A world where everyone has a decent place to live
SPRING 2015
Phone: (812) 423-5623 • Fax: (812) 423-3362 • www.evansvillehabitat.org • Find us on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube
Strategic Plan . . . . . . .1
Transforming Lives, Changing Neighborhoods, 500 Homes by 2018
Youth United . . . . . . . 2
2015–2018 Strategic Plan Approved
Build Update . . . . . . . . 3 Pope Francis Build . . 4 Interfaith Council . . . . 5 Perigo-Prickett . . . . . .5 Amanda & Maddie . . .6 Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
In 2014 we marked 30 years of service to the community and commemorated 437 families fulfilling their dream of homeownership. You helped us celebrate this thriving ministry and the many initiatives undertaken during those three decades. Yet the need for simple, decent, affordable housing remains. “Transforming Lives, Changing Neighborhoods — 500 homes by 2018,” Habitat’s 2015-2018 Strategic Plan, represents a natural progression of Habitat’s work and communicates our plans for the future. During the next four years Habitat will work collaboratively with other housing providers to transform seven center-city neighborhoods in Evansville and Mt. Vernon. Habitat will bring to the table its unique homeownership model of sweat equity and pay back, and very importantly, an intense focus on family support. New family support initiatives include creating a robust pipeline of potential families with effective identification, recruitment and credit repair; creating a transformational family support program; and developing a process to measure the level of our impact and success of our homeowners.
2015
WHO WE ARE:
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
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ful uccess s e m o c o be milies t solid, stable, a f r e and Empow rs who are ngaged, ome. e e y n ll a w ic o home e, civ heir h y secur maintaining t ll ia c n a fin erly of prop le b a p a c ient, low ic f f e y nerg ting rdable, e that fit exis o f f a d es Buil nce hom etics. a n e t in ma esth rhood a neighbo
that ization n a g r o able s sustain and steward a e t a s e Cr rce s resou e iz il b o m y. aithfull them f
Habitat believes that housing is foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty. Housing directly impacts four important quality of life measures which we know break that cycle. Housing affects health, children’s achievement in school, jobrelated satisfaction and the likelihood of adults’ achieving more education and a better-paying job. And perhaps, most importantly, housing affects one’s overall attitude toward life — feeling more positive, more able to handle life’s challenges, and greater hope for the future. So while we ask you to help us scale up our efforts dramatically — building our 500th home by 2018 — Habitat realizes the house is the vehicle. The family’s transformation is the outcome. As we like to say, “It’s what’s inside that counts.”
Note from the Executive Director
BOARD OFFICERS Monica Stinchfield President
Bill Schirmer
Vice-President
Steve Titzer Treasurer
A new year brings new beginnings, new challenges and new opportunities. Now more than ever, we are evaluating what we can do to continue carrying out our mission with excellence. On the surface, helping one family achieve affordable housing can seem small. But within that one family, a mother can begin saving for her children’s future, kids can have a stable place to do homework at night, and all members of the family could have the opportunity to complete further education and land higher-paying jobs. That same family may also live next door to another Habitat family in a neighborhood that has looked run-down for a while. These two families are homeowners who are proud of the homes they built and maintain them properly, boosting the neighborhood pride. Within these two families who were able to afford their own homes are individuals who lifted themselves and their children out of generational poverty while changing the dynamics of the entire neighborhood. Our 2015–2018 strategic plan “Transforming Lives, Changing Neighborhoods — 500 Homes by 2018” will strive to accomplish just that — transform more lives through affordable housing. This plan will not be one that just sits on the shelf; its goals and strategic initiatives will shape our work for the next four years. Your support is critical to Habitat’s fulfilling its mission. With your help, we can continue to build a great city of affordable homes where families thrive.
