On Monday morning, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and The Villages Habitat Lake-Sumter Club celebrated the official opening of The Creative Emporium at the Leesburg ReStore, located at 200 N Lone Oak Dr.
The day commenced at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, revealing a storefront filled with a diverse range of eclectic décor and handmade gifts. These items are the product of tireless effort from The Habitat Villages Club members, showcasing their commitment not only to craftsmanship, but also to their community.
The Creative Emporium emphasizes the power of community collaboration. Every purchase made directly contributes to Habitat Lake-Sumter’s mission to build and maintain homes for families in the two counties.
The Habitat Villages Club, deeply involved in supporting this mission, has a track record of hands-on contributions, having completed their third new home build as recently as November 2022.
“All the members love their involvement with Habitat, but they could not build homes without the support of the community,” Sally Read, co-president of the club, says.
Walt Disney World is creating positive change in the state of Florida by giving donations totaling $1.5 million dollars to 19 nonprofit organizations throughout Florida.
From establishing vital education and workforce development programs to supporting the arts, and combatting homelessness and hunger, Disney Grant recipients are doing outstanding work within the community.
Disney has been actively supporting various initiatives, both as a company and through the participation of its Cast Members. These initiatives involve volunteering with organizations across Florida through the Disney VoluntEARS program. In 2023, Cast Members have generously dedicated over 115,000 hours to these causes.
The recent financial injection into these organizations will undoubtedly contribute significantly to their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of numerous Florida residents and their families. Disney’s commitment to the state spans over half a century, and its dedication continues to grow. In 2023 alone, Disney has undertaken several impactful endeavors, including hosting its largest wish-granting event at Disney World, providing $125,000 in support to local school districts, initiating an affordable housing development, and expanding its environmental conservation efforts with $500,000 in grants. It’s been a year filled with exciting developments!
Announced today, Walt Disney World is giving new donations totaling $1.5 million to 19 nonprofit organizations creating positive change in Florida.
Each nonprofit receiving a Disney Grant is supporting important work in the state for Floridians and their families – from establishing strong education and workforce development programs, to supporting the arts, combatting homelessness and hunger and more.
Walt Disney World cast members spend time personally volunteering with many of the granted organizations and others across the state through the Disney VoluntEARS program. This year, the cast have spent more than 115,000 hours giving back through the popular program.
This latest donation joins recent company efforts like hosting Disney World’s largest wish-granting event ever, donating $125,000 to support local school districts, creating a new affordable housing development, expanding our commitment to conservation with $500,000 in environmental grants and more.
Disney will continue to seek out meaningful ways to make significant impacts as it looks to the future. To read more about the resort’s latest efforts in the state, visit DisneyFlorida.com.
Walt Disney World has announced that they are donating $1.5 million total to 19 Florida non-profit organizations.
Here is the list of Disney Grant recipients:
Bok Tower Gardens: Inspiring a better and more beautiful world.
Central Florida Community Arts: Creating an artistic family that celebrates our natural abilities.
Children’s Home Society of Florida: Building bridges to success for children.
Christian Service Center: Preventing homelessness, combating poverty, cultivating self-sufficiency and restoring hope.
Conductive Education Center of Orlando: Transforming the lives of children and adults with motor disabilities.
Conservation Florida: Protecting Florida’s water, wildlife, and wild places.
ELEVATE Orlando: Equipping local youth to thrive and contribute to their community.
Foundation for Foster Children: Creating meaningful connections for children in foster care.
Habitat for Humanity — Lake & Sumter Counties and Seminole County & Greater Apopka: Bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Hope Partnership: Providing a holistic continuum of care in order to end homelessness and poverty in Central Florida.
IDignity: Restoring dignity and hope by providing identification.
Limbitless Solutions at the University of Central Florida: Empowering confidence and increasing accessibility in the limb difference community through art-infused bionics.
Orlando Science Center: Inspiring science learning for life.
Osceola Arts: Promoting, cultivating, and fostering interest and participation in the arts.
Page 15: Empowering children of all abilities to discover their own voice.
Steinway Society of Central Florida: Stimulating and nourishing the musical knowledge and artistic talents of disadvantaged youth.
Volunteers for Community Impact: Ending social isolation.
Zebra Coalition: Supporting and inspiring LGBTQ+ youth.
We are so proud to once again partner with the Wells Fargo Foundationto provide access and opportunity to safe, affordable housing in Lake and Sumter Counties. Wells Fargo shares our belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home and annually invests time and resources in our mission to build homes, communities, and hope.
This year, the Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter a $15,000 grant to critically repair a home in Mount Dora, Florida. We are one of more than 230 Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded grant funding nationwide through the 2023 Wells Fargo Builds program to help more low-to-moderate income families access affordable homes.
The grant, along with the support of Wells Fargo volunteers, will help repair a home for a multi-generational family in Mount Dora. Critical home repairs increase the safety and accessibility for low-income homeowners unable to maintain the health and safety of their home by themselves due to age, disability, or family circumstances.
Repairs to the family home include electrical re-wiring, roof, and windows replacement, and required building code repairs and upgrades that will allow the home to be safe and livable for an additional 15 years or more.
“As a company, we believe a quality, affordable place to call home is something everyone should have,” said Kate Wilson, Senior Vice President, Community Relations at Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to join Habitat for Humanity once again here in Lake-Sumter to help families and older adults live more affordably and remain in their homes and communities they love.”
This September, we’ll join hands with Wells Fargo team members and Habitat affiliates around the world for the Wells Fargo #WelcomeHome volunteer event. Welcome Home is an annual Wells Fargo initiative focused on engaging volunteers in activities to build and strengthen communities worldwide. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 8, Employee Impact Teams partner with philanthropic organizations focused on Wells Fargo Foundation’s funding priorities — one of which is housing affordability.
The companywide initiative is expected to draw more than 5,000 employees from all facets of the company. Volunteers will spend more than 24,000 hours working on projects and charities in their local communities. Habitat alone is coordinating Welcome Home events in more than 14 countries.
While working with Habitat Lake-Sumter’s construction and project managers on September 16th, the Wells Fargo team will be framing and raising walls during their special volunteer day in Leesburg. Their hard work will translate into a local family taking the next steps in their journey to homeownership.
Homeownership creates long-lasting and life-changing impact on families and communities, including providing a source of wealth and asset-building, influencing health and educational outcomes, and contributing to positive community development.
Thank you, Wells Fargo for your immeasurable impact!
written by Garrett Shiflet, Daily Sun Staff Writer
September 11, 2023
Brad Weber, executive vice president and chief lending officer of Citizens First Bank, cuts the ribbon with students from The Villages High School Construction Management Academy, from left, Thatcher Clarke, Joseph Lopez, Austin Rivera, Byron Carter, Connor Blazuk, Landon Collins, Daniel Barrera, Jakyhuen Fluitt, Alex Ventura, Lance Hutt, Conner Malone, Josh Burt, Tyler DePriest, Chris Quiles-DeJesus and Haileigh Duke, for a new home currently under construction in Bushnell.
Photo Credit: Bill Mitchell, Daily Sun
VHS breaks ground on Habitat Home
The next generation of construction workers and forepersons are being built along with homes through the Construction Management Academy at The Villages High School.
The academy and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter broke ground on their first homebuilding project of the 2023-24 school year on Thursday in Bushnell.
The project is sponsored once again by Citizens First Bank, along with partners like RoMac Building Supply and RoMac Distribution.
The Construction Management Academy is run by instructors Bruce Haberle and Cody Russell.
“This is our seventh house and I’ve seen such a change in the last few years,” Haberle said. “The kids this year are fully engaged and raring to get going.”
Haberle said the home in Bushnell is a design he has worked on before with Habitat. The plans show a three bedroom, two bathroom home that will be 1,171 square feet inside with a 206-square-foot porch.
The plans for the second house have not been announced, but it will be built in Wildwood.
Russell has taught with Haberle since October 2022 and is poised for his first full year helping the academy build homes.
“It’s amazing,” Russell said. “Watching these kids come in and start out as juniors. Some of them come in not knowing how to shovel. Watching them grow, it’s just amazing to see the progress.”
The homebuilding projects are essentially a senior capstone project for Construction Management Academy students who learn the basics and certifications needed to work on the sites during their junior year.
The academy is looking to grow even more next school year, with 40 juniors currently in the academy.
The 15 senior students who will be working on the homes this year are split up into morning and afternoon classes. The seniors work alongside contractors and learn the homebuilding process through hands-on experience.
“It feels amazing,” said Landon Collins, a senior with the academy. “I’m thankful for the opportunity with the construction academy and that we’re able to provide a house for someone who needs somewhere to live — a safe place where they can call home, come to every night, and have a family.”
Collins hopes to continue into a technical career after high school, and what he learns in the academy will help decide his future.
“I’m excited to tackle every obstacle that comes and learn new trades,” Collins said.
The homes take the entire school year to complete. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter will select a family from its application pool to receive an affordable loan to buy the house. Once a family has been announced, they also volunteer with Habitat, often helping with the build itself. This shows their commitment to the program and project.
At the groundbreaking, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter President and Chief Executive Officer Danielle Stroud addressed the crowd and students.
“As you guys go throughout the course of the year, you’re going to be learning and hopefully growing professionally,” Stroud said. “Getting a job or going to college — doing something very productive for our community when you get out. But you also know what you have done for the family that moves into this house and the future that you have helped them to begin. So it’s a very monumental moment.”
Prior to the official ceremony, the classes already had made some progress on the home build. They soon will be putting up interior wall partitions and eventually putting roof trusses into the home.
With the seventh home under construction and an eighth on the way, VHS Principal Rob Grant was glad to offer a few words at the ceremony.
“This is kind of becoming old hat for building homes here at The Villages (High School),” Grant said. “We couldn’t do it without the support we see here in the community. And I’m hoping that our students see that and take advantage of it.”
Stroud also is thankful for the many supporters of the homebuilding projects, and said 16 homes will be completed this year through Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
“As many of you know, the housing market is very challenging,” Stroud said. “So the work that Habitat does is not taken lightly. But it’s also not done solo. There is absolutely no way we could do what we do and work with the families that come to us without the partnerships we have in the community.”
Three homes will be completed this year by other youth Construction Academy programs affiliated with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, which are at South Lake High School, Leesburg High School and Eustis High School. The construction academy at Wildwood Middle High School also will be working on homebuilding projects this year.
Citizens First Bank is beginning its fifth year sponsoring homebuilding projects with the Construction Management Academy, according to Brad Weber, Citizens First Bank executive vice president.
“We all know there are three pillars for a strong community,” Weber said. “The first pillar is the partnerships — everybody who is here. RoMac, the bank, the school. The second pillar is getting families into safe, clean housing. And that’s what Habitat does for us, it provides that opportunity for deserving, hard-working families. Then we have the honor to work with a great group of students.”
Working with students means a lot to Weber.
