Combined Federal Campaign #78638
Maryland Charity Campaign #4049
United Way #4049
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Why Volunteer?
Learners become teachers.
This is Carol's story:
“I have worked with Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna since 2002 when we had the first Women’s Build in Harford County. I was the Chairperson of the Harford County Women’s Commission at that time and thought that I “should” go to the planning meeting. I was hooked from the moment I walked into the building where we had our Safety Meeting and planning session. ”
“My first day on a Habitat site was wonderful. I had construction skills and was an unknown on the site. One memory that I had was that someone needed a board cut and I volunteered to do that; however, I was told that I had not been trained to use the saw yet and that they would wait to have someone else cut the board. I thought it was a good rule, even though I did have experience using a saw. Later that day I was asked if I would consider coming the following Wednesday to 'run the saw crew.'
“That day of running the saw crew was an absolutely perfect day, I was in my element and if I was not hooked before then, I was hooked from that point on. I have felt validated from that first day and every day I have worked with Habitat. ”
“I have met some amazing people and done some amazing things. I love teaching someone who has never picked up a hammer to not only drive a nail, but to lay shingles, cut and install siding, frame a wall, put up insulation, put up a towel rack, paint a house, seed a yard, or any number of other skills. I have learned from scores of other volunteers the tricks of the trade and have shared those skills with scores more. 'A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out' is a wonderful mission and it resonates with me. I have met some remarkable home owners and have had the privilege of helping them learn about their house from the ground up. It is a joy for me to see in these homeowners’ eyes the dream of the home they will move into. ”
“I have had the privilege of using my Habitat skills in Mississippi (2 trips), Louisiana (3 trips), and Uganda (1 trip). Each time I put on my tool belt or pick up a saw, I know that I have Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna to thank for helping me to enhance my construction skills, introducing me to wonderful people including the staff, volunteers, and board members, and change my world. Thank you to each of you who has mentored me, prodded me, and encouraged me, I am forever grateful. ”
To set an example for future generations.
This is John's story:
"St. Ignatius was asking for volunteers to work on a house on Love Avenue. I went to a safety meeting and completed all of the paperwork and was ready to work on the assigned day. Instead, I got an e-mail from Michaelann asking if I would like to work as a regular volunteer on Wednesday."
"Habitat has given me the opportunity to use my talents to help people in the community who are in need of affordable housing."
"When the homeowners are given the keys during the dedication, and I see the joy on their faces knowing that they now own a home, I know that my time and effort is appreciated. Or hear my grandchildren tell a friend that 'My Pop-Pop builds houses for Habitat and helped build Annie's playground'."
For more information, and to get involved, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-638-4434 Ext. 6, or awillis@habitatsusq.org.
It's just the right thing to do.
This is Ralph's story:
"When I'm asked from time to time, why I volunteer, my immediate response often is, 'I'm really not sure,' because I haven't given it much thought. Then, I begin to think about it, and realize that one of the reasons I volunteer my time is because I simply believe that lending a hand to someone in need, is the right thing to do."
"I have felt this way as far back as I can remember. What makes me feel this way I'm not sure, but most likely I have been influenced by my upbringing and many generous people that I have been privileged to know throughout my life. My Dad used to say that, 'If you're able to help someone, and you don't, you should be ashamed'."
"Last but not least, notwithstanding a few stumbles and falls, I have had a relatively good life, and it gives me a good feeling to help others who have not been so fortunate."
For more information, and to get involved, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-638-4434 Ext. 6, or awillis@habitatsusq.org.
You develop the heart of a servant.
This is Marie's story:
This year, Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna nominated Marie Edmeades for the 2011 Harford's Most Beautiful People Award. Marie is an enthusiastic Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna volunteer with a true servant’s heart.