Joyce Donaldson Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS Jim Bartlett Julie Cline Rev. Dennis Davenport Tim Flesch Danny Garness Jim Havens Brian Hawkes Cliff Herring Tricia Hollander Henning Mike Hull Sr. Theresa Peck, DC John B. Phipps Steve Thomas Jim Wittman
Beth Folz Executive Director
Youth United Updates More Active Than Ever This Year
Youth United, Habitat’s high school fundraising, service and leadership group, has been more active than ever this school year. Ranging from outreach activities, to volunteer time, to event planning, Youth United has formed a dedicated group of young people committed to community building. Now in its second year, Youth United started out with a lofty goal — to fundraise and build an entire house — a sponsorship valued at $80,000. Thanks to generous donors and the work of these dedicated high school leaders, our goal was met! We would like to thank Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, the Community Foundation Alliance and the City of Evansville Endowment, HealthSouth Deaconess, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Donaldson Capital Management and many more, for making it possible. Recent fundraising from Youth United includes the First Security Bank BBQ for Habitat Bake Sale, and our biggest event, the WHOSE HOUSE challenge. (See full story, p. 7) Since the fall, Youth United has volunteered on the build sites and in the warehouse, giving back their time to Habitat. During the holiday season, the group spread some holiday cheer in the New Haven Subdivision by Christmas caroling throughout the neighborhood. Members had a blast at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, where the spring informational meeting was held. Now, Youth United looks forward to building the home of partner family, Sheree Phifer. If you or a young person you know would like to participate in Youth United, please contact Lee Jerstad at 812-423-5623 ext. 21 or
[email protected]
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Construction Corner Continuing a Standard of Quality
Thirty years have come and gone since that first Habitat home was constructed on South Governor. Many things have changed but the volunteer spirit and enthusiasm to build homes for those in need has not waned. What has been a continued change through the years are the methods, materials and appearance of our homes. Of course, we strive to keep building with better quality, but we must also continue to make the homes as cost-effective as possible in areas of both construction and maintenance down the road.
Staff Beth Folz Executive Director
[email protected] Lee Jerstad Communications Manager
[email protected] Sr. Jane Michele McClure Major Gifts Officer
[email protected]
The affordability of a home must be considered not only for today but also for 5, 10, 20 years in the future and beyond. We are continually evaluating the best design, products, equipment and construction methods to use. Many times, no- or low-cost changes can make a significant difference in the affordability of a home in the future.
Jeanne Mesker Mortgage/Administrative Specialist
[email protected]
Reducing future maintenance costs are critical to homeowners who may struggle to make ends meet. By injecting continuous quality improvement in our construction procedures, Habitat homes will always be affordable.
Donna Milam Development Assistant
[email protected]
Habitat Build Update Congratulations to these new homeowners! Maria Moreno December 11, 2014 519 S. Linwood Ave. House Sponsor: In Memory of John H. and Mary Ada Berg with Habitat Homeowners
Sara McDonnough December 12, 2014 923 E. Second St. Mt. Vernon House Sponsor: Mt. Vernon Ministerial Association
Steve Smith Construction Director
[email protected] Mindy Stoermer Data Systems Specialist
[email protected] Andrea Ward Volunteer Workforce Manager
[email protected] Kerry Wire Construction Manager
[email protected] Jennifer Wuchner Finance Director
[email protected]
Amique Thomas December 22, 2014 524 S. Evans Ave. House Sponsor: Catholics for Habitat
Carmella McKinnon March 19, 2015 504 S. Evans Ave. House Sponsor: Habitat Board of Directors
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Pope Francis Build To Kick-Off
Anonymous Out-of-State Donor Chooses Evansville for Build For 25 years, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville has been grateful for the generosity and support of the Catholic community in Evansville. Now, our community has a new opportunity — an anonymous donor has chosen the Evansville affiliate to receive $60,000 as seed money to build a house in honor of Pope Francis. An additional $40,000 must be raised in order to receive this seed money, and thanks to all of you, the fund is growing every day. Evansville is not the only site for a Pope Francis Build — the anonymous donor is busy at many locations thoughout the country honoring Pope Francis and his commitment to the poor. The anonymous donor loves this saying of Pope Francis, “Work confers dignity.” So let’s come together — both Catholic and non-Catholic volunteers — to help make the Pope Francis Build a great community event. $7,000 is still needed to reach our goal. To donate to the Pope Francis Build, contact Sr. Jane Michele McClure at 812-423-5623 ext. 26 or
[email protected]
Habitat Inducts Inaugural Class, Emeritus Board of Directors Founders and Loyal Friends of Habitat Honored with Recognition Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is pleased to announce the names of former board members upon whom the title “emeritus” has been bestowed. Emeritus board members were nominated by the current board of directors and were chosen based on the leadership, dedication and tireless service they exhibited while on the board and for their continued interest in and support of Habitat since that time.