“A community that is willing to invest in their students and to build careers is why we’re here,” Weber said. “We are so proud to be a part of this with each and every one of you. The things you’re going to learn in this are going to last you your entire lifetime.”
U.S. Congressman Daniel Webster also was in attendance to congratulate the partnership and the students.
“I’m just out here to cheer you on,” Webster said to the crowd. “This team over here, it’s a great partnership with Habitat and all that goes on there. We’re not just excited about them, but also the two houses that are being built and constructed.”
The students are ready to get to work on the project.
“It feels really good that I’m able to help with this family and be a part of the homebuilding and volunteer for it. It’s just amazing,” said Lance Hutt, a senior with the academy.
At the end of the ceremony, RoMac Distribution employees gifted each student with a tool belt equipped with tools.
“We can’t thank the sponsors enough,” Russell said. “It’s just amazing to see everybody out here for these kids. It’s an amazing opportunity for them and for us to help them learn and grow as people.”
Co-President, Kevin Tucker will be grilling and serving lunch at 12pm
Store Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 9:30am – 4pm
Store Closed: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
The Habitat Villages Club member creations include eclectic décor, handmade gifts, and more
Every purchase supports Habitat’s mission to build and preserve local homes
The mission of the Habitat Villages Club is to directly support Habitat Lake-Sumter’s construction and preservation of homes in our local area. The Habitat Villages Club completed it’s third new home build in November 2022, from fundraising to hands-on construction, the clubs members did it all. Through club activities, the members help provide strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter to the families throughout Lake and Sumter Counties. There are many facets to the club and they welcome all Villagers, whether they are handy with a hammer or not – all skills and talents can be put to good use.
Sally Read, co-president of the club, said, “All the members love their involvement with Habitat, but they could not build homes without the support of the community.”
When you purchase items fromThe Creative Emporium at the Leesburg ReStore, you make it possible for The Habitat Lake-Sumter Villages Club to build and repair homes for the families in Lake and Sumter counties.
Here’s a little snippet of fun that the creative, hardworking members of The Villages Habitat Club have:
To learn more or get involved with The Habitat Lake-Sumter Villages Club:
Contact Sally Read at villagershabitat@gmail.com
The Habitat Lake-Sumter Villages Club Meetings:
2nd Wednesday of Every Month @ 6PM
Seabreeze Recreational Center, 2384 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, FL 32162
Annual Membership Dues are $20
Please remember to bring your Villages ID Card to every meeting
SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Students from schools in Lake and Sumter counties are teaming up to help Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter to build five homes this school year.
Throughout the school year, September through May, students from The Villages Charter School, Leesburg High School, South Lake High School, and Eustis High School will help construct the homes as part of Habitat’s Youth Construction Academy.
Officials said new classes of students will spend time during the school week working side-by-side with Habitat’s construction staff and professional tradesmen on the projects.
In May, the students and teachers will be included in a dedication ceremony to hand the house keys over to a family in need that has completed Habitat’s Home Ownership program.
The new homes will be located in Bushnell, Leesburg, Mascotte, and Tavares.
Click here to read the full story from Sarah Wilson for WFTV.com
Mike Graham, left, of the Village of Largo, and Doug Burns, of the Village of Dunedin, and members of The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club cut siding as they help with construction of a Fruitland Park home.
Bill Mitchell, Daily Sun
National Nonprofit Day puts a spotlight on generosity each year on Aug. 17.
Local nonprofit organizations such as The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club, Friends of SoZo Kids, Angel Wigs of Hope, The Villages Woodworkers and many more give back in big ways to lend a hand to those who need it.
“We have a lot of people who want to help,” said Sally Read, co-president of The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club. “When we are not building a house for the Habitat for Humanity aspect of our group, we’re at someone’s house trimming bushes and tree limbs, weeding and doing those harder tasks that they can’t do.”
These groups and groups across the state are working to keep up with demand. The 2022 Florida Nonprofits Survey, the most recent from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, showed 45% of nonprofits surveyed served more clients in 2022 than in 2021.
CLERMONT, Fla. – Ten Montverde Academy Upper School students volunteered for the Habitat for Humanity Youth Impact Build that took place from 8 am to 12 noon on Thursday, July 27, 2023. They painted the home of a family located in Clermont.
The site managers, two long-time Habitat volunteers, began with a safety lesson of project rules outlined by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA requires that volunteers must be age 18 or older in order to step higher than the second step on the ladder. The students also learned to check that the ladder is secure when working on uneven surfaces and procedures for flushing out their eyes with water if paint splatters into their face. After reviewing the safety rules, students were divided into groups of 3-4 to begin the exterior painting.
Barry Steward, a retired chemical engineer who enjoyed a 46-year career in the industry, was one of the site managers. Bill Krug, former Professor of Leadership at Purdue University, retired 21-year navy commander, and forestry major, was also a site manager who has volunteered with Habitat for over 10 years.
Mount Dora, FL (August 9, 2023) –The Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded $15,000 in grants to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, FL to critically repair one home in Mount Dora, Florida. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is one of more than 230 Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded grant funding nationwide through the 2023 Wells Fargo Builds program to help more low-to-moderate income families access affordable homes.
The grant to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter along with the support of Wells Fargo volunteers will help repair a home for a multi-generational family, The Peak’s. Critical home repairs increase the safety and accessibility for low-income homeowners who are unable to maintain the health and safety of their home by themselves due to age, disability, or family circumstances.
“As a company, we believe a quality, affordable place to call home is something everyone should have,” said Kate Wilson, Senior Vice President, Community Relations at Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to join Habitat for Humanity once again here in Lake-Sumter to help families and older adults live more affordably and remain in their homes and communities they love.”
Repairs to the Peak family home include electrical re-wiring, roof, and windows replacement, and required building code repairs and upgrades that will allow the home to be safe and livable for an additional 15 years or more. Wells Fargo volunteers will join Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter to help the Peak family in Fall 2023.
This funding is part of a $7.5 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International through the 2023 Wells Fargo Builds program to build and repair more than 350 affordable homes nationwide.
Katy Black , her 17-year-old Chase moved into 3-bed, 2-bath home
EUSTIS, Fla. – For the second time in less than a week, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is welcoming a family to their future home.
Katy Black and her 17-year-old son Chase were presented with the keys to their new home in Eustis on Thursday.
“To have my own stove again is going to be great and then the closet is going to be even more wonderful because it’s so huge and I have a place to put my things,” Black said.
The three-bed, two-bath house is going to be a big change for the single mother, who currently lives about an hour away in Silver Springs.
“Here, it’s going to open a lot of doors,” Black said. “I’m closer to work. (Chase) will be able to get a job. We’ll be able to do more things.”
Last year, Habitat of Humanity selected Black to build an affordable home with Publix Supermarkets Charities as the signature sponsor.
Black said she faced difficulties in repairing her credit during the application process but is grateful for the opportunity to become a first-time homeowner.
“Just to see the support that I do have, it’s really great because I don’t always see it,” Black said.
While construction has been completed, final touches still need to be made at the home and Black expects to move in by the end of July.
Habitat for Humanity dedicated another home in Eustis Friday in partnership with RoMac Building Supply.
Yvonne Mooney, of the Village of Duval and a member of the Villagers Habitat for Humanity Club, carries a piece of siding as she helps with construction of a home in Fruitland Park. Staff with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter are reviewing hundreds of applications and choosing the next families who will receive new homes.
Bill Mitchell, Daily Sun
Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is gearing up to build its next seven homes.
The organization closed its application period this week after receiving more than 200 applicants for its next seven homes, which will be built in Leesburg, Lady Lake, Mascotte and Coleman.
The number of families who applied for affordable housing help was a slight increase from past cycles, said Lacie Himes, development director with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.
“It feels great to know we are reaching the people in need, but it’s bittersweet to not get to everyone at once,” she said.
The next step is to evaluate each application and and choose which families will be accepted, a pime.
“Things like family size, their location and median income are all considered,” Himes said. “So are things like credit.”
Some families are close to meeting the requirements, but need extra help before being eligible.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter hosts free financial literacy programs to help families learn tools like budgeting and credit counseling.
“I had a homeowner recently close on a home who had previously applied two times and didn’t qualify,” Himes said. “It felt so good to see her grow and get to where she wanted and needed to be.”
Himes said families also need to know how to be good homeowners and how to properly budget for home expenses, and Habitat offers the training even after people are placed, if needed.
Other factors, like where a family is located, can determine whether they make it through the process.
If a family is located in Lady Lake and can’t or does not want to relocate to somewhere a house is being built, they might not get a house in that “cycle,” Himes said.
13 teams and 62 women came together throughout May to begin constructing the very first 2 bedroom/1 bath cottage-style home in The Cottages at Heritage Grove. The new community is a 23-unit pocket-neighborhood specifically designed to meet the needs of Lake County residents on a fixed income, retired, or who are looking to maintain affordable housing as senior citizens.
The teams volunteered their time at the site all month, working Monday through Saturday on the site.
“I am so excited to work with the teams of women building my home! What a great feeling!”
~ Beth, Senior Homeowner
At the end of the very first day, the exterior walls were up. Day by day, the home has been coming together. So quickly, that by the time the final team met on May 20th, the roof was being staged to be next on the agenda.
“Building the first 55+ age-restricted community in Tavares is going to change the lives of 23 families that we are excited to partner with, serving a need in our community and building it stronger.”
~ Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat Lake-Sumter
Upon completion of the home, Habitat Lake-Sumter will host a Dedication ceremony to dedicate the home and hand over the keys to it’s new owner, Beth Dyhr.
The opportunity to own an affordable home can remove barriers that might have been part of a family’s life for years, if not generations. Thanks to Women Build, we can offer that opportunity for a family who needs it most.
If you would like to get involved and to learn more, please contact Melanie at 352-483-0434 EXT 141.
LEESBURG, Fla. — Students and volunteers helped spruce up a building in Lake County this week.
Leesburg High School Construction Academy students worked on a community service beautification project with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
The project restored the Tri-City NAACP in Leesburg, which was built in 1978.
Students and volunteers pressure-washed the building, sidewalks, and entry signs.
They wrapped the iron porch columns with wood, put crack filler on the walls, and framed out a stone marker embedded in one of the exterior walls.
Teams added a touch of color by painting the building with blue and yellow, the NAACP logo’s color.
Many of the students participating in the project hope to be part of next year’s Habitat team, which partners with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter to build a house for a local family.
The students and faculty of South Lake High School’s construction academy recently turned over the keys to a new home in Mascotte. The build was sponsored by Habitat For Humanity Lake-Sumter, FL and many local community support partners. New homeowner, Latoya Sankey, simply shouted, “I’m excited!” When asked about the process she added, “Has this been a long road? In general yes but with Habitat it doesn’t seem like it’s been that long. It’s been over a year but I also can’t believe that a year ago, I was sticking a shovel in the dirt.” She is anticipating moving in with her son Mason and daughter Skyla.
