Habitat CFC's Newsletter

Habitat CFC E-Newsletter | October 2019

"I believe that appreciation is a holy thing—that when we look for what's best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we're doing what God does all the time. So in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we're participating in something sacred."

Fred Rogers

I grew up with Mr. Rogers. I have no doubt that his outlook has shaped the way I look at the world. As we enter this month of Thanksgiving, we take time to count our blessings, reflect on the things we are grateful for, and offer thanks. I believe that there is value in looking through the lens of gratitude throughout the whole year.

It is easy to find things to be grateful for at Habitat CFC. One of my practices is to begin every meeting by asking staff members to share one thing that they are grateful for within their own department and in the organization as a whole. By beginning with gratitude, we are reminded of all the things that are going well and recognizing each other's efforts before jumping into problem-solving and strategies for improvement. It changes the entire tone of the meeting and shifts us towards a culture of collaboration.

One of the things that is universal to Habitat for Humanity worldwide is the gratitude homeowners feel for the opportunity to build a better future for their family. In my short time at Habitat CFC, I have had the honor of meeting many of our homeowner families, some of whom have lived in their homes for decades. I've also seen families that are just beginning the new chapter of their lives marked by buying their first home, with four closings and a house dedication. I never tire of sharing these joyful moments with our homeowner families.

I am particularly grateful for the welcome I have received. All around me I can see the results of the many, many hands and hearts that have built Habitat CFC up over almost 35 years. I am thankful for the opportunity to build alongside each of you.

May you and your loved ones have many reasons for gratitude this season, and may you know the gratitude of the many lives that you have touched through your commitment to the mission of Habitat CFC.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cathy Collins, PhD

Chief Executive Officer, Habitat CFC

Fun at the Run for Habitat CFC!

Over 250 runners and walkers joined us for our 22 ^nd annual 5K Run for Home and Workboot Challenge at Seaside Park this October. The weather was perfect for running and for our post-event Celebration where participants enjoyed food, drinks, music from Screamin' Eagle Band, and great views of Long Island Sound!

The best part of the event was when Habitat CFC Co-Founder John Olson showed up in workboots to walk the 1-mile Workboot Challenge. John helped create the first run and has been participating every year since. Earlier this year John had some health issues and we thought he wasn’t going to be able to attend. But nothing was going to stop John from being there. He joined Habitat CFC’s CEO, Dr. Cathy Collins, who was also in workboots on the course as they kicked off the race and walked the mile together!

Thanks to all of our sponsors and in-kind donors, runners and walkers, run committee, volunteers and staff for making it the best race yet! For pictures check here.

Nice to Meet You! Open House for our new CEO Dr. Cathy Collins

We had a blast at our Open House! Thank you to the homeowners, volunteers, partners, and supporters that stopped by to say hi and to meet our new CEO, Dr. Cathy Collins. Check here for more photos.

Congratulations to our newest homeowners!

Congratulations to our newest homeowners, Janice & Leonard (pictured above) and Celeste & Smerlin. Both families closed on their homes and are now officially homeowners!

Habitat for Heroes—Passing the Keys to Veteran Marcia Morris & Family

On Saturday, October 26, Habitat CFC dedicated 220 Adams Street to the Morris Bryan family. This house was partially sponsored by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company.

“Service to our nation is more than the service members – it is also about the families who sacrifice so much alongside our service members. We are truly dedicated to supporting not only the military and veterans, but their communities and families as well. More than twenty percent of our workforce has served in the armed forces and we stand with Habitat in the mission to provide affordable housing to our military families. We were honored to be part of a Habitat for Heroes home dedication for the Morris Bryan Family and look forward to many more,” said Sikorsky Vice President, Human Resources, Jay Bennett.

At the dedication, the family was presented with many special housewarming gifts. Ray G. Baldwin Jr., U.S. Marine Veteran and Chairman of the Trumbull Police Commission, presented veteran Marcia Morris with a flag. A bookcase built and presented by Youth United was filled with hand-selected books. Habitat volunteer and Board Member of CT Piecemakers Quilt Guild JoAnne Fabry gave the family a beautiful handmade quilt in a patriotic motif, while Jay Bennett, Sikorsky Vice President, Human Resources presented the family with an ornament that is a miniature replica of Dwight D. Eisenhower's helicopter. The ceremony concluded with a blessing of the house, passing the keys to the soon-to-be homeowners, and the family sharing their thoughts and gratitude for all that helped them achieve this milestone.

After the dedication ceremony, the family invited attendees to break bread for the first time in their new home with a delicious feast of fish, pork, chicken, and vegetables. We wish them a lifetime of joyful moments in their new home.

Build Your Team with Habitat CFC

Why are Team Build Days so important?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Without volunteer help, we simply couldn’t build as many homes for local families in need of decent, affordable housing.

In addition to volunteering, Team Build groups also make a donation towards the cost of building a home which helps us close the gap between the affordable sale price of a house and the actual cost.

Whether you are new to Habitat or have been volunteering for years, a Team Build Day is the perfect opportunity to boost morale or create a sense of team-work. These two groups who volunteered in the past month shared why they love partnering with Habitat CFC.

Sikorsky , a Lockheed Martin Company, based in Stratford has been partnering with us since 1996! The company has a strong philanthropic program which includes supporting service members with programs that improve their lives and the lives of their families. Every year Sikorsky has participated in build days and has also sponsored our Veteran’s Builds including our most recent at 220 Adams Street in Bridgeport.

“Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company is a proud community partner with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County for veteran home builds,” said Sikorsky Vice President, Human Resources, Jay Bennett. “Our employees have been long-standing volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and enjoy the team building and the opportunity to make an impact in our communities where we work and live. We aspire to be the difference.”

Tauck, a family business for the past 95 years, is a global travel company with more than 150 guided land tours and safaris, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and family travel adventures to 70+ countries and all seven continents. The company is also an innovator in volunteer, financial and community support programs that engage its employees to make a positive impact where they travel, live and work.

Roni Goldberg, Impact Manager, explains why they partnered with Habitat CFC,“It’s part of our culture to provide team bonding, volunteer experiences to connect around a common cause. Connecting in a deeply meaningful and impactful way with our own communities and the places we travel allows us to understand our surroundings and provides a sense of purpose. We have been thrilled to “build” our relationship with Habitat for Humanity CFC and join with them for the purpose of improving the lives of low-income families by making affordable homes in stable and welcoming neighborhoods available.”

The day was so popular with Tauck’s employees that the company has scheduled another build in November!

Team Build Days are a win-win for everyone involved ! For more information or to schedule your Team Build Day, please contact Kristen Alvanson, Director of Development, by email at teambuildday@habitatcfc.org or call (203) 333-2642, ext. 109.