the highlight of Habitat’s Anniversary Dinner held October 22, 2014. They include — Elmer Berberich, Rev. Don Bernhardt, Dick and Naomi Cook, Butch Feulner, Jacque Hardin, Elizabeth Kalb, Rev. Steve Lintzenich, Rev. F.P. and Mrs. Pearlie Miller, Jim Perigo, Lu Porter, Rev. Jim Prickett, Leanne Pritchett, Rev. Richard Schechter, Jan Thuerbach and Scott Wittman
The current board of directors indicated that they asked themselves questions like this as they brought forth names for consideration, “Would Habitat for Humanity of Evansville have existed without this person?” and “Has this individual created a legacy that will last for years or even decades?” Members of the inaugural class of Habitat for Humanity of Evansville’s Emeritus Board were introduced and honored as
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The car donation process is quick and easy. It can be accomplished online at www.habitat.org/carsforhomes or with a toll-free phone call to 1-877-277-4344. If you donate an automobile or other vehicle, you may be eligible for a tax deduction.
Kicking off this sprin g is another build co sponsored by Traylo r Br and the United Churc os. (their fourth), h and Disciples of Ch of Christ Churches rist Churches (their thirteenth). Thanks I to Randi Finn and her NCH their dedication, family will be able to live in affordable ho using. Randi’s hous e will honor the memo 1 ry of a very special UCC/DOC voluntee r and core crew member, Dale M artin, for his tire less work throughout the years. Dale passed away on February 10, 2015, and ou r sympathies go out to his family.
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What kind of vehicles can you donate to Cars for Homes? Well, that’s easy! Cars, trucks, boats, RV’s, motorcycles, farm equipment, and any other vehicle…running or not. When you donate a vehicle to Cars for Homes, you will help Habitat for Humanity of Evansville build houses with families in need of affordable shelter.
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Cars for Homes
Traylor Bros., UCC/DOC Build
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Ensuring Homes, Communities and Hope with the Perigo-Prickett Society The Perigo-Prickett Society is a recognition society that honors those individuals who have remembered Habitat for Humanity of Evansville in their estate plans or made a contribution to the Habitat for Humanity Endowment with the Vanderburgh Community Foundation. All are welcome to join the Perigo-Prickett Society and many members have done so by making a simple bequest. You can provide for Habitat for Humanity of Evansville by designating a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, a specific asset, or the remainder of your estate. We encourage you to let us know your plans so that we can thank you and your wishes are properly followed and recognized. Your thoughtful mention of Habitat for Humanity of Evansville in your estate plans will help us continue to transform lives Tom and Marcia Ballard Lois M. Bennett+ Lola J. Bromm+ David and Ginny Cook Melvin L. Dickhaut+ LeRoy and Pat Dilger Greg and Joyce Donaldson Marjorie E. Ewing+ Gilbert and Alberta Fehrenbacher+ + Deceased
Butch and Linda Feulner Jim and Emily Fowler+ Theresa Frielinghausen John and Lucille Gooch+ Dan and Lou Ann Green Ben Greiner+ Eugene and Barbara Hamlow Joyce Hendrix Nancy Hitch
and change neighborhoods beyond your lifetime. For more information about how your help can build homes, communities and hope through an estate gift, contact Sr. Jane Michele McClure at 812-423-5623 ext. 26. Current membership of the Perigo-Prickett Society includes — Elizabeth Kalb Dr. Llewellyn Lieber+ Bob and Shirley Nicholson Dan and Laura Niemeier Jim and Pat Perigo Jim and Janette Prickett Lori Reed Charlotte Richardt+ Aileen Roberts
Richard and Joann Schechter Carl and Beverly+ Schofield Kenneth Silverman+ Steve and Wendy Thomas Fran and Vernon Vix Maryedna Wilkie+ Scott and Holly Wittman Richard and Paula+ Yeager Anonymous (3)
Interfaith Advisory Council
