Strong Winds, Stronger Ladies

Not too long ago, we had a group of lovely ladies from LaReina High School volunteer at our Preserve a Home site in Saticoy.  On that particular Friday, Santa Ana winds were whipping wildly throughout the site.  Unfortunately, all of the day's tasks called for exterior work..........

There is nothing more difficult than working outside in the wind - there really isn't.  That is no fun AT ALL.  Yet this great group of gals toughed it out and carried on despite the adverse conditions.   Kudos to them being troopers and for doing an awesome job!  And that's not just a bunch of hot wind..........

Saticoy's best kept secret

Well, we are finally back to posting after being busy with other projects.  We have a brand new website that is up and running.  Our "Builder's Bulletin" maintains its steady readership base and Lynzi, our hardworking intern, has updated our Facebook page and Twitter account.  So all our media resources are fresh and current.

But all bragging aside, I'm going to completely change direction in this conversation and share one of Saticoy's best kept secrets.....

Before heading out to our Preserve a Home site in Saticoy a few Wednesday's ago, I had heard that a food pantry was operating at the Jose R. Flores Community Center.  When I arrived on site, the Center was buzzing with activity.  Terri Hernandez, a local church volunteer with the Ventura First Assembly of God, was running the food pantry along with a handful of dedicated volunteers.  Terri and her crew have smooth operation going and help feed up to 120 families on weekly basis.  She procures donations, qualifies applicant families and generates a great deal of positive energy around her program.  Terri and her crew are hard workers and they are examples to be followed. 

But I was even more impressed to see that the homeowner currently receiving Preserve a Home services was also volunteering his time and helping others!  Despite his health and limited mobility, the homeowner and his caregiver were fully active in distributing foods to needy families.

This is truly an awesome story.  Many kudos to Terri for doing such a fine job with the food pantry.  And special kudos our Preserve a Home homeowner too, for being such a great example of receiving and then giving right back.  

For more information on how to volunteer at the food pantry or to make a donation, please stop by the Jose R. Flores Community Center located at 11168 Violetta Street Ventura (Saticoy) any Wednesday beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Or you can contact Terri directly at (805) 276-5906.

Cocktails in Havana 2012 was a huge success!

Last Friday night (8/10), the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors (VCCAR) Affiliate's Committee hosted the 2^nd Annual Cocktails in Havana benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County.  And just like last year, the event was a total blast.  Lots of cool people, great food, smooth drinks, some fine cigars, an awesome atmosphere and some really beautiful birds.  Yes, you read correctly, birds!

 

But this post isn’t specifically about those amazing birds or how good the food and drinks were.  This is a humble “thank you” to all the attendees, organizers, vendors and sponsors that made the event an absolute success.  I don’t even know where to begin thanking people.  One thing is for certain, it could not have been possible without VCCAR Affiliate's Committee.  Special thanks to them for putting the evening together and to all our sponsors for their generosity.

Rather than describing the evening via words, I will let a few photos do the talking. 

A fun and exciting network opportunity

Attendees dancing the night away

We can't forget the tequila.....

This year's event is now in the books, but it wont be long before the Committee is back at it again, planning for 2013.  If you haven't been to a Cocktails in Havana evening, you are truly missing out on a great party for an equally great cause.

Best. Ink. Ever.

Last weekend, we had the good fortune of having Justin from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, serve as a volunteer on our Preserve a Home site in Ventura.

We couldn't help but notice the unique tatoo on the back of his left leg.  If you look closely at the photo, you will see what it is.

And no, it's not temporary.  Is that dedication or what?  We love our volunteers and it looks like they love us right back!

Way to go Kim!

Yesterday afternoon, Stacy Swanson our Executive Director, gave Habitat Board Members and Staff some great news regarding Kim Larkins, our Board of Directors Chair, Construction Crew Leader and friend.

Kim (on the right) hard at work with volunteers

It just so happens that Kim is one of a select few that is being recognized for her dedication by Amgen.  She is receiving the 2011 Amgen Excellence in Volunteering Award.  And with this honor, our affiliate will receive $5,000.  For more info on Amgen's contributions and Kim's accomplishment check out: http://contributionsreport.amgen.com/staff/habitat-for-humanity

The funds will go a long way and that's awesome.  What's even greater is Kim's achievement.

Way to go Kim!

Women Build 2012 is underway

As most of our followers are aware, this week is Habitat for Humanity International's Women Build Week 2012.  Locally, there are many great ladies working hard to build homes for our next two homeowners, which happen to be women as well.  It's a wonderful event and just below is a narration from Angela, one of yesterday's awesome volunteers. 

HFH homeowner Rosa pitches in during Women Build 2011

"Today was a great build day for the 18 Monsanto people, and the 6 Lowe's crew that showed up. Everyone involved was gracious and giving. The major projects today comprised of laying shingles, painting, and some inside pre-drywall work. Everyone met Maria and she even made new friends. It was very hot and we encouraged sunblock and water intake....some lost track of their bottles. Lowe's brought some bags to give away and will again tomorrow. Debra brought oranges and Angela brought crystal light. We had pizza for lunch instead of McDonalds, but no one seemed to mind, and munched on the trail mix snacks while waiting for delivery. The toilets the park were open which made it very nice. Matt and Mike were great and helpful as well as the regular very experienced volunteer crew. Coffee was brought in by Denise from Monsanto....Starbucks makes gallon to go insulated containers....I had forgotten how innovative Americans are when it comes to convenience items. I think that covers most of our day. Thanks so much for allowing me to participate." 

Kind regards,

Angela

Thank you Angela, for sharing your thoughts with all of us.

INTUIT chips in at the office

Last Thursday, the weather didn't cooperate and as a result, we couldn't host any volunteers at the Stroube site. The good folk from INTUIT, which have become regular volunteers with us, had signed up to to work but had no where to go.

Well, taking advantage of their humble disposition, we asked if they could pitch in at the office and help with some much needed routine maintenance.  We also had gobs and gobs of data entry that needed to be taken care of.  So without batting an eye, they jumped right into the fray, no questions asked.  Some of them even helped at the ReStore.  Thanks to them, part of our modest office had some fresh paint applied, the day's ReStore donations were processed quickly and the data entry work was completed - ALL of it.

How cool are these volunteers?

Their spirit of service is awesome!  This goes to show that whether it's volunteering at a construction or home preservation site, at either ReStore or pitching in at the office, the cause is one and the same, a county where everyone has a decent place to live.