September 2021 Newsletter

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: DAVE KAUPPILA

Photo: Dave Kauppila (left) | October of 2017

Dave Kauppila has been dedicating his time to helping HFHWM build homes across the community for over five years. After initially learning about Habitat for Humanity from one of his coworkers in Michigan, he decided to pursue a volunteer role following his retirement in 2014.

With some previous background in cabinet making and carpentry, Dave felt right at home joining the ranks of the “Thursday Crew” and has further developed his skillset since he began volunteering.

To date, Mr. Kauppila has been involved on nearly 50 Habitat homes throughout Williamson and Maury county.

From trim and painting, to rehab and renovations, Dave’s work has spanned a variety of hands-on projects. He jokingly quotes their crew saying “these houses aren’t going to build themselves!”

On a more serious note, he reflects on seeing families grow together in a safe and secure home. “The homes we build, the people we help, they end up in a better situation. Seeing moms and kids playing in the yard… knowing they are in a better situation now. I’m happy to be changing lives.” And he certainly is!

Dave urges anyone who has an interest in working with Habitat to take just one day to come out and see what we’re all about. “At the end of the day, you may find new skills you never knew you had!”

If you have what Dave calls the “do-it-yourself bug” and you’re looking for a fun way to meet great people, get out, or learn/refine handy skills, HFHWM would be happy to have you volunteer with us!

Contact our wonderful Volunteer Coordinator, Lexi Bolinski to find a volunteer experience that is right for you.

OCTOBER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Who's ready for some fall festivities? We sure are! On October 30th we will be attending Pumpkinfest in downtown Franklin and would love a few lively, energetic folks to help man the information booth.

Pumpkinfest runs from 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM and we will be dividing out the day into two-hour shifts. We will be passing out brochures, talking to potential volunteers, and promoting HFHWM.

If you're interested in volunteering at Pumpkinfest, email lbolinksi@hfhwm.org

MEET OUR NEW DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Please join us in welcoming April Kiser to our HFHWM family! April recently relocated to the Nashville area from Tampa, Florida and brings with her years of experience in fundraising, events, marketing, and education.

She most recently served as Development Director for a small but mighty nonprofit organization in Tampa, empowering women to achieve financial independence through a variety of programs, including Women Building Futures, Senior Home Improvement Services (SHIP), Workforce Development, Women’s Business Centre, and Centre for Girls.

After graduating from Florida Southern Collage with a Bachelor of Science in Communications, April worked as an on-air personality for a heritage country radio station in Lakeland, Florida then transitioned into an 11-year career as a high school English and reading teacher in both Ocala and Clearwater, Florida. In 2014, April moved to Saint Joseph, Michigan, and accepted a marketing and events position with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce. A year and another move later, April was back in Central Florida and working as Marketing Manager for the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

When away from the office, April spends time with her husband, Andrew, and their German Shepherd, Marty. From parks and historic sites to restaurants and live music, the couple has not only been impressed with all the attractions Nashville has to offer but also the friendly, warm welcome they receive from everyone they meet.