Danielle Stroud, Habitat For Humanity Lake-Sumter CEO shares, “This day is the most exciting day of the year. The day we get to celebrate the students. For all of their hard work and everything they’ve learned over the course of the year.” Looking over at Ms. Sankey she continued, “We also get to bless the family as they move on to this next phase which will be moving into the house.”
Jared Fullerton, construction teacher at South Lake High School shared his perspective. “We’re here at the third dedication ceremony we’ve had. This is a great program working with Habitat For Humanity. I’m super proud of the students and all the community support we’ve gotten.” He shifted to thoughts of the Construction Academy program at South Lake High School. “This is one of the best learning environments for students that want to be in construction. Without our partners and the students’ dedication, this doesn’t happen. We are excited to start our fourth house next year. The program has just gotten more and more popular at school. This year I had the greatest application numbers for students that want to be in this program. It’s nice to see the excitement taking place at school.”
Victoria Duket, left, wipes her tears as her mother, Debbie Duket celebrates alongside Aidan Campbell, a VHS Construction Management Academy student, during the their new home’s dedication ceremony. With help from Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, students built the house.
Rachel Stuart, Daily Sun
It didn’t take long for Debbie Duket to start making plans for her new home.
“First, I’m going to put everything in my kitchen and I’m going to cook to my heart’s desire and have people over to eat,” Debbie said. “I’m so excited about using this kitchen, I can’t even tell you.”
Duket and her daughter, Victoria Duket, and granddaughter, Dylann Duket, are the recipients of one of two houses in Wildwood built by students in The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
The dedication ceremony for the Dukets’ home, sponsored by Citizens First Bank, took place April 20, and the ceremony for the McPherson family home, sponsored by RoMac Distribution, happened Monday.
“This isn’t a house, it’s a home,” said Brad Weber, executive vice president and chief lending officer of Citizens First Bank. “And Debbie, this morning you woke up in the place you were living and tonight you get to lay your head down in your own home.”
This is the first time VHS students built two homes in one school year. The program allows them to get hands-on experience in construction while learning the importance of community service.
“It’s a vision in the beginning and they bring it to life,” Debbie said. “With Habitat, the people and the kids, every person involved — they bring it to life.”
VHS student Brett Wilke liked working with his classmates on the project, especially the early stage of putting the framing together.
“It was very interesting — it was fun,” Wilke said. “We learned a lot.”
Wilke said the program has benefits beyond bolstering a future career.
“With this type of stuff, even if you don’t do it for a career, it’s stuff you can do by yourself at your house if something breaks,” Wilke said. “You don’t have to pay someone a bunch of money to fix it, you can do it yourself.”
Though contractors are required to do some of the work on the homes, students work right alongside them.
“It’s a great hands-on experience,” said Pastor Perez, a senior in the academy. “From literally starting from the ground up, starting the framing, all the way up to doing the roofing and the shingles and all that.”
Perez said he enjoyed the experiential form of learning.
“There isn’t a day you’re not learning something different,” Perez said.
At the second ceremony, Shannon McPherson and her son, Devin McPherson, got the keys to their home.
Both expressed appreciation for the work that went into the project.
“I’d come to look at and take pictures (of the home), and there was love and energy when you walked in, even from just the outside,” Shannon said to the students. “I was always seeing all the precision and hard work that you put into our home, and I thank you so much.”
TAVARES – Habitat for Humanity will be building a “pocket neighborhood” for homeowners who are 55 and older.
“It’s the first time we are building an age-restricted community,” said Lacie Himes, development director for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
The site, which has been cleared and infrastructure installed, is in an area behind the Dunkin’ doughnut shop on State Road 19. It was once occupied by mobile homes, and it remains
surrounded by seniors living in mobile homes and a portion of the Dora Canal.
An application workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday (April 20) at the Leesburg Resource Center in Leesburg on County Road 468. Applicants must be on a fixed income, and that income must fall under the requirements of the program.
“There is a need for affordable housing for this population,” Himes said, and Tavares recognized it, too.
It will be called The Cottages at Heritage Grove.
Construction on the first home is expected to begin in May. The organization hopes to be building two houses at a time.
Part of Habitat’s practice is to have the new homeowners participate in the construction with what it calls “sweat equity.” That might look different in the case of the seniors, depending upon their physical condition. They may end up volunteering in the office or thrift store, but opportunities will be available on site, too, she said.
There was no room for words, only tears, as Nicole Benton and her two daughters received the keys to their home.
“I’m feeling everything right now; I’m excited, nervous, overjoyed,” Benton said. “This is something we have waited for, for years.” Benton started building the house in November in Lady Lake once the foundation was poured, along with the Villagers Habitat For Humanity club, which sponsored the project.
This is the third home built by the club since it started four years ago. The first house was completed in November 2020. Now, the group is to the point where members hope the Bentons’ new home won’t be the only one they build this year.
Read said she remains in contact with every Habitat family she works with.
“They become friends, they are people you build connections with,” Read said. “I can say Nicole is one of my dear friends now.”
Benton and her two daughters, Jaide, 10, and Janaiza, 17, were officially able to move into their three bedroom home after about four months of construction.
This is the first time both daughters get a room of their own, Benton said.
“Jaide is so excited to decorate her room and show it off,” she said. “She and Janaiza both already have decorations ready to hang up.”
Excitement was the theme of the day as more people arrived at the home for the dedication.
Sally Read, co-president of Villagers Habitat for Humanity, said she hardly slept the night before.
“There isn’t a more loving, grateful person who deserves this home than Nicole,” Read said. “She was here every single day putting in the work.”
For Habitat recipients, they have to put in a certain amount of sweat equity and are required to participate in a percentage of the construction of the home.
Senior Brandon Martinez puts the house wrap onto a Habitat for Humanity home under construction. The Wildwood Middle High School Construction Academy has helped out on Habitat for Humanity home projects this year.
Wildwood Middle High School is training the future builders of the community.
The school is developing a new Construction Academy. Last year, it began its HVAC — heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — and electrician program. It will bring those programs together to make the Construction Academy.
Students in the program have helped with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter’s homebuilding sites in Eustis and Leesburg by putting house wrap and siding on homes, among other tasks.
LADY LAKE, Fla. — Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is set to hand over the keys to a newly built home.
Officials said this will be the third home built along with members from the Villagers Habitat Lake-Sumter Club.
The club raise funds and built the home from the foundation up.
“Working alongside community-minded individuals from the Villagers Habitat Lake-Sumter Club has given us the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships in our community and provide affordable housing solutions for those who need it,” said Danielle Stroud, CEO and President of Habitat Lake-Sumter. “Together, we can do so much more, and we are grateful for their continued partnership.”
Officials said The Villagers Habitat Lake-Sumter Club members have shared Habitat’s mission to advocate, fundraise and volunteer to build a home each year, since 2019.
The group will hand over the keys to the Benton family at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, and will be joined by representatives of community partner, TD Charitable Foundation.
Like-minded, hard-working women got together March 9 at a pink champagne party to kick off Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter’s six-week fundraising campaign to build a local resident a new house.
Women Build is an annual nationwide initiative that invites women from all walks of life to join together to fundraise and eventually lend a hand in the building of a new home. This will be the area’s fifth project.
At the event, held during Women’s History Month at the RoMac Training Center in Leesburg, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter CEO Danielle Stroud said that with the average Lake County household income being just around $35,000, it’s more important than ever to take a grassroots approach to providing houses for people in need.
We build for our families,” Stroud said. “It has become increasingly difficult and challenging for people to afford to buy their own home, and we at Habitat want to bridge that gap. Women Build is an important part of this.”
So far this year, Women Build has nine teams and 37 participants. The goal is to raise $100,000 in six weeks to build a two-bedroom, one-bath property that the women will help to build in May
The property will be the first house to be built in The Cottages at Heritage Grove, Habitat’s first 55-plus age restricted community in Tavares. This is a project that has been some years in the making and ultimately is to provide 23 cottage-style houses and townhomes.
As of March 9, the ladies of Women Build had already raised $14,148 toward their huge record-setting goal.
Lake County Commissioners will proceed later this month with the first of two public hearings on a controversial ordinance to establish a six-month moratorium on new subdivision plans despite concerns over how it could impact the delivery of affordable housing.
The county’s staff requested a moratorium so it could pause reviews for new preliminary subdivision plats while they update the land development code with enhanced residential architectural guidelines and subdivision standards. But Lake County’s Planning & Zoning Board voted to recommend denial of the moratorium ordinance at its March 3 meeting after homebuilders spoke out against it.
And three members of the county’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee filed impact statements opposing the moratorium.
Danielle Stroud, CEO of Lake-Sumter Habitat for Humanity, said the requested 6-month delay would put a strain on everything from funding and land contracts to housing supply.
“From the affordable housing perspective alone, not approving future potential projects under existing code while revamping the new codes would do exactly what it says, which is potentially kiboshing some projects, or if nothing less, postponing them for the length of the moratorium,” she told GrowthSpotter. “It’s time and money.”
Mariela Garcia, director of construction for Homes in Partnership, said in her impact statement that the moratorium could stall the construction of 45 new homes for Lake County families in need.
“The agency I build affordable housing for is currently working on the Platting of 3 Subdivisions in Lake County,” she wrote. “These three subdivisions will in total provide Affordable Housing for approximately 45 new families that otherwise would not be able to buy a home this year. The agency is issued a grant through USDA Rural Development to oversee these projects. If Affordable Housing Agencies cannot submit for Plat approval for 6 months this will further delay the site development of all three of these projects, therefore pushing 45 families to not be able to purchase a new home.”
Katy Black says living in Eustis will make huge difference
EUSTIS, Fla. – Katy Black gave News 6 a tour of what her new Eustis home will look like.
She and her son Chase Allison, 17, were selected to build an affordable home through Habitat for Humanity.
Though, Black said it was not easy. As a single mom, she had to fix her credit and apply for the program.
Black said living in Eustis will make a huge difference since they currently live in Silver Springs, about an hour away.
“My income goes to paying all the bills on my own and then if I want anything extra, it’s coming out of my pocket. I don’t have a second person to help me,” she said.
Chase has been helping volunteers around the structure and he is looking forward to starting senior year at Eustis High School next year, which is right across the street.
“I’m just ready to graduate and go to trade school just.. it’s a great situation. My mom, she, she deserves it,” Chase said.
Publix Super Markets Charities awarded Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter with a $50,000 grant as a signature sponsor of the new home.
Team members from across multiple Publix locations have come together to build the home.
“For me, you’re giving me a safe, stable place to live and making it affordable for me at the same time,” Black said.
The family said the goal is to move into their new home sometime this summer.
Spring cleaning is not only an opportunity to tidy and refresh your home, it’s also an opportunity to do small but necessary maintenance checks to keep your home running efficiently. Here are some tips and reminders from our very own Preservation & Repair Construction Manager, Habitat Matt, to maximize your spring cleaning routine.
