago, everybody wanted shag carpet in their house. I had quite a few people put ‘shag carpet for living room’ on their Christmas list. So, I had the elves sneak in and take measurements, cut the carpet for a perfect fit and then roll it up real tight so it could fit in the sleigh. Trouble was, at the last minute, a bunch of those folks got themselves put on the naughty list. There I was, stuck with all this shag carpet cut for naughty folks’ living rooms. I threw it in the barn and forgot about it.

RSG: Wow! I didn’t know elves did custom measurements! But you still haven’t told me how this is connected to ReStores.

Santa: So, I had this carpet in the back of the reindeer barn for years. Then, four years ago, Blitzen’s wife had triplets and we needed to make some more space for the little cuties. You ever seen a baby reindeer?

RSG: No, I haven’t, but I can imagine how cute they are – especially triplets!

Santa: So, I needed to get rid of that shag carpet fast and, trust me, it wasn’t on anyone’s Christmas list that year! When I was telling the Mrs. about my problem, she said that she had been talking to Frosty about this walk-in cooler he bought at something called a Habitat ReStore. She remembered him saying something about how they sold all kinds of stuff – anything that people felt like donating. So I got on that worldwide web thing and checked it out.

RSG: And what did you discover?

Santa: Not only are these stores a perfect solution to my problem of excess shag carpet, they are doing good. I was pretty impressed that they take this donated stuff, sell it to folks, and use the money to build houses with families that have ‘A Nice House’ on their Christmas list! It’s amazing!

RSG: So, you donated the carpet?

Santa: Yep. I called my closest ReStore’s donation hotline and they convinced me to load up the sleigh and deliver all this carpet. They said their customers were creative enough that they would figure out something to do with the ‘used-to-be-cool’ shag carpet. A few months later, they sent me a thank you card and a newspaper clipping of a story about the carpet. Turns out, an interior designer bought the lot of it and used it to remodel a trendy bed and breakfast. It actually looked pretty neat.

RSG: Wow, that is a great story!

Santa: Yeah, I was pretty excited that I could turn those naughty folks’ gifts into something good! I am glad Frosty told the Mrs. about the ReStores and I even do a bit of shopping there sometimes. Well, actually I send the elves, as I always cause such a big scene. Movie stars can where big hats and sunglasses, but my belly, beard and rosy cheeks usually give me away. I do, however, do all the donating myself, as I am the only one that can manage a full sleigh. I hate taking people off the nice list, especially after we have their presents ready, but when it happens, it’s great to know that Habitat has a way to turn their bad behavior into affordable housing. Incredible!

RSG: Well, Santa, I am happy to hear that you are both a ReStore donor and customer! Now, how do you feel about volunteering? Maybe you could send the elves. We could use a lot of help repairing furniture or you could ask Frosty to come on down and help test the freezers!?

Santa: You know, my local ReStore asks me about volunteering every time I drop off a donation. You people sure are enthusiastic! I told them that I’d help them do donation pick-ups with the sleigh a few Saturdays per year, but only after they start building Habitat houses with fireplaces. I am tired of sneaking though doors and windows. It really slows me down!

RSG: Hahaha! Well, Santa, it has been great speaking with you. On behalf of the ReStores and all Habitat partner families, thanks for your support. We hope the true joy of Christmas remains with you and yours all year.

Santa: Thank you, and tell all those ReStore folks to keep up the good work! They are doing a great thing.

Adapted from Santa Donates, Shops at Habitat for Humanity ReStores by HFHI ReStore Support Group

3 Ways to Keep the Cycle Going Year Round

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Now that winter is here, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s build season is long over. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until next season to help out Habitat ReStore. In fact, you have many opportunities to support the ReStore year round! Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate new or gently used home improvement items. Acceptable donations include:

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at 210 11th Street North, Moorhead.

  • Appliances
  • Bath fixtures
  • Cabinets
  • Doors
  • Flooring
  • Furnaces
  • Furniture
  • Hardware
  • Kitchen fixtures
  • Lighting
  • Lumber
  • Paint (new)
  • Shingles
  • Tile
  • Tools
  • Windows
  • and more!

2. Volunteer with the ReStore and give back to your community. Volunteers are needed to process donations, assist customers, serve on committees, help with events and clean the store.

3. Shop at the ReStore for home improvement materials at 25% to 75% off retail prices. A large variety of new and gently used materials are available for all types of home projects and renovations. All store proceeds support Habitat programming and the building of affordable housing in Cass and Clay counties.

Contact the ReStore to find out more about how you can shop, donate and volunteer to keep the cycle going, no matter what the season.

Giving Thanks

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As you know, it’s that time of year again for us to count our blessings and give thanks. Admittedly, this Thanksgiving message may seem a bit cliché, but at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, we have so many things to be thankful for that we didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to acknowledge the following people:

Thank you for partnering with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity!

