Families building the American dream through Habitat for Humanity in RochesterDid you know that each Flower City Habitat family contributes at least 300 hours of sweat equity as part of our homebuyer program? Today we had five Habitat families working on the construction sites! Alongside their family members and our construction team, five Habitat homebuyers participated in the construction of their new homes — directly building their American Dream. After the morning (and working up a good appetite), Amiel’s the Original Submarine provided complimentary sub platters, chips, cookies, and bottled water to everyone on the construction sites to help power them through the afternoon of building. Thank you! Check out the news stories below to hear from three Habitat families and from our Family Services Manager, Tim Guillemette. Thanking Kelly Glover for 14+ years of service A letter from CEO, Matt Flanigan: Today I share the news that Kelly Glover, our Flower City Habitat for Humanity CFO, has been offered a new challenge at another organization; a challenge she has accepted. Kelly will remain with us through November and begin her tenure as CFO at The Center for Governmental Research (CGR) in December. Kelly has served the mission and families of FCHH with heart and grace since 2005 when she joined the staff as “Housing Services Manager”. In 2008, she ascended to the position of CFO, a role in which she has guided the financial health of our organization through her diligence and keen insights. When I began my tenure with FCHH, I would quite often find myself in her office not only for help in understanding our complex financials (which remains the case to this day!) but also understanding the fabric and true underpinnings of this wonderful ministry’s culture and presence in our community. In the past few years, Kelly has grown her role as CFO, added HR responsibilities and has been an important voice on our management team. Her presence in the creation of our annual budget, and its ongoing stewarding is one of the strong passions and talents that she shares so freely! In addition, if you’ve been to a house dedication, fundraising event or a luncheon of late, chances are you experience Kelly as the one whom we often turn to for leading our grace, as she welcomes us into her personal conversation with her loving God. There is no doubt that her quiet faith has brought blessings to many individuals as well as this organization as a whole. Moving forward, our transition plan is in place and as we begin to implement, please forward any and all questions regarding finance to Sue Feuerherm and I. While I am sad on a personal level to lose Kelly and her presence on our team, I am thrilled for her as I know she will adeptly rise to the challenges and exciting new opportunities that will be presented as she assumes this new role. I have no doubt she will positively impact CGR as she has Flower City Habitat. Matthew J. Flanigan, MPA President & CEO Flower City Habitat for Humanity Side porch framing and interior drywall installed at 105 Holworthy Street (Fastrac / Bank of America / Women Build)The snow definitely didn't seem to bother the NAWIC Women Build team! The side porch is now framed and interior drywall almost done! NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) is obviously a great fit for our Women Build program, but you don't have to have any experience to build with us. Learn more about Women Build at: www.rochesterhabitat.org/womenbuild Front porch decking and interior drywall installed at 105 Holworthy Street (Fastrac / Bank of America / Women Build)The Women Build Steering Committee braved the cold to work on the front porch decking and interior drywall at 105 Holworthy Street.
Fastrac, Bank of America, and Women Build have all contributed financially and with volunteer hours to make 105 Holworthy possible; but the Women Build teams have been volunteering multiple days every week throughout the build. Because of this dedicated volunteer force, 105 Holworthy is the furthest along of the four new homes being build on Holworthy Street! Interested in volunteering with Women Build? Visit: www.rochesterhabitat.org/womenbuild Pies and coffee to build homesEach year, several of our volunteer-run supporting coalitions sell pies to build Habitat homes. Sweet deal right?
In addition to the well-known and delicious pies from Kelly's Farm Market; our pie champions are now also partnering with Special Touch Bakery and Coffee Connection to make our annual pie sale even more impactful! Kelly's Farm Market (Hilton, NY) is a long-time partner of the Habitat pie sale. Pies are made from scratch with fruit grown on the farm and no preservatives. Special Touch Bakery is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide training and employment, in the community, to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Coffee Connection is a nonprofit program and business that offers sober support and employment training/creation for women in recovery from addiction and trauma. Treat your loved ones to delicious pie and coffee this holiday season while building homes, community, hope — and empowerment — in Rochester! How to order:
These groups are all raising money to support Flower City Habitat's mission and vision. Now you can have your pie, your coffee – and build Habitat homes too! Order today! Bob August honored as 2019 Outstanding Philanthropist Last Friday we joined the AFP Genesee Valley in honoring local philanthropy, including a person very close to our mission. At Flower City Habitat, Bob August is a regular "Hammer & Saw" construction volunteer, member of our Board of Directors, a generous donor, and so much more. It was a joy to see his philanthropy work celebrated and to learn more about the other organizations he supports. Please help us congratulate Bob for the well deserved distinction of AFP's Outstanding Philanthropist of 2019! ------------ From the RBJ: While humble and quiet about his deeds, Robert W. August’s actions send a strong message about fulfilling one’s duty to help others when you can. He always takes the initiative to get things done and knows when to ask for help. “While it is true that Bob carries out several community commitments,” Tom Hildebrandt of The Davenport-Hatch Foundation explained endorsing August’s nomination, “I have consistently seen that he manages to give high quality ‘time, talent, and treasure’ to each.” August starts with causes that are near and dear to his heart and his family. As a trustee of Hillside Family of Agencies Children’s Center, August leveraged his connections and advocacy to provide a lead gift towards the $1 million renovation of Camp Possibilities, a summer day camp serving 400. August’s support of Hillside’s nationally recognized Work-Scholarship Connection also helps at-risk youth graduate from high school and continue their education or enter the workforce. At Hope Hall School, which receives no state or school district funding, August’s efforts help fuel educational opportunities for students who struggle with learning challenges. In addition to making 101 personal gifts to Hope Hall, August helped to raise $4 million to build the high school and hire the necessary teachers. Eighty-seven percent of Hope Hall students live in poverty, so August cultivated support from the community to ensure the school can continue to give $400,000 in scholarships each year. August has been a long-term and fully committed annual donor, board member, and faithful friend of Flower City Habitat for Humanity for over 16 years. As an on-site volunteer, August worked alongside Habitat homebuyers, adding his sweat equity hours to theirs. The two houses he helped to build are now homes that promote revitalization and growth in their neighborhoods. August saw the need for a box transport truck at the construction site and personally supported its purchase. Habitat’s Vacant and Abandoned House Initiative began at the behest of the city of Rochester. August turned to the August Family Foundation for seed money to renovate a house on Parsells Avenue. Soon other private, foundation, and corporate donations followed, allowing for the renovation of six more houses. August may not realize his influence, but he is a pacesetter that others follow. “Bob is not bashful about sharing ideas for programs that could benefit from our mutual support,” said Hildebrandt. “A grant from the August Family Foundation is an incredible endorsement that other potential funders invariably take notice of.” Habitat families graduate from Foodlink Cooking Matters programThanks to a sponsorship from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, 20 Flower City Habitat families were able to join volunteer culinary and nutrition experts to learn to select nutritious and low-cost ingredients and prepare them in ways that provide the best nourishment possible to their families. Learn more about the program at: https://foodlinkny.org/fight_hunger/cooking-matters |
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