Check and replace air and furnace filters. Dust build up can slow the efficiency of your HVAC system and affect the quality of the air in your home. Changing your filters every 90 days gives you clean air, keeps your HVAC running smoothly, and minimizes allergy and sinus flare ups.
Check for leaks. Leaks over time can cause larger issues such as mold and deterioration, which can lead to structural and flooring damage and health hazards. Catching leaks early before they become bigger issues, can save your home, health, and pockets. Areas to check include plumbing, appliances, ceiling, and HVAC. Also, pouring vinegar or a capful of bleach can also remove build up in HVAC drain lines.
Inspect and clean debris from gutters. As we prepare for spring showers, it is important to ensure that water is properly draining off your roof and away from your home. Roof damage is the leading cause of policy drops from homeowner’s insurance. Cleaning your gutters can extend the life of your roof, protecting your home and your family. Remember, to always practice ladder safety when cleaning your gutters.
Check grout and caulking. in tile to prevent loose tiles in shower or floors.
Check smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. for proper functioning and that they are up to date.
Clean dryer vents. A vacuum cleaner is a quick and efficient way to remove lingering lent build up from the dryer vent. Build up in your dryer vent can impact the efficiency of your dryer causing your clothes to take longer to dry, but more importantly, it’s a fire hazard! So be sure to clean your dryer vent frequently to avoid damp clothes and the risk of fires.
Check/flush drains for clogs. Build up in your pipes can cause a lot of harmful effects such as odor, mold and mildew growth, water contamination, and structural damage. Also, standing water and/or food build up in your pipes can attract pests. Simply pouring boiling hot water can remove any residue build up and pairing it with vinegar or baking soda washes away unpleasant odors.
Did you know that average home repair costs range from $3,000-$10,000 for standard repairs? Following these routine maintenance checks can not only improve the efficiency of your home, but can save you money on costly repairs.
Always remember, when getting rid of gently-used household items and appliances, call up your Hometown Habitat at (352) 589-3005 to donate your gently used goods to our local ReStores. Your donations help build homes and change lives in Lake and Sumter Counties!
Felix was an amazing person who will be dearly missed, he was an advocate for so many people in the community through his work as an educator, counselor, pastor and of course his service and passion for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter and the families we represent. Felix leaves a legacy of faith, love, and compassion. He was committed to serving and encouraging others throughout our area and his passing leaves a hole in our community and our hearts.
Felix was employed with Lake County School Board for 35 years as an Educator, Specialist, and Administrator. Felix held a Masters in Supervision and Administration so he could be an Administrator and Teacher Trainer with the School Board.
He served with many different organizations and boards. He loved being part of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, The Lake County Republican Party, the Hispanic Republican Club, Leadership Lake County,
Felix was a Licensed Christian Marriage & Family Therapist through the Federal Association of Christian Counselors & Therapists, Inc.
One of his greatest passions was being the Pastor of La Primera Iglesia Bautista de Mascotte. He is the founding Pastor of the congregation at First Baptist Church (La Primera Iglesia Bautista) of Mascotte, Florida, and has pastored there since 1983.
Felix has been married for 53 years to his teenage sweetheart, Maria. They have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of many in our community, but we look forward to celebrating his life.
“Faithful. Compassionate. Devoted to God and family. Community leader.
A man of integrity. These are just some of the things that come to mind when I think about Felix.
Whether his role was husband, father, pastor, teacher, counselor, mayor, volunteer, or Habitat Board member his heart was always ready (and seeking) to serve his community–a community that extended well beyond his family and his church to include people from every walk of life in Lake County.
He personified Henry David Thoreau’s words, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” Felix saw the heart of the person and the potential within, and would encourage that person to persevere until s/he realized that potential for herself.
Felix’s legacy of faith and service lives on in his family and on the Board of Habitat-LS. We are grateful for all that he has done for our community, including the many Habitat homeowners who have been blessed by his service.”
~ Lee Owen, Habitat Lake-Sumter Board Chair
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS and in remembrance of Pastor Felix’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to his church First Baptist Church of Mascotte / La Primera Iglesia Bautista de Mascotte (P.O. Box 98, Mascotte, Fl 34753) and in continuing Pastor Felix’s memory as an advocate for our community, a donation can be made in his name (Feliciano F Ramirez) to Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter online at www.habitatLS.org or by mail to 906 Avenida Central, The Villages FL 32159
Marie Bogdonoff started Villagers For Veterans to serve those who served
SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – The Villages has attracted one of the highest concentrations of veterans of any community in the nation.
Nearly 20,000 military veterans call The Villages home, and this week’s Getting Results Award winner tells us their donations and support have helped her nonprofit make a difference in the lives of others who are less fortunate.
The retired accountant was looking for a way to give back and after a visit to Walter Reed Medical Center, she found her calling.
The nonprofit is dedicated to helping veterans get the tools they need for independent living. Her current project includes remodeling a home in Fruitland Park that will become a transitional home for six formerly homeless women veterans. Bogdonoff calls it Ashley’s Cottage.
“This is going to be the living room and over here we’re going to have a nice modular for the TV,” said Bogdonoff, giving News 6 a tour. “Super excited to make this happen and we just love the idea of welcoming our women veterans here.”
Right now, the three-bedroom home is under renovation. The cabinets are torn out and crews will be updating the flooring and painting the walls soon.
“I never knew there were so many homeless veterans because you don’t see them on the streets,” Bogdonoff said. “They move in with friends and family. There’s a term of endearment they use called couch surfers.”
She said women veterans in particular have been in the shadows for a long time.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter in partnership with AgeWave Solutions presented Sheena Tynes, a single mother of three, keys to her new home on Wednesday. Her kids, Nathan and Nicholas Demeritte and Skye Cartwright were by her side for this emotional presentation.
“I can’t stop saying thank you,” Sheena says. “I’ve been praying for this moment.”
In February 2020, Sheena had lined up a home for her and her children, but it fell through. However, she clung to the promise, “For I know that plans I have for you, says the Lord.”
The family moved into the Mount Dora Children’s Home for single parent families to help get back on track while maneuvering through a wavering economy during the pandemic.
Her social worker encouraged her to apply to Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing program. She was approved and the Women Build 2022 went to work building her home in Eustis, which was completed earlier this month.
“What an awesome day for an awesome celebration,” Habitat for Humanity board chair Lee Owen says. “We’re so excited for this family and want to give thank for all the hands that went into to building this place for this family.”
As the presenting sponsor of Women Build 2022, AgeWave Solutions, Inc made it possible to build the Tynes family home, while raising awareness of housing issues facing women, their families, and the community.
A Bible, American flag and a toolbox was presented to the family by supporters in the community during the dedication ceremony.
Debbie Duket, right, learns about her new cabinets from members of The Villages High School Construction Management Academy Jake Phillips, left, and Brady Widmann, who are helping to build her Habitat for Humanity home in Wildwood.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
Debbie Duket’s 13-year-old granddaughter soon will have her own room for the first time. Duket’s family is receiving one of the homes students with The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy are building in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. “She and I have shared a room for 13 years, so we are thrilled,” she said. “She wants to decorate.”
The 27 academy seniors are building two homes this year instead of one — a first for the academy. Students, sponsors and community members celebrated the halfway point of both homes with a dry-in ceremony Friday at the home sites in Wildwood.
Citizens First Bank is sponsoring Duket’s home, a 1,461-square-foot house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Duket will move in by the end of the school year with her daughter Victoria Duket and her granddaughter Dylann Duket.
“They’re beautiful homes, well-made,” Debbie said. “And I just feel like there is so much love in it. I got goosebumps walking in it today. It’s almost done. It’s so close.”
Brad Weber, executive vice president and chief lending officer of Citizens First Bank, said projects like this benefit families and communities as a whole.
“We know it is proven that homeownership brings up the quality of every community,” Weber said. “And that’s why projects like this are so important.”
Weber also said it is an investment for the students.
“Not only are we building two homes, and not only are we improving the quality of the community, but we’re improving the quality of our future with these students who work so hard on these homes,” he said.
RoMac Building Supply, based in Leesburg, is sponsoring the second home, a 1,215-square-foot house with two bedrooms and one bathroom.
Don Magruder, chief executive officer of RoMac Building Supply, said he looks at the students as the future of the industry.
“But more importantly, you guys are doing something very important for these families and this community,” he told them during the ceremony. “You’re doing something good and it makes you feel good about this generation coming up.”
The construction projects allow students to work with industry partners and learn all the skills needed to build a home.
They can earn industry certifications while in the academy and gain valuable job experience.
A $740 check was presented to Lacie Himes of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter by Old Time Radio club president and players director Ed Williams and show producer, Richard Bigelow. The check was presented on Nov. 29 and was collected through the Old Time Radio group’s presentation of War of the Worlds.
The Villages Old-Time Radio Drama Club donated $740 in proceeds from their “War of the Worlds” performance to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
The Old-Time Radio Club and Players staged a performance in the Lake Miona Recreation Center of the famous H.G. Wells radio program – a radio drama that startled millions of people who were listening to it on the original air date of Oct. 30, 1938.
On that same date, 84 years later, Oct. 30, 2022, a theater audience of 250 enjoyed a live re-creation of the original script. In lieu of an admissions charge, The Villages Old-Time Radio Club requested donations in support of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.
The donations will help support new construction and Preservation and Repair projects in Lake and Sumter counties.
Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter’s mission is to bring people together to build homes, community and hope.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter hosts biggest playhouse building event of the season – Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter hosts biggest playhouse building event of the season
TAVARES, Fla. — Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter held their fourth annual “Jingle Build-Off” on Saturday.
This year’s was the largest playhouse building event so far, as 13 different playhouses were built for donating to kids for the holidays.
Teams competed to build their houses and have them showcased in the Tavares Christmas Parade and Celebration.
The playhouses will stay on display for one week, allowing residents to vote for their favorite.
Jaide Benton, 10, right, watches as her mother, Nicole Benton gives a hug to Marv Baden, of Fruitland Park, who is the project manager for the Habitat for Humanity Villages Club build site in Fruitland Park.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
Tears traced a path down Nicole Benton’s cheeks as she helped raise up the first wall of the home that will soon belong to her. On Tuesday, Benton and her two children helped lift the wood frames for the first four walls of their future home in Lady Lake. It’s being built by The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club, which is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. The Benton home is the club’s third house, and it will be the first house members finish in 2023. Sally Read, co-president of the club in The Villages, said the members do all the fundraising needed to build the homes. It costs $15,000 for the club to have exclusive rights to build each house. “We do constant fundraising, but it’s always worth it,” she said. “I’ll help raise whatever it takes to build homes for these families.”
Benton, who is a single mother of two, said she knew their lives would change the moment the walls started going up.
“It’s a lot of emotions,” she said. “You’re feeling so much at once. It’s a lot of gratitude. I’m thankful to Habitat and everyone who is helping us and helping make this happen.”
