HOUSE THAT GRACE BUILT DEDICATED

The congregation of Millsboro's  Grace United Methodist Church generously donated the funds and 
Angela and her son
volunteer labor to build a new Habitat home.  They named their project The House that Grace BuiltAngelathe new homeowner, and her son joined many church members on Father's day, June 18th, to dedicate the  home and celebrate completion of construction. 
 
Volunteers from the church began building the home on the first Saturday of March and completed construction three months later, a commendable accomplishment, to be sure.  In addition, funds  contributed by the church were used to purchase the home site and building materials.  Students and faculty from Sussex Technical High  School installed the HVAC systems and volunteers from Atlantic Millworks installed cabinets, vanities, and
A printed song the given out during the dedication
 flooring.  The home dedication was, indeed, a community event. Grace United Methodist Volunteer Coordinator Lynne Wilmer presented Angela with a manual for the new home, a Bible signed by congregation members.   Millsboro Mayor John Thoroughgood handed Angela the ceremonial key signed by church volunteers and Habitat staff.  Mike and Judy Hall gave Angela a picture of the new home and a framed Habitat homeowner prayer.  In that presentation, Mike referenced the story of a turtle perched on a 
Angela's son lying down where is bed will go in his new home
fence post saying, "We cannot get  anywhere alone."  Finally, Pastor Ed Kuhling blessed the home while all who were present laid their hands  on the walls and prayed with him. 
 
On behalf of all who share a commitment to the Habitat for Humanity mission, we offer our most sincere thanks to the wonderful people of Grace United Methodist Church for building a home and giving renewed hope to a family in your community.
JOHNNY JANOSIK FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES $20,000
Pictured are Sussex Habitat Development Director Jay Gundy;  Johnny Janosik CEO Dan Welch, Chairman David Kohler, and Lori Morrison; John Evan, Johnny Janosik Foundation; Sussex Habitat Executive Director Kevin Gilmore; and, Barry Morrison, Johnny Janosik Foundation         

The Johnny Janosik Charitable Foundation presented a $20,000 check to Sussex County Habitat for Humanity from the proceeds of the 2016 Annual Johnny Janosik Charity Golf Tournament.  Johnny Janosik World of Furniture and the Janosik Foundation have been faithful and generous supporters of Sussex Habitat's  family empowerment, home construction, and neighborhood revitalization programs.  In addition, Johnny Janosik employees volunteer annually to build house frames and work on home construction sites.  Their support every year has a profound impact on Sussex Habitat and the families we serve.  Many, many thanks.  
  
Volunteer Voices
AMERICORPS MEMBERS BUILD ON LEGISLATIVE MALL
AmeriCorps Members, the Partner Family,  Governor John Carney,  and Habitat Staff

Highlighting National Homeownership Month, AmeriCorps Members from across Delaware gathered on June 13th for the 9th annual Habitat Framing Frenzy on Legislative Mall in Dover.  The wall frames are used in the construction of a new Habitat home in Dover.  This Legislative Mall event has become a state-wide tradition hosted by Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity.  Governor John Carney and several state legislators broke briefly from their duties in Legislative Hall across the street to join in the construction activities, sign wall frames, pose for photographs, and speak to AmeriCorps members and other volunteers.
 
Governor John Carney presented a proclamation emphasizing the importance of homeownership for the health and well-being of Delaware residents.  This annual event brings much-needed attention to affordable housing.  Also, it brings together AmeriCorps members serving in all three Delaware counties.  "It is marvelous the way this event builds teams for AmeriCorps members," said Nancy Greene, Sussex County Habitat's AmeriCorps Program Manager.
RV CARE-A-VANNER MIKE RETURNS 
He's back!  And, we are happy to see him.  Mike Humes, a Care-A-Vanner from Gilmer, Texas, built with Sussex County Habitat for two weeks in late April and early May.  We are very happy to welcome him back for two more weeks.  Care-A-Vanner volunteers travel from state to state in their own recreational vehicles.  Working on Habitat sites is part of their journey and their adventure.  Mike, a Master Safety Trainer for Habitat for Humanity International, teaches Competent Person Training Courses to volunteers and staff.  His home-on-the-road is a 34-foot 5th wheel travel trailer.   When he isn't teaching safety course, Mike joins other volunteers working on Habitat houses.
 
A formal Navy officer, Mike was stationed in Hawaii in 1984 when he was first introduced to Habitat for Humanity.  He has been building with Habitat affiliates ever since.   In 2012, Mike retired to Texas and joined the Care-A-Vanners a year later.  Annually he works at five to seven sites, conducting training courses along the way.
 
"I learn something new on every build. I spent two weeks standing in a hole building a walk-out basement with one affiliate, then built a stucco house in Colorado. Always a changing experience," Mike reported.  "Also, I love working with AmeriCorps.  They make a huge difference on the build." 
 
The Midwest is Mike's next destination.  He will be building homes and leading training courses in Oklahoma, Iowa, and Wyoming.  Mike, we wish you safe travels and look forward to seeing you again here in Sussex County.

