AmeriCorps and Habitat

Imagine dedicating a year of your life performing community service in…New Jersey!  Meet Ashley Griffiths and Martin Cozzola, two AmeriCorps members at Burlington County Habitat for Humanity. 

Ashley and Martin

Introducing Ashley 

"The most rewarding thing about being an AmeriCorps member with Habitat is going to a home dedication and knowing that you've helped a family get into that home and sharing their joy," said Ashley when we spoke.

Ashley Griffiths (the "s" in her last name is silent just like it is in AmeriCorps) is from Levittown, Pennsylvania.  She graduated college in 2010 and she wanted to be a teacher, but as you might suspect it wasn't the best time to get a teaching job.  Still wanting to make a difference in the world, she became an AmeriCorps National member.   Her assignment is for 1700 hours of service. 

As the Family Services Coordinator for Habitat, Ashley guides families through the application process.  Once they are approved, she helps them meet the requirements of the Sweat Equity component of the Affordable Homeownership Program.  Partner families must take homeowner preparation classes and volunteer their time to "give back" to Habitat.  She is their advocate and point of contact.  

Here's what she had to say about her role at Habitat:

Introducing Martin

"I recently went to my first home dedication.  Seeing the family's excitement about things that I've always taken for granted such as a washer and dryer was really gratifying," said Martin.

Martin Cozzola, is from a suburb outside of Chicago.  He graduated from college last April. He's always been interested in community service, dating back to his days of being an Eagle Scout.  Martin is an AmeriCorps VISTA member.   VISTA members work behind the scenes to eliminate poverty.  He eventually wants to go to law school and use his education to continue to fight poverty.  His service is for 12 months. 

Martin's role is to act in an advisory capacity to determine how to increase revenue per square foot in the Habitat ReStore.  He is also working on a business plan for a second store.  Martin makes recommendations on the best way to utilize the space in the store.  As a VISTA member, one of his requirements is that anything he implements should be sustainable after he leaves.  

One of the biggest challenges for Martin is that the VISTA program prohibits him from providing direct service.  Therefore, he is not allowed to help customers in the ReStore.  He finds it very difficult to tell people that he cannot help them.

Here's what Martin had to say about his experience with AmeriCorps and Habitat:

AmeriCorps Training

This past fall, Ashley and Martin attended a conference in Taladega, Alabama for AmeriCorps members who work for Habitat.  It was a great way to meet other AmeriCorps members.  Ashley attended a program on family service while Martin attended one on the Restore. 

In May they will be going to Milwaukee for an intensive week of home building with others from AmeriCorps.  While the National program allows Ashley to build, it's the only time during Martin's service that he actually gets to build a house.  

Kudos 

Thanks to Ashley and Martin who only receive a very small stipend during their service with AmeriCorps.  They are helping to make dreams come true in Burlington County!  

The AmeriCorps Pledge

I will get things done for America - 
to make our people safer,
 smarter, and healthier.



I will bring Americans together 
to strengthen our communities.



Faced with apathy, 
I will take action.



Faced with conflict, 
I will seek common ground.



Faced with adversity, 
I will persevere.



I will carry this commitment 
with me this year and beyond.



I am an AmeriCorps member, 
and I will get things done.

Ashley and Martin recently received the following award:

MOTHERHOOD AND HABITAT

Today’s story is about motherhood and Habitat.  It’s about a new mom who realized that even though she left her career to be a stay-at-home mother, she could still use her talents to help others.  This story is about Brady’s mom, Christine Catanella. 

Chris & Brady

Once upon a time, Chris was a professional event planner.  Last year, after Brady was born, she left her “paid” job to be home with her son.  At that time, Chris  found a new way to use her event planning skills.  She offered them to Burlington County Habitat for Humanity and became the Chairperson of their annual fundraising gala. 

Local Habitat Reaches Around The World

Todd (left), Andy (right)

 Part 2: Andy’s Story

Have you ever wondered, “What is my life purpose? Am I doing the things I’m here on this planet to do?” 

If so, you’ll be inspired when you read Andy’s story.  This is the second part of at two-part blog about how two leaders from the Burlington County Habitat for Humanity who are already doing great things in the local community went to Haiti with the Carter Work Project.