Read and other club members are ready to get the house’s construction going and are aiming for an April finish.
“It could change because of supply chains and other delays,” said Read, of the Village of Tall Trees. “But it’s nice for us to do houses this time of year because the weather is cooler. No one likes to do construction in intense heat.”
First and foremost, we hope you and your family are safe after the storm.
While many in our community were blessed to not be directly impacted by Hurricane Ian, many families across Florida are living without the safety and shelter of home.
As our hearts break for our fellow Floridians who have suffered significant devastation from Hurricane Ian, Habitat Lake-Sumter is preparing to send donations and resources to aid in the statewide recovery efforts.
The impact left in the wake of Hurricane Ian is being felt throughout our state. Now is the time to come together as a community and start to move forward with recovery efforts, but we need your help…
Please consider making a donation to support our neighbors in their time of need.
Members of The Villages High School Construction Management Academy participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the two homes they are building for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, Florida, in Wildwood. One home is going to Debbie Duket, left, who is joined by her granddaughter, Dylann Duket, 12, and the other home will be going to Shannon McPherson, and her son, Devin McPherson, center.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
Shannon McPherson could not find the words to express her gratitude.
She couldn’t even find one word.
The Leesburg resident and her son, Devin, will live in the second home students with The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy are building through Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
“One word can’t encapsulate it,” McPherson said. “It’s not a single-word journey.”
She helped moved piles of dirt for her future home during the groundbreaking Wednesday in Wildwood.
This is the first year VHS Construction Management Academy students are building two homes. Students broke ground on the other home in August.
VHS Principal Rob Grant said the academy and the partnership with Habitat gives students a snapshot of what it’s like to have a career in construction.
“I hope you all have a great experience. You are going to do what no other class has ever done — build two homes,” Grant said to the crowd.
Business partners such as Citizens First Bank, RoMac Distribution and RoMac Building Supply also attended Wednesday’s event.
Justin Cooper, a general manager at RoMac Distribution, spoke about the need for more people in the industry.
“We need you in the future of building,” Cooper said to students. “I don’t know if you know how important it is, but there is always construction, and there is always building to be done. You guys will play a critical role in that. So, to have young men and young women interested in that — thank you.”
Bruce Haberle, instructor of The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy, is proud that students are taking on two homes this year.
“I think it’s really awesome that, one, we have the manpower,” Haberle said. “And now we have knowledge from the first house to jump into the second house. The kids are doing really well this year.”
Eleventh-graders Benjamin Sylaince, left, and Cason Wiggin, of the Leesburg High School Construction Academy, use a nail gun as they work on the Habitat for Humanity home.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
Construction Academies students at Lake County Schools are already moving dirt on this year’s projects. Academies with Leesburg High School and South Lake High School have broken ground on home builds with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, and Eustis High School’s takes place today. Lacie Himes, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter development director, said the partnership with schools’ academies allows students to learn skills they will need for a future construction career and gives them the opportunity to help a family in need. “One of my favorite things about the program partnership is the service that the kids give,” Himes said. “The acts of service that they do in their week-to-week of school where they come out to participate with us on-site is a really great thing. It gives them a lot of experience in the construction field and a chance to meet and work with different people every time they come out to help.”
Himes said the kids of the construction academy also will learn valuable character building skills such as respect and how they should treat others in a busy, public working environment.
Fourteen students with the academy at Leesburg High School dug their shovels into the ground for the first time last month at the home site.
“When the kids think about construction and the idea of doing it, I want them to understand hands-on experience can’t be taught, but only learned through continuous repetition,” said Bryan Russ, instructor of the Leesburg Construction Academy. ”I can give them knowledge in the classroom about what it is, but it only makes a real sense when the students are actually on site doing it.”
Dawnkevya Harper and her children will soon be closing on their first home, thanks to the dedicated club members of the Habitat Lake-Sumter Villages Club. The Harper’s will be moving into a 4bd/2ba home in Fruitland Park. The Harper’s home is the second home built by the Habitat Villages Club under the leadership of Sally Reed and Kevin Tucker. The club has dedicated over 2,000 volunteer hours in the construction of the Harper’s home. The family of five will now have a safe place to call home, where they can thrive and make many cherished memories together.
“Our dream is finally coming true, and we are so grateful and blessed to have an amazing team of supporters.”- Dawnkevya
Having a home where her children can safely play and enjoy being kids without worry, motivated Dawnkevya to work harder and become financially established. She and her children have had to live in dangerous and cramped environments. Her children could not enjoy their childhood and have bikes or toys like other children due to limited space. As a mother, it was tough having to constantly tell her children no to things they wanted and should have as kids. Finally, after years of staying with friends and relatives, the Harpers were able to find a nice home to rent. Although their rental home met their needs and provided them some security, Dawnkevya began thinking about her children’s future.
“I wanted a place that they could call their forever home without the worries of moving.”- Dawnkevya
The journey of homeownership has been a long road. Dawnkevya initially applied for a Habitat home several years ago, but her financial circumstances prevented her from being selected as a candidate. Disappointed, she did not allow her to better. She followed the recommendations given by our Program Director, Veronica, and began learning how to repair her credit and improve her finances. She continued to better herself, and in the fall of 2021, she reapplied and was chosen as the top candidate!
“All I can say is hard work and determination pays off. Never did I think a single mother could become a homeowner.”
Dawnkevya shares this message, “As life goes on, sometimes you find yourself in some tough situations. I’m proud to say that the smiles and encouragement I receive from my little ones makes me strive for better. Becoming a first-time homeowner means everything to me. I’ll be able to make sure my kids know we have a safe place to call home. We get to build a lifetime foundation making memories together. This process is a big investment to our future. After years of searching for an affordable home to own, I’m just so honored and grateful that my family was chosen to receive such a blessing. Thank you, Habitat for Humanity!”
Dawnkevya Harper spent months hammering nails and helping hang sheetrock at her new home in Fruitland Park. On Monday, she finally got the keys and stepped inside the house for the first time as the homeowner. Harper and her family were chosen by Habitat for Humanity to receive a house in the area. They attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday surrounded by loved ones, neighbors and members of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and The Villages Habitat Club. “I’m excited,” she said. “I came by almost every day to check on things and water the grass. I’m happy the kids will have a yard to play in.”
Harper has five children between the ages of 1 and 13 years old. Her youngest son, De-Legend Jones, and her oldest son, Raymond Reed, attended the ribbon-cutting along with Harper’s mother, Samantha Jackson, her fiance, Julius Daniels, and Daniels’ mother, Ema Mann.
Harper was overcome with emotion, so her mother thanked the organization on behalf of the whole family.
“From the day she got the call she was getting the house, we all were so excited,” Jackson said. “It is a beautiful thing getting to see your loved ones have their own place to call home.”
With shovels in hand, 26 students heaved the first pile of dirt at the site of their newest home-building project.
The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for their latest partnership, at 4506 NE 32nd Place in Wildwood.
“We are here to serve families who otherwise would not have the opportunity to have a home,” said Danielle Stroud, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. “So you are really providing a unique chance for them by building a generational home, not just for that family, but also their children.”
This will be the fifth home built by the Construction Management Academy, with instructors overseeing the students as they are involved in the construction process from the foundation up, including working on drywall, flooring and framing and placing roof trusses.
Throughout the project, students also will work with area subcontractors and trade professionals, gaining valuable on-the-job experience in the construction industry.
Savannah Lester, a senior at The Villages High School, said she is ready to get her hands dirty.
“It’s really cool,” Lester said. “It’s a really good experience to learn, definitely as a high schooler and not having much experience, but we are going to learn it in the next year.”
Lester said she plans to major in business in college and get her general contractor license.
“I like working with my hands and I like doing things outside,” Lester said. “I was born and raised in construction. It’s something I always enjoyed.”
She is joined by 25 other seniors on this yearlong project, including Landon Capazzi.
“It’s cool that I get to build a house for someone who needs it,” Capazzi said. “It’s also cool to say, ‘I just built a house’ and it’ll be cool to look back on.”
Capazzi plans to go into construction after high school as a home inspector.
A competitive dragon boat team from The Villages, The Dragon Boat Sisters, this past week worked on their second critical home repair with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
The Dragon Boat Sisters have raised funds and volunteered over the course of three days to ensure the home is safe and ADA accessible for the homeowner, Mary Sterling.
When asked why this project is important, one of the team members mentioned that “we are giving a hand up to help Ms. Mary, she needs this ramp for her mobility in life and we’re putting that in plus freshening her home with a coat of paint and landscaping.”
The project scope included installing new shutters, rebuilding entry-way stairsand building a 45-foot aluminum wheelchair ramp to enable ease of access into the home. Painting and landscaping for the exterior of the home will be the finishing touches of the project.
Sterling said that it feels amazing to have her house repaired. She has been on the wait list for two years so this can happen, and she feels “so blessed and happy” to finally have this opportunity.
The local high school construction academies in Leesburg, The Villages, Eustis, and South Lake had a banner school year for student participation, but more importantly, these young people helped build four homes for Habit for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
In April and May, the students turned the keys over to brand new homeowners who, if not for these programs, and Habitat for Humanity, would have never been able to own a home. The construction academies in these high schools are a true partnership between the public and private sectors, and many of these students can leave high school with a job in hand.
The local high school construction academies in Leesburg, The Villages, Eustis, and South Lake had a banner school year for student participation, but more importantly, these young people helped build four homes for Habit for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
In April and May, the students turned the keys over to brand new homeowners who, if not for these programs, and Habitat for Humanity, would have never been able to own a home. The construction academies in these high schools are a true partnership between the public and private sectors, and many of these students can leave high school with a job in hand.
Mentorship by local subcontractors and business leaders, along with eager educators, created a learning environment for students, and as a result, next year, the Leesburg Construction Academy has over 300 students signed up for the program and the school is hiring a second instructor to expand other construction scopes like CAD drawing.
Probably, the most important aspect of these construction academies has been the positive effect on the students. To work on these homes students are required to follow workplace rules and standards, and there are strict discipline guidelines for behavior.
A local family of five has finally gotten the home it always wanted. On Friday morning, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter and members of the Construction Management Academy at The Villages High School presented the keys to a brand new home in Wildwood to Shane Thomas, Nicole Brandon and their three children. Thomas addressed the crowd at the dedication ceremony. “This means a lot to my family,” he said. “We struggled a lot for a long time, so to be able to have a home that we can call our own — it’s hard to put it into words.” All 13 VHS seniors in the construction academy were involved in various capacities throughout the build, from flooring to the roof’s trusses, to help them get a real feel for the work.
The Construction Management Academy is just one of multiple academies available at The Villages High School that prepare students for post-secondary education and the workforce.
“These are kids building a home like this,” Thomas said. “It’s amazing, guys.”
During the ceremony, each student was introduced, and construction academy instructor Bruce Haberle commented on their performance in the program. VHS Principal Rob Grant also was in attendance.
