Being Thankful
 
This week in particular, I have been thinking about being thankful.  In my personal life, I am so thankful to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends who support and love me and I try to show them often how much I appreciate them. 

I attempt to do the same at Habitat, but saying thank you is something I do every day - to our volunteers, our investors, and everyone who makes it all possible.  At times, it can almost seem routine and perhaps my thank yous become a bit flat. I never intend it to be so, but when I am rushing by the breakroom or focused on budget items, sometimes real appreciation seems lost.   

This is one reason I like this time of year so much.  It makes me stop, take stock in what blessings have really been bestowed and make an effort to let others know how truly grateful I am for their involvement with Habitat. 

From the volunteers who drive the nails, to each Board member faithfully governing this organization, to the committee members who give so much of their time, I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  I would also like to express my gratitude for each of you who choose to make Habitat an investment. This generosity of time, treasure and talent gives families a place to call home and it allows us to improve the quality of life right here in our own county.

So from Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, thank you all for believing in and acting upon our mission. I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by the things you are truly thankful for as well. 

 
Brenda Egolf-Fox

Executive Director

  Habitat for Humanity

of Montgomery County
And Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
cordially invite you to join

us for the dedication of
333 & 335 Linden Avenue in

North Hills, PA

 

  Saturday, December 13, 2008
10:00 a.m.
333 & 335 Linden Avenue,
North Hills, PA

 

Special thanks to our sponsors: 
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Thrivent Builds with Habitat
Lower Montgomery County Chapter of Thrivent Builds,
Upper Montgomery County Chapter of Thrivent Builds,

Barton Partners Architectural Firm

Liberty Property Trust

And all the churches and volunteers who gave of their
time, talent and treasure to support our build.
 
Kindly RSVP:  Beth 610-278-7710 or

habitat@habitatmontco.org

 

The journey a Habitat for Humanity partner family embarks upon to become a homeowner is a rewarding one, but it is not easy. While waiting for their home to be complete, families are required to put in 200 hours of sweat equity, attend classes on homeownership and work with a Habitat "partner" - a member of the partnerhip committee, completing their application and generally preparing for homeownership. 

The Family Partnership Committee helps our families through this extremely rewarding process.  They are a family's mentor, friend and advocate, empowering them to become great homeowners.  Through a 5 week Cornerstone Workshop, they educate families on the various aspects of homeownership, including repairs and maintenance, handling their credit, budgeting, maintaining healthy lifestyles and how to be good neighbors.  These workshops not only provide valuable information to our families, but they build and strengthen relationships through the fellowship of sharing a meal and sharing issues or concerns with each other.
 
The committee members are there for each family, from the time they start their sweat-equity hours, to the final mortgage process to the culminating day that their home is dedicated, when the keys are turned over.  The dedication of Habitat homes is the most rewarding experience for the committee members, knowing that the families are making a better life for themselves. Members continue to work with Habitat families for six months beyond the date they move in to their home.  Watching families gain confidence and knowledge makes for a completely amazing and rewarding experience.
 
Habitat is currently seeking new members for the Family Partnership Committee.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the Family Partnership Committee, please contact Beth McGee at rrbam@ccis.net or 610-323-6884 or Darcy Gallouedec at darcy@habitatmontco.org.