Marie has faithfully volunteered in our main office every Wednesday for the past 10 years. Week after week, she graciously assists the administrative staff with often tedious duties. As our honorary “filing expert,” she keeps partner family files and mortgage information in impeccable order, helps with mailings, and redesigns display boards. In addition to office work, Marie helps us to prepare for our home dedications each year. From organizing to wrapping gifts, we can count on Marie to complete any job with a spirit of joyfulness and humility. 
Marie’s passion for volunteerism stems back to the early days of Harford Family House. In the 1990's, she served on its board of directors. In August of 2010, Marie supported the efforts of Cancer Life Net at Upper Chesapeake Health Center by promoting the program and educating the public about its services. Representatives of Cancer Life Net call her, “a wonderful person,” who is “deserving of this award.” Marie has also actively served as a member of several local congregations.
These days, if you can’t find Marie at Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna’s headquarters, try looking almost anywhere else in Harford County. This retired Youth’s Benefit Elementary School art teacher combined her love for artistic pursuits and community, and recently started volunteering with the Center for the Arts. She is on the auction committee for the 4th Annual Dancing for the Arts event. According to Rebecca Jessup, Director of Special Events and Community Outreach, Marie is a major supporter of the center’s initiative to build a new facility that will include classrooms, studios and art galleries. Marie is also a committee member of the highly-successful Silent Purse Auction, an annual event for which she has volunteered since its inception in 2008. Proceeds from the auction benefit a number of area nonprofits.
When she isn’t busy giving of herself, Marie is an avid world traveler. She frequently visits her son and daughter-in-law, both of whom live overseas. As a fervent author, she captures her experiences in writing. In fact, a journey to Chile inspired her to author a series of short stories geared towards children. Marie’s work has been featured in several local literary journals as well.
Marie’s husband, Paul, calls her “the best wife in the world. ” Well said, Paul. Marie’s kind and gentle nature shines through every time she sets foot in the office. She is an encourager and a dear friend to each Habitat staff member. Marie is, by far, Harford’s Most Beautiful Person, and we cherish her!
For more information, and to get involved, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-638-4434 Ext. 6, or awillis@habitatsusq.org.
It's about loving others.
This is Megan's story:
"I chose to volunteer with Habitat because the organization is founded on love, and fueled by volunteers and staff with a passion to help others who are willing to help themselves," wrote Megan Lally, secretary on the HHS Board of Directors, and active member of Habitat Young Professionals.
"Habitat does not offer 'hand outs,' but instead extends a 'helping hand.' They give those who want to become a responsible homeowner the opportunity to do so. Partner families work hard for their home. They not only pay their mortgage, but also put significant time into building their home. I've found Habitat’s partner families to be extremely compassionate and willing to offer their own 'helping hand' to other partner families."
"I strongly believe in Habitat’s mission: As a reflection of God’s love and in partnership with the community, Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna seeks to create homeownership opportunities by building, renovating and repairing homes. This is exactly what Habitat does each and every day and I am so honored and to be a volunteer with this amazing organization!!"
For more information, and to get involved, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-638-4434 Ext. 6, or awillis@habitatsusq.org.
It's inspiring.
This is Carol's story:
"I was on the Social Justice Committee at my church and was in charge of finding a project that involved housing," Carol wrote. "I suggested Habitat for Humanity because I had heard of the name. I decided to check it out and went into the office in Waverly in Baltimore city. 7 years and countless volunteer hours later I find myself up at Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna on most Fridays."
Carol, who is a familiar face on Habitat construction sites, explained why she has faithfully served for so long.
"I am continually inspired by the Mission of Habitat for Humanity," she wrote. "When I volunteer I feel I am part of the community. The physical labor, the camaraderie with partner families and fellow volunteers, the sense of accomplishment also make me feel part of the solution to making this world a better place. Best of all it is so much fun!"
For more information and to get involved, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-638-4434 Ext. 6, or awillis@habitatsusq.org.
It's satisfying.