“It’s one of my favorite days of the year as a principal — being able to come out and see the accomplishments of our kids,” Grant said.
Danielle Stroud, president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, spoke about what building and dedicating a home means for students and the community.
“What you guys built here today will last past your time in school,” Stroud said. “And it will continue to invest in families just like you guys.”
The Brandon family put in more than 200 “sweat equity hours,” which included helping out with the build and taking financial literacy courses, Stroud said.
Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter makes sure the housing is affordable with a manageable mortgage.
Cadets from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy paint a house in Mount Dora as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Preservation and Repair program on Thursday. [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent]
MOUNT DORA — Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s preservation and repair program is underway.
A group of cadets from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy are hitting the streets of Mount Dora, Umatilla and Clermont to revitalize neighborhoods.
“These ‘block parties,’ as we call them, help assist owners who are disabled or who maybe can’t afford repairs,” academy professor Ed Valla said. “We help with landscaping, pressure washing, light repairs and painting the exterior of the home. It’s an effort to help Habitat for Humanity and build a better community.”
A group of about 30 freshmen cadets are taking part in this two-week project. They are studying emergency management services and have had the opportunity to visit with our local police and fire departments for additional training.
The initiative is in its sixth year. In that time, more than 200 cadets have come through the program in Lake County alone.
“It feels good to get out and serve other who need it,” freshmen cadet CJ Manning said. “We learn about giving back to the community and all aspects of being a cadet. We are fortunate to have everything we do and want to help others with it.”
One homeowner in Mount Dora was so thankful for the yard work the cadets provided, that she bought them all pizzas for lunch.
“Homeowners have had a very positive response,” Valla said. “Over in Clermont, they painted 14 houses in two days.”
A few senior cadets return to the program as mentors, but all faculty and cadets work together on the projects.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter in partnership with AgeWave Solutions, Inc recently dedicated the first Habitat home of 2022.
AgeWave Solutions, Inc was the presenting sponsor for the Women Build project in May 2021, which aims to build and repair homes, while raising awareness of housing issues facing women, their families, and the community.
Not only does AgeWave’s support make it possible to build the new home, but they are also responsible for the engineering and design of the house. “We work closely with AgeWave Solutions, Inc for the architectural design, drafting and engineering of our house plans,” says Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat Lake-Sumter. “This home went from drawing to reality, all while working alongside AgeWave.”
AgeWave Solutions, Inc will be included in the dedication ceremony as we hand over the keys to a Family who were selected through Habitat’s Home Ownership program.
Volunteers with The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club, left to right, Fran Harper, of the Village of Hemingway, Kevin Tucker, of the Village Del Mar, Andy Laskowsky, of the Village Rio Grande, and John Holmes, of the Village of Pine Ridge, help build a home on Skycrest Boulevard in Fruitland Park.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
Having a home built by The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club was a life-changing event for Joyce Tohill and her family, including her special-needs daughter. Tohill was the recipient of the club’s first build last year in Fruitland Park. When she learned that the group needed assistance, she was quick to sign up to help another family. With inflation slowing some nonprofits’ projects, many are reaching out to the community for a hand. Rising gas prices are affecting cancer patients needing transportation, rising food prices are affecting the amount and type of food local food pantries can hand out, and the rising cost of building supplies is affecting groups that provide housing. The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club had to raise money before starting its second build, which was delayed until December because of building cost increases.
“We knew in October the build was going to be delayed, so we had to get creative,” said Sally Read, co-president of the group. “We held a fundraiser as our costs went from $10,000 to $15,000. We ended up working with Nothing Bundt Cakes in (The Villages) and having an additional fundraiser to meet our goal, but we are still raising money since we will decorate when the build is finished.”
Time to get the paint brushes out, as Florida Paints is partnering with Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program through community events, “Spruce up the Block” parties to be hosted Feb. 1-11, according to a news release.
Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program works to preserve the existing affordable housing stock, improve the safety and accessibility of the homes through exterior repairs, and revitalize low-income neighborhoods and community spaces. Block Parties are community focused initiatives that provide local neighborhoods with clean-up, landscaping, and fresh painting.
Thanks to Florida Paints’ support, Habitat Lake-Sumter, community leaders, and volunteers will help to “Paint a Brighter Day” for families and communities across Lake County, FL.
“Spruce up the Block” parties are happening throughout South Lake, Umatilla, and Mount Dora and will serve more than 40 families and three faith-based community centers. The painting parties begin Tuesday, Feb. 1, and will run 8 a.m. to noon through Feb. 11.
For any general public or media interested in joining us onsite, contact Lacie Himes, development director, at Habitat, for the location details. She can be reached at 352-396-6763 or Lacie@HabitatLS.org
LEESBURG, Fla. — A new home is going up in Leesburg thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the Leesburg High School Construction Academy.
These two groups held an event today to honor the students’ hard work and marked the half-way point for the project.
“This is our third house with Habitats for Humanities, so it’s been a wonderful partnership,” said Dr. Monique Griffin-Gay, assistant principal at Leesburg High School. “The students enjoy what they do. They get to get satisfaction of giving a home to someone else. They give back and they also learn a valuable skill.”
Griffin-Gay also shared that the house is going to a Leesburg High School student.
Students in the class said they plan on building another house next year, right next door.
Students from the Leesburg High School Construction Academy show off the house they are building with Habitat for Humanity of Lake and Sumter on Wednesday. [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent]
LEESBURG — Students in the Leesburg High School Construction Academy showed off their progress on the Habitat for Humanity home construction project on Wednesday.
The academy and nonprofit organization marked the halfway point of the house by hosting a dry-in ceremony, marking the completion of the home’s outer shell and the beginning of interior work.
The home, located at 933 E. Main St. in Leesburg, is the third home built through their partnership which helps introduce students to a career in construction.
“This project is really two-fold,” Danielle Stroud of Habitat for Humanity. “We are able to provide affordable housing to a much-deserving family in the community and the students get hand-on experience in building a house from the ground up.”
Out of around 200 kids in the Leesburg construction program, a group of 12 to 15 students, are selected to work on this year-long project. The kids take part in every aspect of building a house, working alongside industry professionals and seeing first-hand what it takes to enter the workforce. This year’s home is expected to be finished by the end of the school year in May.
“I feel like I wouldn’t be who I am today without this opportunity,” sophomore Breanna Ice said. “When I joined, I thought it would be just hammers and nails. But I’ve built a family and never thought would I ever be building a house. I love knowing I’m able to help people and that this house will be here long after we are gone.”
Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply is this year’s corporate sponsor and the City of Leesburg donated the land for the home.
South Lake, FL – The Live Well Foundation of South Lake announced Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter as recipients of a million dollar transformation grant in support of critical home repairs through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program.
Through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program, low-income homeowners are eligible to receive repairs to increase the safety, accessibility, and beauty of the home. Critical home repairs benefit individuals and families who are unable to maintain the health and stability of their home by themselves due to age, disability, or family circumstances. This program allows Habitat Lake-Sumter to help maintain the affordable housing stock in our community and ensure that everyone has a decent place to live.
Preservation & Repair has become a vital way Habitat Lake-Sumter addresses the affordable housing need in our community, annually providing access to home repairs and critical improvements for 45 families and individuals. However, thanks to the partnership of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, Habitat Lake-Sumter will maintain safe, decent, and secure housing for an additional 40 or more families in South Lake specifically.
The South Lake Preservation and Repair program will address poor housing conditions in South Lake County. “With this South Lake Preservation and Repair grant, homeowners are able to stay in the homes in which they already live, while increasing the safety and accessibility of the home.” Said Dr. Kasey Kesselring, Live Well Foundation of South Lake Board Chair. Identified as a social determinant impacting health in Lake County, poor housing conditions is a key factor in quality of life, mental health, and community inclusion.
Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter says, “On behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and the families we represent, we are very grateful for this opportunity made possible by The Live Well Foundation of South Lake and so excited to get started on this life-changing program for South Lake residents!”
Uplifting the homes and neighborhoods of individuals in South Lake will help individuals living there and the surrounding community. It will positively impact performances at work and school, improve health and aging-in-place decisions, and instill a sense of belonging in the community.
To learn more about this partnership or Habitat for Humanity’s programs contact Lacie at 352-483-0434 Ext. 146.
About the Live Well Foundation of South Lake
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake, Inc. was formed with an agreement between Orlando Health and the South Lake Memorial Hospital organization which resulted in South Lake Memorial Hospital relinquishing its seats on the board of South Lake Hospital. Orlando Health generously provided $128 million to the new foundation. The contribution coincided with the South Lake Hospital becoming a controlled subsidiary of Orlando Health. The Live Well Foundation, established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) and dedicated to inspiring sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community, aspires to attract and fund much needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs to serve residents. Visit Live Well Foundation online at lwfsl.org for more information. Even at this early stage of our existence, Live Well Foundation of South Lake intends to be a long-term partner in bringing more healthcare choices and healthier lifestyle services to the people of South Lake County.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida has been your local Hometown Habitat serving individuals in Lake and Sumter Counties with access and opportunity to affordable housing solutions since 1989. As an affiliate of Habitat International we empower local families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter and are united by a shared vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Adam Hatfield, a 2020 graduate of The Villages High School, takes inventory of doors at MiCo Customs at the Gov. Rick Scott Industrial Park. Hatfield learned marketable job skills in the VHS Construction Management Academy.
Rachel Stuart, Daily Sun
As demand for skilled construction and trade workers climbs, local students who dream of working in these industries are getting a head start. Schools, businesses and organizations give students the tools they need to thrive in these careers through opportunities such as apprenticeships, scholarships and studying in school training academies such as The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy. “I chose construction as a career because of the academy,” said Brock Esarey, a graduate of the VHS class of 2021, who works for The Villages Residential Construction and Home Warranty as an assistant superintendent. “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do before, but once I joined the construction academy I instantly knew construction was what I wanted to do.”
The community needs employees like Esarey — construction jobs make up 9.8% of Sumter County’s employment, with trades, transportation and utilities industries forming 18.2%, according to the Florida Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research of Florida.
Each year more than a dozen students participate in VHS’ Construction Management Academy. Students earn industry certifications and gain-on-the job experience building homes for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s affordable housing program and working on other construction projects.
Villagers for Veterans and Habitat for Humanity Lake Sumter break ground on Ashley’s House. The home in Eustis will serve as transitional housing for female veterans coming back to civilian life.
Submitted photo
Women veterans who need help getting back into civilian life after serving their country soon will have a place to go in Lake County.
Villagers for Veterans and Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter broke ground Jan. 15 on Ashley’s House, a transitional home for women veterans. The facility is the first of its kind in Lake County and is much needed, said Marie Bogdonoff, founder of the nonprofit Villagers for Veterans.
“Homeless women veterans is the fastest-growing demographic in the military,” Bogdonoff said. “We want to provide them a safe place where they can transition, get their education, get healthy, get signed up at the VA, get a job and do all the things that they need in order to move out and into their own place.”