Group of Leaders Launched and Ready To Take Action After a successful launch in the fall, Habitat would like to continue to welcome and introduce a new and energetic group of Habitat supporters, the Interfaith Advisory Council (IAC). The Council reports to Habitat’s board of directors and has established itself as a group of concerned leaders from various faith communities and beliefs who regard housing as foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty. As a Habitat for Humanity International initiative, the IAC will share the vision with our local community. After a series of brainstorming meetings, the IAC has established its mission and goals and is ready to take action. The Council is committed to funding and building one house this year as well as to create and distribute a 2016 Interfaith Calendar, and plan a communitywide Festival of Faith in collaboration with other interfaith groups. IAC members are deeply committed to Habitat as indicated in these lines from their mission statement:
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“We believe that the eradication of poverty is a religious/moral imperative. We are dedicated to providing affordable housing through interfaith builds, advocacy, and awareness. We will model interfaith understanding and cooperation where people of all faiths and beliefs are celebrated and integrated into the community.” Rabbi Gary Mazo of Temple Adath B’nai Israel serves as the chair of IAC’s Executive Committee with Rev. Dennis Davenport of Eastminster Presbyterian Church as vice-chair. Other members of the Executive Committee include Zac Parsons (secretary), Pastor Cliff Herring (liaison to Habitat board of directors), Dr. Mohammad Hussain (at large), Sr. Jane Michele McClure (Habitat staff liaison) and Beth Folz (Habitat staff liaison).
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Whose House Mater Dei and Reitz High Schools channeled their ongoing West Side rivalry to do some exceptional fundraising for Habitat and our high school volunteer fundraising group, Youth United. The two-weeklong event consisted of each school placing designated buckets at most all businesses on Franklin Street, and raising awareness in the community through online fundraising. The challenge kicked off with members of Youth United from each school collecting donations at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. At the end of the challenge, the school that raised the most money was announced at the “Battle of the West Side” football game, an already highly anticipated event. Thanks to the west side community, a generous $6,000+ donation from Donaldson Capital Management, and multiple community sponsors, our WHOSE HOUSE event was able to raise $12,000! Youth United thanks the West Side Nut Club, Franklin Street Events Association and all Franklin Street businesses.
Save The Date faith in action breakfast june 18, 2015 keynote speaker: Dr. thomas l. jones, habitat for humanity international 6
Because of This House...
Amanda and Maddie Have a Stable Home Before they moved into their Habitat home in 2010, Maddie and Amanda had been moving every one to two years, trying to find affordable housing. With most of her income going toward rent and utilities, Amanda felt very limited in the opportunities she could provide for Maddie. “We couldn’t go anywhere, we couldn’t do anything, she couldn’t participate in extracurricular activities…” On New Year’s Day of 2011, Amanda and Maddie, along with four of her neighbors who were also Habitat homeowners, moved into their home on Shadewood Place. Now, Maddie’s room is painted bright yellow with peace signs and other decorations on the walls. Since moving in, Amanda has been actively involved in many Habitat initiatives. She recently was on the Habitat Homeowners Build Steering Committee, where she helped coordinate with other homeowners to supply volunteer labor to build another home for a family in need. Now, Amanda says she feels that all is right in her world. She works as a tenant accounting specialist at Regency Properties, and Maddie has been able to be involved in sports like tennis and soccer. “I have a great daughter in school, I have a job that I love, a house that I love – five years ago I never would have imagined being in this position with such a bright future.” To view the full video story of Amanda and Maddie’s journey, visit our website at evansvillehabitat.org.