I met Andy Pagenkopf at Panera’s in Mt. Laurel on a Saturday afternoon.   It was so crowded it was hard to find a seat.  I was happy to see a local business thriving.

Once again, the magic of Habitat connected two strangers as Andy spoke from his heart and soul about his trip to Haiti and how it changed his life.

We started with the basics.  Andy has been on the Property & Acquisition Committee of Habitat’s Board for about 3 years.  Andy is in the construction field, so it’s a natural fit.  He sees opportunities for growth at Burlington County Habitat and he is committed to helping them prosper.

As soon as Andy heard about the opportunity to build homes in Haiti he volunteered to go.  He believes that Habitat is there to help anywhere in the world, no matter how many obstacles get in the way.  He thinks that the Carter project in Haiti exemplifies this.  After the earthquake, so many people died that it was difficult for the government to determine land ownership.  There is no infrastructure in place that makes it easy for Haiti to get worldwide help.  Land ownership is decided on a case-by-case basis. Habitat has been willing to persevere for the past two years through all of the government’s requirements and follow the proper channels to bring the project to fruition.

Andy spoke of the things that touched him most while in Haiti:

·          Haiti’s President, Michel Martelly, told the Habitat volunteers that their work will be written in Haiti’s history books in gold (the head of Habitat in Haiti is now part of the new President’s cabinet).

·         The people of Haiti are proud and high-spirited and even though they live in tents, their children come to school every day well dressed in vibrant colors with “bows in their hair and tassels on their shoes.”

·          Andy worked alongside corporate executives, famous musicians and politicians and everyone was treated as an equal and they were all there to turn Habitat’s goal of building 50,000 homes in the next 5 years into a reality.

Andy told me that the reason Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world is because they were the first country to abolish slavery and the surrounding countries stopped trading with them.  “They were trying to do the right thing,” he said.

I asked Andy if building in Haiti was life changing for him. Andy told me that it has redefined his life’s direction.  He is now working with Habitat International to bring water and solar power to Haiti.  He has been in the construction industry for a long time and he gets pleasure helping families who can’t afford a home get one.  Initially, he got involved with Habitat because he thought it was a “cool” organization.  He now understands on a much larger scale what Habitat means not just on a local level in Burlington County, but worldwide.

As our meeting came to an end, we talked about the next generation.  Andy believes that technology and social media have truly made it a global world and the next generation will understand that this is global community and they will take care of each other!

Thanks to Todd and Andy for sharing their stories. For more information about how you can make a difference in Burlington County or worldwide, contact Todd Ermer at (856) 303-8080 x 214. Todd is also happy to speak with groups about the trip to Haiti.

Local Habitat Reaches Around The World

 Part 1: Todd’s Story  

Imagine…

·      Living for a week in a tent in one of the poorest countries in the world

·      Shaking hands with Jimmy Carter

·      Working side-by-side with nine other people to build two houses in one week

·      Eating food personally served by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks

·      Being one of 400 people who built 100 houses for the homeless in Haiti!!

Meet Todd Ermer, Executive Director for Burlington County Habitat for Humanity.  He spent a week in November, 2011 doing exactly that, along with Board member, Andy Pagenkopf.  Below is Todd’s story, in Part one of a two-part story. Stay tuned for Andy’s story next.

Video from 2011 Carter Work Project - One week, 100 homes

How It All Began

It all started with tithing, which is defined by merriam-webster.com as, “to give a tenth of one's income as a tithe.”

Every local Habitat is required to give 10% of their annual undesignated funds to support programs in developing countries where Habitat works.  When you contribute to your local Habitat, you are actually reaching around the world to help those in need of housing.

Each Habitat affiliate gets to designate which programs they would like to support.  Our Burlington County affiliate is currently supporting post-earthquake efforts in Haiti.  Along with their financial contribution, came an opportunity to send two people to participate in the 2011 Carter Work Project. 

The Preparation

It was a little unnerving at first, because Todd had to get typhoid and hepatitis shots and had to take anti-malaria medication.  He was told that the living conditions would be very primitive – no showers or real toilets for a week.

