Future opportunities

Our affiliate has been very blessed in enjoying the hard work and dedication of several interns during the past few months.  This semester, we are fortunate to count on Mr. Robert Modine and his construction and leadership skills.  Rob comes to us from United States Navy and is pursuing a degree in Communication from CSU Channel Islands.  Not only are we grateful for his service to our country, we are also grateful is helping us our as a Crew Lead on our Trinity Lane site in Santa Paula.  

In any case, we recently asked Rob what it is like to be an intern for Habitat Ventura.  Here are his words:

"Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is an amazing organization to be affiliated with.  The staff has gone out of their way to make sure that my needs are met first.  Currently, I spend most of my time on the build site in Santa Paula, CA.  This is where I am blending my past background of construction into my current field of study.  I am a currently a student at CSU Channel Islands, majoring in communication and interning with Habitat for Humanity for a community involvement project.  I am also a Seabee in the United States Navy Reserves and served 5 years of active duty prior to.  It was an easy choice for me when choosing a community partner because of my past construction background in the Seabees and my more current knowledge base that I have gained through the undergrad communication program at Channel Islands.  This blend has made it easier for me to work with groups of volunteers that come from various demographics and teach them how to do multiple tasks.  Habitat is going out of their way for me to not only meet my educational needs, but for me to use this opportunity that will help further my future opportunities".

Rob pictured to the right

Interested in becoming an intern or volunteering with us?  Visit our website at www.habitatventura.org and or contact Rachel McIver at and learn how.

I really don't like good-byes

As the month of December comes to a close, as does the traditional school semester, we get ready to bid "adieu" to our wonderful Intern - Natalie Stone.  She came to us from California Lutheran University and currently plays for the Women's Basketball team.  She was a welcome addition to our Staff this semester and would brighten up our office with her positive energy and attitude.

Time is really flying.  Natalie started Interning for us back in July and now, she is wrapping up her assignments and preparing to leave next week.  Her assistance came at a key moment since thanks to her, many open or pending projects were completed dutifully and efficiently.  But before leaving, I was able to ask her a few questions about the time she spent here with us, sort of an exit interview I guess I can call it, and the following is her response:

During my six months at Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County I have met some of the nicest, most genuine people who right away welcomed me onto their team. The employees have the biggest hearts and want to help as many people in their community as possible. Everyday I came into the office I had the chance to help on different projects. I was able to learn from each staff member and I am taking little pieces of advice with me from each of them. The greatest lesson I learned from Habitat is concept of time. The employees and volunteers of Habitat for Humanity make a difference in people’s lives and the community everyday. Just by giving your time and going the extra mile when needed the staff and volunteers from Habitat amaze me with what they are able to accomplish each day. The staff uses their time and effort to help others around them daily.

I absolutely loved helping with the Hearts for Hammers dinner in early October. I had the chance to have my hand in many aspects of the event. From planning, decorating, the silent auction, and tear down I really got to see the work that goes in behind the scenes of this nonprofit. Hearing the testimonies from the Habitat home owners was such a humbling experience and makes all the work in the office and behind the scenes so worth it to see that Habitat for Humanity really does change people’s lives for the better. The event was a total success, and I am so happy I had the opportunity to be apart of it.

I will miss the staff here at Habitat for Humanity of Ventura the most. Each staff member has taken me under their wing to teach me new skills and help me succeed. I could never thank them enough for welcoming me on their team and always being there to answer all my questions. This is a really special group of people and I feel honored to have gotten the opportunity to learn from them and work along side this remarkable staff.

Thank your time and effort Natalie!  We will absolutely miss you, but we will certainly not forget you!  Your Habitat family wishes you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!