LAKE COUNTY , Fla. — For one Lake County family, 2022 is already off to a good start as they were given the keys to a new home Monday.
Sandra Young and Walter Young, of Eustis, had been living with their daughter and her family after suffering some hardships last year.
Because of the cramped living conditions, the couple was forced to live out of boxes in one bedroom.
But thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, AgeWave Solutions and the Women Build project, the Youngs are now the proud owners of a new home.
The family was selected through the organization’s home ownership program and had to volunteer at least 200 hours to help build the two-bedroom, one-bath home.
“We had to put in 200 hours ourselves, that was required, but of course we weren’t going to do just 200,” Sandra said.
As I reflect on our year, I recall the stories of neighbors and families who have faced continued challenges and new struggles. Yet, I feel so grateful for the compassion, generosity, and helping hand offered by our community. You stand beside those in need when the need has been so great.
I think of the Murphy family and see the joy of 5 year-old Addison, as she runs freely in her front yard. After living in an overcrowded apartment, Addison now has a place to grow, learn, and play – a place Addison calls home.
As rent costs continue to rise, we will bridge the gap to safe, decent, and affordable shelter.
Our long-standing partner, Citizen’s First Bank is matching every dollar (up to $100,000)! Every gift doubles our impact and helps provide safe, affordable housing for families and individuals in need of— so YOU can make a huge difference right now.
We can build a better future so that more children like Addison have a place to call home and make memories with their families, just being a kid.
This is your chance to build homes and hope! When combined with the gift from Citizen’s First Bank, your gift of $50 can become $100, $250 can become $500!
Investments Will Help More Than 425,000 People in Some of the Nation’s Most Disadvantaged Areas
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Department is investing $86 million to improve equitable access (PDF, 238 KB) to jobs, business opportunities, education, housing and health care for people who live and work in rural areas. The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural communities have equitable access to the infrastructure and opportunities often taken for granted by people living in urban and suburban areas.
“Regardless of where they live, their race, ethnicity or gender, or the size of the town in which they live, all people must have access to decent housing, clean water and good job opportunities,” Vilsack said. “This is foundational to a healthy society and stable communities. Today’s announcements build on the historic investments made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law by President Biden to ensure equity during a time when people living in underserved places are suffering the most. These investments will go a long way toward helping America ‘Build Back Better’ toward a just and more equitable society.”
The funding will help more than 425,000 people in 46 states, Puerto Rico and the Western Pacific. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development helps rural residents, businesses and communities address economic development, infrastructure and social service needs. It will help low-income people make health and safety repairs to their homes. It will help build and improve water and wastewater infrastructure for people living in U.S. communities along the Mexico border. It will help rural business owners in the Mississippi Delta get access to capital and business development assistance. It also will help colleges that serve Tribal populations upgrade campus buildings and services.
Braden Brown, a senior in the of The Villages High School Construction Academy, helps build a Habitat for Humanity home in Wildwood.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
Seniors are busy hauling trusses and nailing down boards with the Construction Management Academy at The Villages High School.
This year’s home build, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, is progressing quickly.
Bruce Haberle, the school’s construction academy instructor, said he has been quite impressed with the work of his seniors this year.
“It’s been going really great,” Haberle said. “I’d say one of the best years we’ve had. All of them are engaged.”
Haberle said about nine contractors will be on the site throughout the construction.
“Leesburg Builders Academy” will follow Leesburg High School’s Construction Academy as students build a home for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.
The show premieres at 7 p.m. Sunday on LakeFront TV, Xfinity channel 22, PRISM channel 21, Spectrum channel 497 or on Roku or Apple TV.
Around the House:Local high school construction academies need help
Habitat helping vets:Leesburg veteran receives new roof from national Habitat for Humanity, Owens Corning program
Meet Bryan Russ: Leesburg High School teacher and snake hunter
On the first episode, viewers will meet the academy’s teacher, Bryan Russ, and his students. This week’s show will also feature the family who will receive the Habitat house when it’s completed.
The show is sponsored by RoMac Building Supply, whose president, Don Magruder, is chairman of the academy’s advisory committee.
LAKE COUNTY Fla. – Lake County Army veteran and her husband are relieved now that they’ll have a new roof over their heads.
“We were just like oh my God, thank you,” Angie Batica said.
The Batica family was chosen by the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project–a program that lends a helping hand to struggling veterans.
“This is our way of thanking them and giving back for everything they did to serve our country,” Travis Foster. area sales manager for Owens Corning, the company’s that’s donating all the materials for the Batica’s new roof. “It’s one of the most critical things for the home. So, to give Angie and her family a peace of mind and know that they’re safe, that means a lot to us.”
Owens Corning teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter and Southern Roofing and Renovations to get results for veterans.
Sandra and Walter are lifelong residents of Florida and family has always been central to their lives. The Youngs have 3 children and 17 grandchildren!
After some personal hardships, Sandra and Walter needed to rely on their children for support and currently live with their daughter and her family. Because the home is not big enough for the family, they and her daughter’s family are now living in an overcrowded situation – Sandra and Walter are living out of boxes and their space is confined to one bedroom.
Walter currently works for a lawn care service and hopes to establish himself and Sandra to be able to retire with some stability for their family. The floorplan that we are currently building for The Young’s is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home. The apartment sized homes were created for families looking for a starter home or for families just like Walter and Sandra – an older couple looking to find an affordable home that will be theirs forever, providing stability and the safety of home for a lifetime.
Sandra says she looks forward to cooking in their new kitchen and Walter has plans to plant a garden in the backyard. Sandra says her grandchildren “will come and visit just to eat my good cooking.” They love celebrating holidays with their family and are excited to have a place to invite friends and family over during the holiday season. “I would love to host Thanksgiving at our new home,” says Sandra.
One thing is guaranteed, Sandra and Walter’s home will be full to the brim with lots of love, family and friends, and good food to gather around.
It is because of community partners that we are able to build affordable homes for local families. AgeWave Solutions sponsored this build and awesome women from around Lake & Sumter Counties came out to build during our ‘Women Build’ event.
The Young’s will be closing on their home in November -just in time for the holidays!
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter hosts first Youth Impact Day with local high school students
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter announces the start of a bi-monthly “Youth Impact Day” beginning Saturday, September 11th, 2021.
Students from Eustis High School answered the call to action from Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter to volunteer on a construction project that benefits a local family.
Youth Impact Days will offer high school students throughout Lake and Sumter Counties an opportunity to gain volunteer experience and become engaged in their local community, while learning what it means to be a good citizen.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter developed the Youth Impact Day initiative after successfully hosting groups of high school students from across the country for a summer-long volunteer experience. Now, we want to give students in Lake and Sumter Counties the same opportunity.
“Our goal with the Youth Impact Day is to encourage students to use their time and talent to develop new skills while making a difference for their neighbors,” says Lacie Himes, Development Director of Habitat Lake-Sumter, “It takes collective effort to create a community and we want to give students the tools to make an impact and become community ambassadors.”
The scope of work will change with each project and may include working on a new construction site or a Preservation & Repair project; tasks include painting, exterior clean up, landscaping, and minor repairs under the guidance of experienced Habitat Lake-Sumter leaders.
Youth Impact Days will be held the second Saturday on a bi-monthly basis. For questions on how to participate, contact Carlos at Carlos@HabitatLS.org or (352) 483-0434 x 119
For more information on Habitat Lake-Sumter and the Youth Impact Day initiative, please contact Lacie at Lacie@HabitatLS.org or (352) 483-0434 x 146
A student from the Leesburg High School Construction Academy works on construction a home for Habitat for Humanity in Leesburg in 2020. Cindy Peterson/Correspondent/File Photo
Four years ago, when the Lake County School System and the Villages Charter High School started making plans to start construction academies, students who wanted to pursue not college-bound programs in construction had no place to go.
After a decade of malaise in the construction industry due to the economic collapse of 2008, an inflection of construction growth collided with an industry in which the base labor had shrunk dramatically because of age and the economy. Simply put, there were not enough people for the construction demand.
It was also during this time in which educators and political leaders began to really discuss the value of a college education and if it would leave the student with unimaginable student debt for a mid-level career. It wasn’t hard to figure out that good-paying jobs in construction were plentiful, and if properly trained in high school or technical school, students could walk into some amazing job opportunities.
The number of students who signed up initially for the academies were low and everything had to be setup and organized. Nevertheless, strong public-private advisory boards started guiding the way, and along with a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter students began working on real projects and learning real skills.
Building houses and preparing students for great careers was no longer a dream, it was happening. Every academy started seeing excitement, and growth, along with summer jobs through the Academy of Construction Technologies program. Also, with a little help of video promotion of the projects, the programs at all the locations have taken off.
Behind the scenes of Habitat Academy season 2 filmed earlier this year. Submitted
LEESBURG — Season two of Habitat Academy, a series following the most recent Habitat for Humanity build in Leesburg, is airing this month on FOX35+.
The series, produced by Red Apples Media, features nine monthly webisodes chronicling the Leesburg High School Construction Academy’s efforts as they worked side-by-side with Habitat volunteers. Over the course of the season, the Leesburg High team joined local trades to build a home from the ground up for one lucky family.
The latest season of the show will appear as two one-hour episodes on consecutive Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on FOX35+, reaching the entire Orlando metro viewing area. Episode one of season two aired over the weekend, but episode two will be available to watch this coming Saturday.
“We see this as a great opportunity to feature our community, our trades who invest time, expertise and materials to the project, and most of all, the hard-working students at Leesburg High School,” said Marc Robertz-Schwartz, president of Red Apples Media. “With such local and regional demand for skilled trades, such Lake County Schools programs are providing both employment and hiring opportunities to those who want to graduate high school and jump-start their professional careers.”
This is the second undertaking of its kind by the construction academy and Red Apples Media.
Students with The Villages High School Construction Management Academy approach the site of the ground-breaking of a house in Wildwood through Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. Rachel Stuart, Daily Sun
Villages High School senior Tayten Beasley can’t wait to get his hands dirty.
The 17-year-old and others with The Villages High School Construction Management Academy dug into a new year on Friday with a groundbreaking event.
They broke ground on their latest housing project for the year, a joint venture between the academy and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter to build affordable homes for families.
Companies such as RoMac Building Supplies also collaborate on the project.
Tayten, who is also on the VHS football team, said he lives close to the site in Wildwood. He hopes to, “see every day that I did that.”
Evening Rotary Club of The Villages club member Marvin Ivy, right, of the Village of Poinciana, weighs a bag of food donations as part of a food drive by the three Rotary Clubs of The Villages. Michael Johnson, Daily Sun
Members of The Rotary Clubs of The Villages are setting an example for the rest of the world to follow.
With younger generations losing interest in Rotarian ways, the local groups are working together to appeal to a new wave of helpers.