Partner families: Thanks to those who have partnered with us to build simple, decent and affordable housing to provide shelter and safety for their families.

Volunteers: Of course, the heart and soul of Habitat lies in its volunteers. Whether they help out at the ReStore or on the build site, we’re extremely grateful for each and every person who has volunteered over the years.

Committee members: Committee members are volunteers, too, but they work behind the scenes to help with marketing, family selection, resource development, church relations and more.

Staff: To make everything happen, we have a few key people on staff. They’re all very talented, dedicated individuals who put in countless hours to keep our organization running to provide housing for those in need.

Thank you for coming together to build homes, communites and hope.

Donors: Building homes isn’t cheap. It takes a lot of funding to keep us going. Fortunately, there are many wonderful individuals and businesses that support our efforts by donating money and building supplies to us.

The community: Finally, our organization needs support from the entire community to carry out our mission. We’re very thankful that the community has whole-heartedly embraced what we do.

Simply put, to everyone who has helped support Lake Agassiz Habitat Humanity, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Honors Dedicated Volunteer: Stan Franek

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Each year since 2006, the Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism is given to an outstanding Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity volunteer in honor of former LAHFH Board President Harvey Stalwick.  Harvey Stalwick was an integral part of LAHFH’s growth- giving many hours of his time to help many people in this community.  Under Harvey’s leadership, LAHFH completed 8 homes between 2001 and 2006, which provided 14 adults and 29 children a simple, decent place to call home. Harvey was the driving force of the implementation of the Habitat ReStore, which celebrated its 6th year of operation this past July.

LAHFH Executive Director Rob Rich presents Stan Franek with the 2012 Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism.

The 2012 Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism recipient is Stan Franek.  Stan’s involvement with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity began in 2004 when Stan was asked by Harvey Stalwick to join the LAHFH Board of Directors.  In 2005, Stan was placed on staff with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans as the area director for the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity program,  where he not only assisted Lake Agassiz Habitat, but many area Habitat affiliates to organize, build and complete their Thrivent Builds homes.  Stan retired from this position with Thrivent in 2009, but continues as a volunteer with Lake Agassiz Habitat & the Thrivent Builds program.

Stan has also been involved with Lake Agassiz Habitat by serving on the Church Relations committee, being a build site volunteer, and a Church Champion recruiter.  Stan continuously cultivates relationships with area church congregations and leaders.  He promotes and organizes church volunteer days, lunches, snacks and monetary donations.  His countless phone calls, emails and personal visits have engaged over 1,500 volunteers to pick up a hammer at a Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity build site.  Stan admits that he is known by our Construction Crew leaders to show up at the build site 5 minutes before lunch is served.

Stan is active in other area organizations such as Central Cities Ministries, the FM Area Coalition for Homeless Persons and serves on the Thrivent Board of Directors.  He is also very involved with his local church, St. Mark’s Lutheran, through their outreaches and committees.  In his free time, Stan enjoys golfing and pheasant hunting and being a pilot. Stan and his wife, Naomi, have two grown children, Robert and Anne.

We thank Stan for his years of volunteering and dedication to Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

Follow the link to watch Stan Franek accept the 2012 Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism.

Concordia Students Organize Playhouse Project for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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The Playhouse Project was organized by Concordia’s Habitat for Humanity College Chapter Board.

Students at Concordia are kicking off their homecoming week in a special way this year- student groups are teaming up to build and decorate children’s playhouses for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.“We’re excited to take part in the Playhouse Project at Concordia,” said Rob Rich, Executive Director for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  “Concordia’s Habitat for Humanity College Chapter approached our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate about collaborating on project that would bring together students to help families in need in our community.  The sale of these playhouses will support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to eliminate substandard housing in Cass and Clay counties.”

Concordia’s Habitat for Humanity College Chapter will host the Playhouse Project at the Knutson Campus Center on the Concordia Campus on Saturday, October 6.  The event is slated to begin at 9 a.m. with the hopes of completing the build by the end of the day. Facilities on campus have graciously offered to move the houses around the Concordia campus to be displayed through their Homecoming weekend.

Each house will be built and painted by a student organization.  The designs for all the houses will be the same structure, but the student organizations are planning to each paint their homes with a fun theme.  Concordia’s Student Government Association (SGA), Student Environmental Alliance (SEA), Dance Marathon, Women’s Lacrosse Team, Better Together and Habitat for Humanity College Chapter will all be participating in the Playhouse Project.

Following Concordia’s homecoming, the custom-designed and decorated playhouses will be available for purchase at the local Habitat ReStore at 210 11th Street North, Moorhead.  Proceeds from the sale of the playhouses will support Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.