This is Pat's story:
“After 3 plus years and 12 plus houses, I feel I have become a fairly competent and dependable member of our Habitat building team. I look forward to each new
Wednesday’s building task, whether shingling a roof in 90 degree heat, shoveling 3 feet of snow off a slab to start framing or anything in between."
"Being the only female “regular” on Wednesday, I enjoy the camaraderie with “my guys” and the challenges and successes of a truly honest day’s work. We usually leave dirty and tired but proud to look back at what we have accomplished that day."
"There is nothing more satisfying than meeting and working beside our partner families, helping them develop the new skills needed to build and maintain the new homes they are about to earn. House dedications can absolutely bring tears to your eyes when the families receive their house keys fulfilling a dream that, until then, was absolutely unachievable. They are so grateful and so proud of what Habitat and we volunteers have helped them accomplish for themselves. I feel truly blessed to have found Habitat and become one of Habitat’s Wednesday ‘regulars’.”
For more information and to get involved, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-638-4434 Ext. 6, or awillis@habitatsusq.org.
It causes you appreciate what you have.
This is Peggy's story:
“I never take the front door of my own home for granted since I started volunteering for Habitat for Humanity...or my back door, my bathroom, my kitchen…" said Peggy Hart, a longtime volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna.
Peggy and her husband, Tom, have been active volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna for more than 5 years. They have served as mentors to three partner families, helped build homes, and have served on countless committees.
For four years, Peggy has served as Chairperson for the largest Habitat fundraising event, the Dream Builders’ Ball, which draws a crowd of over 150 people.
Peggy frequently visits the Habitat office with gourmet lunches and gifts for the staff members. Additionally, Peggy helped to beautifully decorate the Habitat office for the enjoyment of visitors and staff.
"Habitat for Humanity is filled with gentle people with a powerful mission, a mission that provides deserving families a sense of ownership and pride," Peggy said. "During their home selection and building process, I have watched families work hard, hope deeply, and connect strongly with communities of people who help them realize their dreams of being a homeowner."
"Being a small part of this community has made me appreciate the life that is mine. ”
Thank you, Peggy, for your passion and generosity. Our partner families, volunteers and staff cherish you deeply.
If you want to become a Habitat volunteer like Peggy, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator, at awillis@habitatsusq.org or 410.638.4434 Ext. 6.
You learn. You do. You help. You give back.
This is Roger's story:
“There are three reasons for living: learning, doing and helping. Habitat Susquehanna enables me to do all three,” says Roger Dorr, a Habitat volunteer since 2009. He is one of those “rain or shine” volunteers. No matter what the weather hands out, Roger works on Habitat building sites three days a week. If he can’t work outside, he’ll work inside. There’s always plenty to do.
Friendly, caring and hard working, Roger gives generously of his time and talents. He is a retired Elementary Physical Education teacher who wanted something to do in retirement that would not only keep him active, but enable him to give back to the community. Habitat and Roger are a perfect match. “I didn’t know a lot about building houses when I started,” Roger says, “but I was willing to learn all I could. ”
Learn he did. Because of the expertise and patient instruction of construction supervisor Dave Hall, Roger learned to frame, roof, hang drywall, install trim, caulk, hang kitchen cabinets, install bathroom fixtures, windows, doors and siding. Using his gentle nature and teaching skills, he kindly guides and encourages new volunteers and partner family members on these tasks as well.
He loves working on Habitat homes because of the camaraderie with the other volunteers, the relaxed schedule, the opportunity to teach others, and especially “the satisfaction that I did something for someone else. ”
Roger Dorr’s partnership as a volunteer with Habitat is no doubt a win - win. Considering the partner families and other volunteers who benefit, we can add a few more “wins” to the equation.
Thank you, Roger, for your service to Habitat Susquehanna. So many are blessed by your learning, doing and helping.
If you want to volunteer with Habitat Susquehanna, contact Abrielle Willis, Volunteer Coordinator at awillis@habitatsusq.org or 410.638.4434 Ext. 6
By: Lindy Ford
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