This month we held signing ceremonies for three new Partner Families. During each ceremony our Executive Director, Kevin Gilmore, made our expectations and responsibilities clear for our new partners. Partner Families must complete home ownership and financial empowerment classes, save for their closing costs, and give hundreds of hours of sweat equity. On average, our partners are in the program for 10 months, and say the work is well worth it when they finally become home owners.

	Tierra & her son

Please welcome our new partner, Tierra. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who currently works in Georgetown. Tierra lives in Seaford with her two boys, ages 13 and 5.  

Tierra said, "I can't wait to work with all the other volunteers and home owners building our home and others."

	Korah

Let's also welcome, Korah, a hairstylist in Millsboro. She currently resides in Bethel with her 3 year old son. 

Korah said, " My son will have his own room and kids to play with. It will be clean and safe for him. It will change my life and his like you couldn't believe."

	Steven & Evelyn

	Nancy's Newest AmeriCorps Recruit

The Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators (DAVA) conference at Maplewood Country Club brought together volunteers and leaders from the entire State of Delaware to hear keynote speaker Angela Williamson, Volunteer Manager at the Hagley Museum and Library. During her interactive presentation, Angela shared ideas for motivating and appreciating volunteers and asked others to do the same. 

AmeriCorps members;  Heather Barony, Susan Davis, Danielle Niethammer, and Callie Zimmerman attended with Sussex County's Programs Manager, Nancy Greene. After a fabulous luncheon, the group had the chance to pose for pictures with cardboard cutouts and share some laughter. Nancy took the opportunity to "recruit" John Wayne for next year's AmeriCorps class.

The group then visited with Charles A. Harris, Jr.,  Social Services Administrator and AmeriCorps Program Director of the  State Office of Volunteerism and Division of State Service Centers, and took pictures. We like to call this one Charlie's Angels.

Nancy, Heather, Danielle, Charles, Susan, and Callie

	Ronnie & Steven with Staff

Steven J. Cook, Director of International Resource Development, and Ronnie Chinchilla, Global Village Field Coordinator from Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, recently visited Sussex County Habitat staff and AmeriCorps service members. 

They wanted to express their appreciation to our affiliate for tithing 10% of our un-restricted funds to Habitat Guatemala. Since 1995, when our tithe began, we have been able to provide 44 Guatemalan families with affordable housing solutions. Over the years, several staff members and volunteers have taken the opportunity to serve directly in Guatemala through Habitat for Humanity International's Global Village service trips.

Ronnie and Steven shared with us about the importance of the Healthy Home Kits they distribute to families in Guatemala.  The Family Kit includes the basic necessities for healthy living in undeveloped areas including: a Bio-sand filter, an Eco-Stove, and  a dry compost latrine. 

Steven said, "The cost of each kit is less than $300 US Dollars, but is life changing for our friends in Guatemala." It's possible to sponsor a water filter for $45, a smokeless stove for $100, or a clean latrine for $150. For more information please visit:

www.habitatguate.org/eng/donations/

Members of the Seashore Striders of Delaware  recently participated in the 6th annual Habitat for Humanity 5k run/walk. Striders assembled early for Race #3 of the Irish Eyes 6-pack series. The starting and finish line as well as the post race party and award ceremony were held at Irish Eye's beautiful Lewes location on the canal. Congratulations to all the winners! Thanks to those who supported the event! We especially appreciate staff members Rachel Freeman, Jay Gundy and Susie Webb as well as long-time friends of Habitat and volunteers, Terri High and Patty Pfarrer, for their assistance at the event.

Six volunteers from Long & Foster Realtors came out and gave a day of service helping us landscape a home that Habitat recently rehabilitated in Laurel. We know the family will appreciate their hard work when they move in later this month.

	St. Paul's School

Ten volunteers from  St. Paul's School in Brooklandville, Maryland  spent the week with us in Delaware volunteering on build sites in Se af ord and Laurel. They painted and helped install fixtu res and appliances. We hope they enjoyed their stay and  will come back and serve with us again next year!