Why Give? For Beth Clark, the concept of “a hand-up, not a hand-out” is very familiar. Having received tuition assistance from CEF (the Catholic Education Foundation) to attend Memorial High School, Beth knows the importance of giving back based on her own experience. Beth pays her assistance forward by sharing the value of generosity and helping others. She and her husband David have taught their three sons, Aaron, Ryan and Matthew, to give back to others.
thrilled to see the joy and gratitude from the new homeowner. “I like that it gives families the opportunity to have a better living condition and feel better about life,” says her son, Ryan.
“Life is about people . . . and we want to teach our children that as you’re blessed with gifts, you need to give back because God’s given that to you,” Beth says. She explains that as she and her husband looked at the best ways they could make an impact, they wanted to focus on the basic necessities — food, clothing and shelter. “Home is the foundation for the family,” Beth explains, “and we thought ‘gee, what do we have that we could give to someone else?’ and so we wanted to provide that foundation for a family like we have.”
Beth explains that her family appreciates that partner families work hard for their house explaining “for them to complete sweat equity – they are contributing and have skin in the game and I feel like it means more.” Her family also enjoys the tangible, visual, positive impact their gifts make. She notes that Habitat homes improve the quality and look of the neighborhood, something she says is a worthwhile investment for all involved. “You can drive by and see the house and the difference it’s making in the community.”
Beth, David and their sons especially enjoy the different ways they can see their impact. Beth describes the first time she and her sons attended a house dedication and how the young boys were
Giving the Gift of Change
HONOR / IN-KIND GIFTS / MEMORIAL / CARS FOR HOMES: August 1, 2014 — January 27, 2015 In Honor Of:
Jim and Pam Stevens
Mona Meyer
Blair and Sarah McKee
Todd and Willie Kain Cheryl Kuchna Allan and Sharron Mattingly Carolyn Mingay Jim and Pat Perigo Jeff and Verna Postal Janette and Jim Prickett Barbara Renshaw Mary Lou Sauer Keith and Elaine Stanley Bob and Mary Titzer William and Diane Tucker Alyce White
Beth Folz
In Memory Of:
Bill Hussmann Sr.
Dr. Steven Becker and Karen Glazier Elizabeth Kalb
Elmer Berberich Arthur and Ann Johnson
John “Bud” Buthod Jack and Mary Pat Trainum
Naomi Cook, friend extraordinaire
Christine Pauli
Barbara and Eugene Hamlow Deborah and James Schade
Ron and Kathy Hollander Jim and Marilyn Voyles
Gerry Keaney Randall and Cynthia Hupfer
Joe & Charlene Lamey Jim and Kim Dunkelbarger
Maeve and Rita Wayne Montgomery
Sister Jane Michele McClure Community Foundation Alliance Judy Lopez Karen Katafiasz Chandler and Jingle Hagey
Dane and Paul Ries Phyllis Ries
Wanda Riess Mary Riess
Aileen Roberts Richard and Jane Royster
Rev. Ruby J. Schroeder Stanley and Joan Nevill
Dr. T. Meredith Ross and Dr. Wendy Smith Joe and Sybil Foster
Ronald and Judith Irvin Bill Spurling
Steve and Wendy Thomas Dan and Kim Hermann
Laurel Vaughn Ann and Brian Schuessler
Richard Yeager and In Memory of Paula Yeager
Mike Alkinson Ruth A. Wahoski
Bill and JoAnn Hussmann
Bob L. Johnson
Allen E. Schmitt Linda Schmitt
Lorie M. Smith Richard Yeager
Lawrence and Ruth Stahl Quentin and Ann Stahl
Ray Stirsman Larry Weyer
Rosalia Watterson Glenn and Jennifer Wuchner Mary Culley
In-Kind:
Richard Yeager
