Happy May!

We are enjoying the Spring weather here at Habitat. Our dedicated volunteers continue to work with us as we build affordable homes for low-income, working families. We welcome applications year-round. So, if you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about our homeownership program, please have them call us for more information. We are always seeking volunteers also, to help us build more homes.

We value diversity here at Habitat. Each month, we try to recognize different cultures through our social media platforms. It is our diversity that makes Habitat for Humanity CFC such a strong organization. On Wednesday, June 15th at 12 noon, we will celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month via zoom with Brent Peterkin, Executive Director of Gather New Haven, serving as our presenter. Mr. Peterkin is known for his extensive work across CT as it relates to communities of color and marginalized communities.

As we cautiously continue to step forward into familiar surroundings, I look forward to thanking each of you personally for all that you do for Habitat CFC!

On Tuesday, May 10th, the Family Selection Committee held a Meet & Greet and onboarding for its newest member Valerie King. We are delighted to welcome Valerie King to this Committee. Valerie is a vendor partner of Building Neighborhoods Together, a Board member of the Minority Business Association, and has more than ten years of experience as a Real Estate professional.

The Family Selection Committee (FSC) is a fundamental team that supports Habitat CFC’s success. The Committee comprises volunteers who work directly with Habitat CFC staff, the Board of Directors and families. The selection process will open the door to a positive, trusting relationship between prospective homeowners and Habitat. The FSC member meets the future homeowner at their home, to ascertain the applicant's need for housing and willingness to partner with Habitat CFC.

We thank all the Family Selection Committee members: Katherine Roberts, Charles Griggs, Anne Dalton, Kartisha Hall and Valerie King, for their willingness to help Habitat CFC as we seek to build community and improve lives by partnering with low-income working families, community volunteers, and donors to build decent and affordable homes in stable and welcoming neighborhoods.

Sarah is originally from Windham New Hampshire and moved to Fairfield in 2014. Currently a stay-at-home mom, Sarah decided that when her youngest child was old enough to go to school, she would come and volunteer with Habitat CFC. She had never really done any committed volunteer work before. Most of her volunteer work had been one-off days at different organizations, but this time Sarah wanted to be more involved.

Sarah’s initial impression of Habitat was different than her first experience volunteering. “I did not realize I would actually be building. I was excited, but I was also nervous because I had never used power tools before. The most I had done was hammered a few nails in my life. Next thing I know I was siding a house, going up on scaffolding, and using a table saw!”

Sarah has been involved with our Women Build volunteer days, the Habitat CFC Annual Golf Outing, and our Annual Benefit Committee, where she helped with planning and securing silent auction items. She even got a couple of friends to put together a group to donate and volunteer with Habitat. Recently, Sarah has convinced her husband and his coworkers to secure a golf foursome at this year’s golf outing.

Sarah feels that Habitat for Humanity does an excellent job with volunteers because,

When asked what she would say to anyone who is thinking of getting involved in volunteer work with Habitat CFC, Sarah said, “A little bit of your time can make a significant difference. All you have to do is set aside one day and you make such an impact. On my first day, we sided half of a house in only a few hours. Do not feel like you must make a big commitment to have a substantial impact.”

Thank you, Sarah, for all that you do!!

Join us for the third in a four-part series hosted and moderated by Habitat CFC CEO Carolyn Vermont. These free, one-hour virtual events are a chance for us to hear from community leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Brent Peterkin is the Executive Director of Gather New Haven. Gather New Haven focuses on cultivating strong and varied experiences that connect communities to nature, and the organization's work involves managing and supporting green spaces, including community gardens, urban farms, and nature preserves, while also leading impactful programs on health and wellness, positive youth development, and environmental education.

Before joining Gather New Haven, Brent focused on criminal justice issues as the Statewide Director for Project Longevity which focuses on marshaling law enforcement agencies and communities to focus on group and gang gun violence. Brent has also focused on global poverty, early childhood development, and emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges of high school-aged youth.

Mark your calendars! The 29th Annual Habitat CFC Golf Outing will take place on Monday, September 19, 2022. Join us at The Country Club of Fairfield for a day of golf

10:30 AM Check-in, Driving Range Opens

11:00 AM BBQ

12:00 PM Shotgun Start – Best Ball

5:00 PM Cocktails, Buffet Dinner, Silent Auction

5:30 PM Golf Awards, Brief Program

The ReStore will be holding our annual Customer Appreciation Day on

Saturday, June 4^th from 10 AM – 4 PM. This is a day devoted to celebrating our patrons who in turn support our mission!

Address:

Phone: 203-383-4358

Email: manager@restorecfc.org

You can keep even more materials out of landfills by donating your gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials to our Stratford Habitat Restore!

Drop Off Your Donation | 1785 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT

email preferred – donate@restorecfc.org