- Frederick Buechner

Thirty years ago, I was in India on a Fulbright Teacher Fellowship. Two things in particular stand out in my memory of that experience—the slums of Mumbai (then known as Bombay), and being fascinated by the altar in the home of a family I visited. The altar paid tribute not only to the Hindu God they worshiped, but Jesus and Mohammad as well. I adopted their belief to honor the many pathways to God.

Thirteen years later, I was at Highlander Education and Research Center having just completed my dissertation on how Little Rock, AR remembers the desegregation of Central High School. Again there are two things stood out—the hollows of Appalachia, and being surprised at my own answer when I was asked what I wanted to do now that my dissertation was done. I shared my desire to have a place that was considered sacred space that provides the opportunity for personal, spiritual, and professional renewal that gives people hope and courage to create a more just and humane world.

It is no wonder that I answered the call to be a leader of Habitat for Humanity affiliates to play a part in the critical role that housing plays in changing people’s lives. Today, I share with you that I have answered a different call that grew out of these experiences. I have accepted the position as the next Executive Director of Mercy By the Sea Retreat and Conference Center in Madison, CT. I now get to have that sacred, healing space where I can bring a lifetime of discovering the Sacred and engaging in practices that connect myself and others to God, and to each other. I will continue the work that I have done here and in my twenty-plus-year career as a nonprofit executive to help create the Beloved Community I so deeply believe in.

The decision to leave Habitat CFC was a difficult one. And leaving has definitely given me new insight into the true meaning of the word bittersweet. I am happy to know that the future of the organization is in good hands with the appointment of Carolyn Vermont to take over the helm of Habitat CFC on August 2. Habitat for Humanity’s mission of putting God’s love into action by creating affordable homeownership opportunities will always have a deep place in my heart. Home is more important than ever, and I have nothing but confidence that Carolyn and the Habitat CFC leadership team will continue to grow the important work being done here. I look forward to coming back to volunteer, attend dedications, and hear homeowner's stories.

Yours in partnership,

Dr. Cathy Collins

CEO

Join us for a virtual home dedication for Alex, Yuliana, & Family! This family just closed on a beautiful accessible Habitat home that will meet the needs of the whole family. Join us on Zoom as we celebrate with the new homeowners!

Get the Link! email Events Coordinator Suzanne Francis sfrancis@habitatcfc.org.

Join Habitat CFC for a Women Build Open House on Wednesday July 21st from 12-1pm. Find out more about Habitat CFC’s mission and how you can help. Learn how you can get involved by volunteering, advocating, donating, and more! We will discuss Women Build specific build days, Women Build events, and information about how to be a part of our organization.

If you would like to attend, please email aorfino@habitatcfc.org to get your Zoom link for the event!

When the COVID-19 pandemic took its grip on the world in 2020, we at Habitat CFC were in a bind when it came to finding volunteers who were both willing to participate and those that fell within our guidelines. In the summer of 2020, we were on the lookout for volunteers who were under 65 years of age who could volunteer with us more than once per week. In times like these you truly get to see who is willing to step up and help when the time comes.

One such volunteer that answered the call and continues to work with us is Greg Strub. Greg has been working with us since the early stages of the pandemic and continues to contribute, not only in skills alone but in his ability to attract other volunteers who are willing to make the same commitment.

Originally from NJ, Greg moved around the northeast after college and now resides in Norwalk, CT. He is retired from the Pepsi beverage division after 35 years in the manufacturing and engineering functions along with being Plant Director for 12 years. Before he retired, he was the Director of Engineering for Package Innovation.

Besides some single day events when he was a student mentor, Greg did not have much experience with volunteer work. Now retired, the work at Habitat CFC fits right in with his schedule. “That is one of the reasons I was anxious to make volunteering a major focus of my retirement activity and was hopeful that I could have a regular weekly commitment. I was very grateful to find an opportunity to work as a Core Volunteer with Habitat CFC.“

When asked what inspires him to continue to volunteer with us, Greg states, “Several times during the past year, I have walked to my car after a hard day’s work and had someone from the area stop to talk with me. Often, they are familiar with Habitat, know that I am a volunteer, and let me know that they appreciate what I am doing for their neighbors and their neighborhood. That is all the inspiration I need and more than I expected.”