Dan W. Mitchell
Jim and Emily Fowler
Aileen Roberts Jim and Barbara Studwell
American Eagle Tree Service, LLC Appraisal Company Inc. Elmer Berberich Berry Plastics Corporation Coca Cola Enterprises Deaconess Hospital, Inc. Howard Johns Plumbing Michael Endress Farm Boy Food Services Mitch Featherston Frito-Lay North America Guttertech, Inc. Heads Construction Inc. Houchens North Foods, dba Buehler’s IGA Killebrew Brick Kumar’s Appraisal Inc. Lefler Collision and Glass Repair Lewis Bakeries Lowe’s Niehaus Lumber Robert Reid Whirlpool Corporation Anonymous
Douglas and Mary Thompson Richard and Joy Tredway
Dave Monahan
Cars For Homes:
Dr. Barry Barns Lynn Isvik
Ed and Erline Belwood Stephen Johnson
Patricia Johnson Stephen Johnson Harry and Deborah Weatherholt
Kenny Kindred Victoria Kindred
Elmer Berberich’s Sister Carl Schofield
My grandma, Margaret McLaughlin John McLaughlin
Mike Beshears Gloria Carter
Thomas C. Mauer Marcia Mauer
Joan Clark David and Beth Clark
Sally Merrick Sally Alden
Rev. Sam Emerick Richard and Barbara Steedman
Mary Jane and Ed Miller Elizabeth Miller
Alan J. Evrard
Katherine and Henry Monahan
Jeffrey Froehle Linda Gatewood
Bill Nicholson Alice Jones
Robert W. Glascock Richard Yeager
Rosemary O’Daniel Niel and Karen Ellerbrook
Pat Hodge Hugh Ahlering Kevin and Julie Coleman Bill and Katie Gilmore Maurice and Marianne Hahn Jeffrey and Karen Hodge Vera Hodge
Joni Adams Gregory Ellcessor John Friona Linda Moore Paul Odney Carl Scholfield Timothy Wittman
Richard Paul Viola Paul
Vankatadri & Suseela Ravipati Nanda and Sridevi Ravipati
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 2592 EVANSVILLE, IN
1401 N. Fares Avenue Evansville, IN 47711 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Partner Family Snapshot Stephanie Mitchell Stephanie Mitchell has had a life of ups and downs. At the age of 15 she moved out of her mother’s home and has been on her own ever since. She has two daughters and one grandson but considers herself the head of the household for all of her extended family. She frequently takes care of her young grandson, and is worried for his safety in her apartment. Her ceiling is falling which lets rain leak in, her front porch is caving in, and the sewer problem in the area floods her car on rainy days. Aside from infrastructure, it’s hard to contact her landlord and the flight of stairs she has to climb to get into her apartment are troublesome for her and her grandson. When Stephanie felt ready financially, she applied for homeownership knowing the boost it would give her. Since beginning her partnership, Stephanie has felt more empowered to work for the life she wants to live. She explains her family is her biggest motivation, saying, “Everything I do is to try and give these kids something to get ahead.” Stephanie is truly inspiring, working so hard to lift herself up to help her family. Now, Stephanie is looking forward to stability and having a place she can call her own. She is most excited to tend to her yard, have fresh flowers inside her home, and host family gatherings. Stephanie says she has put blood, sweat and tears into getting this home, and wants it to stay in the family. Throughout all of Stephanie’s hardships, she has kept a strong faith and a positive attitude. “Now is the time and God is placing all of this in my path, and I am striving very hard to accomplish this and get this done.” To learn more about Stephanie’s journey to homeownership, please visit: http://www.evansvillehabitat.org/partner-families