As part of the Carter Work Project, Todd and 400 other Habitat volunteers began their trip in Atlanta, Georgia.  Delta flew them for free to Port Au Prince airport. 

The Reality

Todd was pleasantly surprised to discover that a special camp had been set up for them, along with real toilets, showers and an air-conditioned dining tent.  They slept in tents, some provided by U.S. Rotary groups on which the Rotary logo was proudly displayed on the tents. They were well fed too by an Irish organization, Haven, which provided meals.

Their goal was to build 100 houses in a week.  They were split into crews of 10 and each group built two houses that were 200 square feet with concrete floors and no indoor plumbing.  They used metal brackets (hurricane clips) to help ensure that the houses would be resistant to future hurricanes and earthquakes.

This was the first permanent settlement since the earthquake.  It turns out that getting clear title to land is tricky business in Haiti.

Although they didn’t speak English, the future homeowners worked alongside the crew to build their homes.  Since there aren’t enough houses yet for everyone, the local community members (who currently reside in tents or other makeshift structures) decide who gets the first houses.

Famous Encounters

In spite of being in their 80s, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter were there building alongside of everyone.  Jimmy even shook Todd’s hand (rumor has it that he still hasn’t washed that hand!)

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks were there too, serving food.  The best part was a private concert for Habitat workers.

The Haitian President also came to the work site to thank everyone.

Heartwarming

While not everyone in Haiti welcomed the Americans with open arms and the language was a barrier, Todd says that he met a lot of amazing people and he felt great about the work they did.  They were there for Veteran’s Day and a moving ceremony was held that included singing, special readings, and a profound moment of silence on what was just moments before a busy construction site.  There was a very palpable feeling of unity all week, but especially at that moment since volunteers from almost 20 different countries participated in this remembrance. 

“It was very inspiring to be part of such an event and to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Todd.  He shared a picture of a sign posted at the work site that says it all:

“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that.  Then I realized I was somebody.” – Lily Tomlin-

What’s Next?

Todd is looking to share his heartwarming story and photos with local groups who may be interested in learning more.  Next fall, Habitat may have an opportunity to send volunteers to Haiti to continue the great work being done by Habitat International.  For more information, contact Todd Ermer at (856) 303-8080 x 214. 

Stay tuned for Andy’s story on February 12th.

Todd 

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT GOODS, GREAT PRICES

What do these people all have in common?

• Contractors who need building materials
• Homeowners who are remodeling their homes
• College students who are getting their first apartment
• High school students who are fulfilling community service requirements
• Retirees who want to give back to the community
• Special needs students who want to get life and work skills
• Rehab patients with stroke or head injuries who are planning to go back to the workforce
• Anyone who loves a bargain 

They all shop or volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Burlington County!

I interviewed Marianne Reddick, Habitat’s ReStore Manager.  She spoke passionately about the people who donate, shop and volunteer at the ReStore.  I learned that customers come back so often that everyone is on a first-name basis.  In fact, customers like the ReStore so much, many of them end up volunteering to work there. 

Shopping At The ReStore

People come from as far away as Philadelphia to shop at the ReStore.  Whether you’re just starting out, working on home repairs, remodeling or looking for a bargain for your home or business, the ReStore can be an attractive option. 

As you can see from the pictures below, you never know what you might find at the ReStore.  It all depends upon what has been donated. They carry everything from furniture to sewing machines.  Couches average $100 and you can get a leather couch for $200. 

You can even purchase artwork and antiques.  They’ve sold a lithograph signed by artist Peter Max, from the NY Marathon ad campaign as well as a lamp from the 1800s by Meissen Group.

Local Businesses Donate Products To The ReStore

In a prior posting, I wrote about Jantek and how they’ve discovered that it makes good business sense to donate to the ReStore.  Other examples include:

• Nuss Construction Company donates the products they remove during a job, such as cabinets.             
• Ultra Hardware donates new products that don’t meet their specifications but are perfectly fine for the average consumer, for example, hinges.
• Power Windows donates new merchandise that has been returned.