Often potential volunteers are unsure about not having a background in construction. For Greg, that lack of knowledge did not take away from his experience at all. “That is one of the additional benefits of working with Project Managers at Habitat. You learn a great deal about building and maintaining a house and this knowledge gives you more confidence in taking on projects at home. Do not fear a lack of skill - you will have good and patient people helping you learn. Also, there is no downside in giving it a try - you will not embarrass yourself and you will not risk anything more than a day’s work. Grab some gloves!”

Thank you, Greg, for all that you do to help our families!

In June we started welcoming back corporate groups for build days. Over the past 15 months we had many inquiries about when we would begin having corporate volunteers back on our construction sites. And now companies are thrilled to hear that we are scheduling build days. We have made a few changes to our build day structure due to the pandemic including following CDC COVID-19 guidelines, having a maximum of one group of 10 volunteers per day and requiring corporate volunteers to be fully vaccinated, but for the most part, we are back to swinging hammers just as we always did.

“What is really exciting is that we have had many new companies call and ask how they can schedule a build day for their employees,” said Kristen Alvanson, Habitat CFC Director of Development. “After we have all gone through the pandemic, companies are interested in doing something positive for their employees as a way to increase morale and to help the local community.”

Our calendar is starting to fill up and this is great news all around because more volunteers mean we can build more houses for families in need of decent, affordable housing! For more information on Corporate Build Days, contact Kristen Alvanson by email at kalvanson@habitatcfc.org or by calling (203) 333-2642, ext. 109. For more information on volunteering as an individual, contact Anthony Orfino by email aorfino@habitatcfc.org or by calling (203) 333-2642, ext. 119.

We were all pleased that after an extended period of leave this year, Iris Cordero Taylor, former Director of Family Services, is able to return in a part-time capacity as the Community Engagement Liaison in the Communications & Outreach Department.

Drawing upon her strengths, she will be helping Habitat homeowners connect to the community and the community connect to Habitat CFC. Iris shared, “I am grateful that my health has returned to such a level that I can take on this new part-time position and remain connected to the work of Habitat.”

Selection of a new Director of Homeowner Services is in the final stages. A new director will be in place by the end of July.

Congratulations to our newest homeowners: Alex and Yuliana, and Ginny-Lynn, on closing on their beautiful new homes. We wish them many years of happy memories!

Congratulations to our Future Homeowners Jessica & Alan, and Nidia & Trino on completing all of their sweat equity hours! This is a major step in achieving their dream of homeownership.

Sweat equity can take many forms for future homeowners partnering with Habitat. It's a new homeowner investing work in their home or one for another family. It's an opportunity for families to help build their home alongside volunteers and play an active part in making their dream of owning a home a reality.

On Saturday, June 26, Habitat CFC dedicated the first three houses of our seven-home Granfield Avenue Development.

We were joined by donors, volunteers, sponsors, neighbors, elected officials, and the guests of honor- the three families who will soon purchase the homes!

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us, and thank you to everyone who had a part, large or small, in making this dream into a reality. The walls of these homes were built with love, and the families who live here will be surrounded by the support of the entire Habitat CFC community.

Our Virtual Benefit was a great success! Thank you to everyone who watched and gave, and thank you to our event sponsors.

We would also like to thank all those who who helped us make our video program--Nathaniel Hintz who donated his performance, Patrick Dalton and Sans Serif Recording for the video editing and music recording, and most of all, each of the homeowner families who took the time to share their stories! Thank you Janella & Jose, Dale & Marie, and Ariel & Suleyka...and their children!

During the first week of June, we kicked off our ReStore Customer Appreciation Week- a chance for us to say thank you to the shoppers and donors who sustain us. We celebrated with daily deals and sales, giveaways such as t-shirts and tote bags, and ended the week with balloons, popcorn, and a shred truck event.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the store during the week, and to all of our customers and donors. We appreciate you all year-round!

email preferred – donate@restorecfc.org

Learn more: bit.ly/cars4cfc