ZWANNENDAEL WOMEN SUPPORT SUSSEX HABITAT
Pictured are Sussex Habitat Development Director Jay Gundy, Zwannendael Women's Club Vice President Cindy Winkler, and President Muriel Pfeiffer

At their June 21st meeting in Lewes, the Z wannendael Women's Club generously donated $500 to Sussex  County Habitat for Humanity.  The funds will support the family empowerment, home construction, and neighborhood revitalization programs.  Zwannendael Women's Club is part of the  General Federation of Women's Clubs dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.   Sussex County Habitat Development Director Jay Gundy accepted the check and thanked the club members.  "Some say it takes a village. The people who compose the Lewes "village" have a remarkable impact throughout Sussex County.  We are deeply grateful for your gift and for all  you do for the people of  Sussex County."
DELAWARE ELECTRIC CO-OP FEATURES SUSSEX HABITAT
DEC interviewing SCHFH Partner Family April Rash and Steven Efford

In August, Delaware Electric Cooperative will feature Sussex County Habitat for Humanity in  Delaware Living , their annual Co-Op magazine.  Delaware Living features stories about the Co-Op, their employees, and the communities they serve.   On June 7th, DEC representatives met with April Rash and Steven Efford on the Milton site where Sussex Habitat is building their future home.  Also, DEC interviewed Sussex Habitat Executive Director Kevin Gilmore and construction AmeriCorps Members Brittni Sullivan and Caitie Geoghegan.  They highlighted how the Habitat homeownership mission builds strength, stability and self-reliance in families.  We look forward the August issue of Delaware Living. 

SCHOOL BASED AMERICORPS SERVE ON BUILD SITE

On Saturday June 10th, 13 AmeriCorps Members serving the Great Oaks Charter School in Wilmington, Delaware joined Sussex County Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Members and construction regulars who are building a home in Milton.  Finishing a roof and installing windows in the new Habitat home was quite a change from their normal days tutoring 6th and 7th graders enrolled at the charter school.  It proved to be a productive opportunity for AmeriCorps members to share their experiences while working side-by-side for the day.

LEWES RESTORE AMBASSADOR CATHY BASENESE

Lead Ambassador is an unusual title for someone overseeing the day-to-day operations of a large retail store.  For Cathy Basenese at Lewes ReStore, the title is perfect.    Leader, organizer, champion, problem-solver, booster, backer, and diplomat, Cathy's highest priority is to make sure shoppers, donors, and volunteers have a good experience at the Lewes location. 
 
A year ago, Cathy joined Sussex County Habitat just as plans were finalized to add a second ReStore location on Route 9, three miles west of Route 1.  Tasked as project manager, she was responsible for readying the facility for the grand opening on March 4th.   The building, formerly occupied by Practically Yours Antiques, was perfect for ReStore's needs, but required refurbishing.   Working closely with Manager Mark Quigley and the Habitat ReStore team on a very ambitious timeline, the new location was ready to open as planned.
 
In 2013, Cathy moved from New Jersey to Southern Delaware.  Having worked for two decades as director of operations at Fortune 500 companies, she decided to explore real estate for a few years.  During a meeting with ReStore manager Mark Quigley and Executive Director Kevin Gilmore, Cathy said someday she would like to work at the ReStore.  She mentioned how she discovered ReStores while living in New Jersey.  A year later, Cathy was on board.
 
Now as Lead Ambassador, Cathy helps coordinate volunteers and manage staff.  She ensures donations are priced and properly displayed in the store.  And, she oversees sales and finances.   Cathy describes working with volunteers as  very rewarding.  "We developed a core group of regular volunteers. They do not need a lot of guidance; they are good at finding things that need attention. They have so much passion for what they are doing, including one volunteer who loves books.  So, we are building a book nook.  It's been enlightening.  They come to work for the community, to have fun, to give back.  They are a family."
 
Cathy sees a very bright future for the Lewes ReStore.  "This store will grow exponentially because of the community we are in.  In 20 years, I will be right here as a regular ReStore volunteer."
The Repair Report


A thank you note we recently recieved after a minor home repair.
Are you a homeowner in Seaford or Laurel? Would you like to see if you qualify for our major or minor repairs program? Call Audrey Miller, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, at  302-855-1153 x207  or click below for more information. We'd love to partner with you!

NOW HIRING...   Looking for a meaningful job where you can make a difference?
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is hiring!
Construction Director  (Full Time): The Construction Director is responsible for all aspects of the homebuilding and rehabilitation program of SCHFH. This is a senior level management position reporting to the Executive Director and is a member of the organization's management team. Click here for a full position description.

Construction Site Supervisor  (Full & Part Time): The Site Supervisor is responsible for "hands-on" residential home construction at SCHFH construction sites. The Site Supervisor is also responsible for scheduling and leadership of Construction AmeriCorps, volunteers and partner family members, as well as project planning, site organization and safety, and property management. The main role of the Site Supervisor is to add support for the Construction Manager by ensuring that volunteers, homeowners and staff work in a safe, efficient and productive environment.  Click here for a full position description.

Neighborhood Revitalization Site Supervisor  (Part Time): The Neighborhood Revitalization (NR) Site Supervisor is responsible for all owner-occupied home repairs and NR projects performed by SCHFH. The NR Site Supervisor schedules, manages, and performs repairs and NR projects, overseeing work planning, site organization, and safety. Additionally, the NR Site Supervisor is responsible for leading an NR AmeriCorps member, volunteers, homeowners, and subcontractors. Click here for a full position description.

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to apply@sussexcountyhabitat.org and put the job title in the subject line.
Framing Fragments- Updates on Current Builds
Ellendale
619 South Lee Ave.
Final Inspections

622 South Lee Ave.
Final Painting

Washington Ave.
Walls up, Preparing for Trusses

Millsboro
140 Hudson Alley (The House that Grace Built)
Final Inspections

Milton
14446 Collins St.
Roofing and Siding Prep

Lot 12 Collins Street
Preparing for Foundation
AmeriCorps Member Profiles- Anthony 

Inspiration 








  Questions? Ready to Volunteer? 
  E-mail Programs Director Barbara Ward at
or call 302-855-1153 x211

  We welcome all  - individuals and groups - to build with us at anytime: This is what our founder, Millard Fuller , called the Theology of the Hammer .

In This Issue

Quick Links







SCHFH is a Proud Member of the AmeriCorps National Service Network


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