Volunteering At The ReStore

The ReStore is much more than a place to donate to or shop at.  It is a place where relationships form and people learn new skills; for example:

• Habitat partners with local schools and government agencies so that people with learning and developmental challenges can work at the ReStore in order to get life and work skills.  In many cases a coach comes with them to work.
• Habitat also partners with a neurological rehabilitation center whose patients have had a stroke or head injury and the program is integrated into their rehab. 
• Families who receive a Habitat house have to “give back” 500 hours to Habitat.  (This is called sweat equity)  They often end up working at the ReStore. 
• People of all ages work at the ReStore - sometimes to satisfy community service requirements and other times because they believe in giving back to the community.  You’ll see students, baseball teams and retirees working there at any given time.

Marianne told me that she welcomes suggestions from customers and has incorporated many of their ideas.  She spoke with pride about Habitat, its mission and the role of The ReStore. 

Check It Out

Whether you want to shop, donate, volunteer or simply learn more about Habitat, come visit the ReStore located at 1702 Taylors Lane, Cinnaminson, NJ or call 856-303-8080.   Hours of operation are:

Tuesday: 10 AM – 7 PM

Wednesday: 9 AM – 7 PM

Thursday: 9 AM – 7 PM

Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM

Saturday: 9 AM – 2 PM

ReStore Pictures

                       

                         

                                    

                                   

       

Chatting With Harry

 “Do the best you can and it becomes the fabric of your life.”

 -Harry Bagot, Habitat Board President- 

Nonprofits depend upon their community leaders to become board members and help them formulate the strategies necessary to carry out their mission. Today’s blog post is about Harry Bagot, Board President of the Burlington County Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

I first got to know Harry on a cold night in December at the Dicken’s Festival in Medford, when we worked at the outreach table together. I’m always impressed with leaders who are willing to freeze with you on the front line!

Harry joined the board about 7 years ago when he was in property management and has been the president for a little over 3 years. He first got involved with Habitat through a project he did with Sacred Heart Church in Camden. In his “other job,” he is the President and CEO of U.S. Fuel Corporation. 

Donating Household Items To The Restore

I used to collect ducks.  Not live ones, but the kind that look really cute when you choose a “country look” to decorate your house.  Seventeen years ago, I moved and decided to change to a new decorating style. 

What do you think happened to the ducks and all of my country accessories when I moved?

1. I put them in a box and moved them into my new basement
2. I gave them as holiday presents
3. I donated them to Habitat for Humanity 

Visiting Jantek

Like me, you’ve probably had the experience where a custom ordered product had to be returned because it wasn’t what you ordered or someone measured incorrectly. 

Have you ever wondered what happens to those products?  Do they just get wasted?

My travels took me to a local business that has figured out that it makes a lot of sense to donate returned products to Habitat for Humanity. 

My Interview With A Habitat Volunteer

Meeting Nelson

My first interview took place at the Sage Diner in Mt. Laurel.  That’s where I first met Nelson.  We have one thing in common – we are both Habitat volunteers.   His employer gives him and his co-workers the opportunity to get paid to volunteer at Habitat instead of going to their “real job” that day. 

As soon as I met Nelson, an employee at Davis Enterprises, I knew that I had met a good man.  He’d been working since early that morning and would have a long commute home, but he offered to share his story with me after work.  Over tea, toast and soup (I do recommend the split pea soup at the Sage Diner), we talked about Habitat. 

A Fun Time At The Dickens Festival

This weekend, on Saturday evening, Habitat co-sponsored the Dickens Festival in downtown Medford.  It was a festive event complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice sculptures, carriage and trolley rides, the lighting of the Christmas tree, music, food and much more! 

I had the opportunity to join Habitat employees, Board members and volunteers in representing Habitat.  Many people stopped by our table to chat, learn about Habitat or make a donation.  There were inquiries about volunteering, donating to the ReStore and applying for a house. 

No one seemed to mind the cold and it was a fun family event for people of all ages as well as some four-legged family members!

My First Visit To The Construction Site

I'd like to tell you about my visit to Kern Street with two Habitat employees, Caitlin and Rebecca.  Caitlin is the Public Relations & Procurement Coordinator and Rebecca is the Resource Development Manager.  

As soon as we arrived on Kern Street, which is located in Cinnaminson, I realized that this would be a nice place for a Habitat Partner Family to live. In this particular case, there are two houses under construction.