Happy holidays to All!

With the holiday season in full swing, I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all our readers from around the world and to all the volunteers that have helped us out in numerous occasions.  Whether it be in the form of data entry at the office, working at the ReStore, manning a table or booth for us at a special event, or working at one of our construction sites, may all of you and yours enjoy the peace, warmth and happiness this season brings.

I enjoy Christmas presents just like everybody else does and I am not getting on a soapbox or anything like that, but let's not loose focus of the true meaning of the season.  As much as I look forward to getting a cool present (like a remote controlled helicopter *wink-wink*), I would also enjoy a big, warm, sincere bear hug just as much........if not more. 

Often times, we take things for granted and forget how blessed we are to have what we have.  We will often complain and wish we had more, but we shouldn't forget that there are families that are less fortunate and yet don't complain.  In our daily dealings here, we have encountered a large number of families with untold stories that simply "make do" and press onward in life.  So please take a moment to give thanks for your blessings and also say a prayer for the survivors of the horrible tragedy in Newtown CT.  Sometimes, we just don't know how good we really have it.

From our Habitat family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and happy and healthy 2013!

Embassy Suites Gives a Hand in Saticoy

Thanks to the Debbie Chica and the good folks from Embassy Suites for coming to our Saticoy Preserve a Home (PAH) site the week before Thanksgiving. They did a fantastic job priming and painting the home's exterior. Not an easy job since the wood trim was dry and deteriorated nonetheless, the results were excellent.

Thank your for helping and we look forward to having them return to another PAH site soon!

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!