“We have been going to high schools throughout the surrounding areas to get students involved in a variety of activities,” said Gay Ratcliff-Seamens, former president of the Evening Rotary Club of The Villages and a Village of Belle Aire resident. “Our goal is to get them involved in community service projects so they can help make their community a better place because we will eventually be leaving it to them in the future.”
Data from international rotary annual reports show that Rotary membership is falling around 0.5% each year. Meanwhile, membership in the three Rotary Clubs of The Villages seems to be increasing each year due to efforts by club presidents. As the clubs continue to work with the younger generations, they hope to be able to get more people involved and eventually increase their numbers at the international level.
“The younger generation is the future,” said Sean Donnelly, former president of the Rotary Club of The Villages and a Village of St. Catherine resident. “Everything we do, is to serve our community. If we get more people involved, we can do more at a local, state, country and international standpoint.”
The Rotary Club began in February 1905 when Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, formed the first club. He created the club so professionals with diverse backgrounds could come together to exchange ideas and form lifelong, meaningful friendships, according to the Rotary International website.
“As a Rotarian, we have a common goal of creating a better world while improving lives and building international relationships,” said Randy Bayliss, the former president of the Noon Rotary Club of The Villages. “We work together to fight diseases like polio. We try to help provide clean water and sanitation to Third World countries, and we work with local students to support education and grow our community.”
Over the past 9 weeks, Habitat Lake-Sumter hosted a summer-long volunteer experience for teens from across the United States. Through a new program in partnership with the Humanitarian Experience for Youth or HEFY, we greeted a new group of 16 student volunteers each week with the goal of providing much needed clean-up and repairs for families throughout Lake and Sumter Counties.
HEFY’s mission is to change lives through sustainable service, to impart the importance of volunteering and encourage growth in every individual during the process. As we close out the program, Habitat Lake-Sumter wants to share all the awesome work accomplished by HEFY volunteers this summer.
During their time in Florida, HEFY completed more than 25 projects throughout Leesburg, Clermont, Mascotte, Wildwood, and Mt. Dora, Florida. Each group took on projects that included exterior clean-up, pressure washing, painting, landscaping and minor repairs in homes and community buildings, including campgrounds, community centers, and even the President’s Hall of Fame in Clermont!
Habitat Lake-Sumter’s goal through the HEFY program is to partner with neighborhood advocates and families to uplift individual homes and communities. One homeowner, Donna, explained the sense of pride she feels in her home again.
“The kids were awesome – every group that came out was equally awesome and motivated to help. They worked hard and did more than I could ever do on my own. My son and I are once again able to enjoy the outside of our home – my son can play in the yard again! The impact the exterior clean-up made may seem small, but it makes a big difference.”
As we say goodbye to our final group of volunteers, Habitat Lake-Sumter’s staff members reflect on the summer.
“It has been an honor to see so many young individuals pull together each week to work towards a common goal – uplifting others. Each week they immersed themselves into communities across our two counties and helped many people that Habitat Lake-Sumter would not have been able to reach without their dedication and service. Each HEFY group was unique and made up of people from all around the country who wanted to make a difference – I am glad Habitat Lake-Sumter could provide that opportunity for an upcoming generation of leaders” – Veronica, Family Services Manager
“We look forward to hosting HEFY groups in the future to offer a hand-up to families and communities throughout our service area.” – Carlos, Volunteer Director
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter alongside The Villages Charter School, Leesburg, South Lake, and Eustis High Schools will kick off construction of four new homes in partnership with Habitat’s Youth Construction Academy.
Key community players and house sponsor, Citizen’s First Bank, will kick-off The Villages Charter School’s fourth year of the program, followed by house sponsor, RoMac Building Supply’s ground breakings with Leesburg and South Lake High Schools. Habitat Lake-Sumter will also introduce Eustis High School’s enrollment into the Youth Construction Academy for their first new home build.
New classes of students will spend time during the school week working side by side with Habitat’s construction staff and professional tradesmen on live construction projects, providing hands-on learning at dedicated build sites.
Locally produced series follows the Leesburg High School Construction Academy “Dream Team” as they help to build a Habitat for Humanity house.
Habitat Academy will air in two parts, on Saturday, August 14 and 21, at 10 a.m. on WRBW-TV which can be viewed on the following system channels:
Spectrum: 6
Xfinity: 15
Prism: 5
AT&T: 41
DIRECTV: 65
Dish Network: 65
A nearly year-long project that involved the Leesburg High School “Dream Team” building a Habitat for Humanity home will be the subject of a two-part program that will air on an Orlando television station later this month.
“Habitat Academy 2” was originally produced as a nine-webisode series that showcased the unique partnership involving Leesburg High School Construction Academy students working alongside professionals and volunteers for a hands-on learning experience. The LHS “Dream Team” includes 15 students, two of whom were part of last year’s Habitat Academy home build.
“We’ve always had career and technical education, but this program is really putting the icing on the cake where these kids are building and learning at the same time. In fact, the commercial contractors on the project even gave the students the opportunity to work with them during the summer. We’re literally creating jobs for these kids,” said Bill Mathias, Chairman of the Lake County School Board. “Because of the success and exposure of the Leesburg High School program, we’ve been able to launch construction academies in other high schools in the district.”
RoMac Building Supply, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, Florida, The City of Leesburg, Leesburg High School and many local contractors and volunteers, created the opportunity for the students. Multi award winning Leesburg video production company Red Apples Media, which produced the series for LSTV Digital has reformatted it into two hour-long episodes that will air on consecutive Saturdays on WRBW-TV FOX 35 Plus to reach a larger audience.
“Airing ‘Habitat Academy 2’ on Orlando TV is a great opportunity to showcase Lake County Schools, the innovative academy program and the community partnerships to a larger audience of 900,000 households,” said Executive Producer and Red Apples Media president, Marc Robertz-Schwartz.
“Habitat Academy” Season 1 was recently honored with a 2021 Telly Award, a premier organization that honors excellence in video and television across all screens.
About Red Apples Media
Red Apples Media is a multi-award winning, full-service video production and multimedia marketing agency. Founded in 2008, Leesburg, Fla.- Red Apples Media services include video production, multimedia marketing, branding, advertising, and design. The agency has been recognized with multiple honors and awards for both its production and its community service. To learn more about Red Apples Media, visit www.RedApplesMedia.com
She’s the incoming president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
Vital Stats
Employed with Habitat for six years; takes over as CEO on Nov. 1.
Family includes husband Chase; sons Zeke, 4; Asher, 1.
Bachelor’s degree from University of Florida.
What I love most working for Habitat for Humanity: Getting to work with a wide array of people who have all come together to make our community a better place.
One word that describes me: Driven.
What I enjoy at Habitat construction sites: The level of intricacy that goes into each project and the immense amount of teamwork and camraderie that is involved.
My favorite tool: Nail gun.
People who inspire me: Those that look adversity in the eye and have the strength to move beyond it, pushing towards a better tomorrow.
Best advice ever given: When I took my first job in non-profit fundraising, my former boss told me to treat every donor like they are a million-dollar donor.
Behind the scenes of Habitat Academy season 2 filmed earlier this year. Submitted
LEESBURG — Red Apples Media was recently announced as one of this year’s Telly Award winners, bringing home several honors.
The 42nd Annual Telly Awards, the world’s largest honor for video and television content across all screens, announced its award winners in May, including one of Leesburg’s very own.
Red Apples Media, a video production company based in Leesburg, received three Telly honors for their recent works, honoring excellence in video content.
Habitat Academy, a series chronicling the Leesburg High School Construction Academy’s journey to build a home for one lucky family with Habitat for Humanity of Lake and Sumter, won a bronze Telly for last year’s season finale.
Kent Adcock stood proudly with members of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter as they accepted an award highlighting their efforts throughout the community for the past year.
The award, a bronze eagle statue, was given to the group as recognition for it being the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year,
Having been around since 1989, the group is dedicated to serving individuals in Lake and Sumter counties with access and opportunity to affordable housing solutions.
It was recognized by the Lake County Chamber Alliance, which annually recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication, selfless service and commitment make a difference in the community.
“Receiving the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year Award is a significant milestone for Habitat Lake-Sumter,” said Lacie Himes, development director for the nonprofit. “With the uncertainty of the pandemic, Habitat Lake-Sumter faced many challenges to continue their mission to build homes, communities and hope.”
Accomplishments Through A Pandemic
Despite temporarily closing the ReStores, or thrift stores, that help support the nonprofit and the suspension of volunteers from construction sites, the organization was still able to complete some major projects.
“Our volunteers were able to complete construction of five homes for local families even in the middle of the pandemic,” Himes said. “Even with the finished construction of five homes, we also began construction on eight new homes and repaired
21 others, providing safe and stable housing for 29 families when being home was a key factor to health and security throughout the pandemic.”
Some of these constructions were completed by The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club and the Habitat for Humanity Youth Construction Academies, a partnership with The Villages High School, Leesburg High School and South Lake High School students who start learning the skills they need for careers in the construction industry.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida was chosen as the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year from the Lake County Chamber Alliance.
The Lake County Chamber Alliance annually recognizes individuals whose dedication, selfless service and commitment have made a difference in our community.
Receiving the 2020 Non-Profit of the Year Award is a significant milestone for Habitat Lake-Sumter. With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Habitat Lake-Sumter faced many challenges in continuing its mission to build homes, communities, and hope.
Despite temporarily closing the ReStores and suspending volunteers from construction sites, Habitat Lake-Sumter was able to complete construction of five homes for local families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Since the height of the pandemic in July 2020, Habitat Lake-Sumter began construction on eight additional new homes and critically repaired 21 homes: providing safe and stable housing for 29 families at a time when ‘home’ was the key factor to health and security in Lake and Sumter counties.
Members of The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club surround Joyce Tohill before she is given the keys to her new home in Fruitland Park. Tohill and her family will move in next month.
Photos by Rachel Stuart, Daily Sun
When Joyce Tohill found out she was getting a home built, she never anticipated it would be the home of her dreams. The Tavares resident had dreamed of having a home she could leave to her children if something ever happened to her. “We are so excited to move in and have celebrations in our home,” she said. “I never thought I would ever be able to have a home of my own.” On Tuesday, members of The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club, Tohill’s family, staff from Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and various friends and guests gathered at the build site in Fruitland Park for the dedication ceremony. While the family cannot officially move in until papers are signed in June, The Villages club finished early and was eager to hand the keys over to the family.
“Throughout the entire build, we have really gotten to know Joyce and her family,” said Sally Read, co-president of the club. “They have become good friends and we wanted to make things special for them.”
Preparing for the ceremony
Before the ceremony began, staff from Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter set chairs out on the lawn and laid out snacks on a table.
Carlos Beron, volunteer service manager for the nonprofit, set up a speaker and made sure batteries were placed in the microphone.
“We have been waiting for this ceremony for awhile,” he said. “They are a great family to work with.”
Lacie Himes, development director for the nonprofit, began settiing out oranges, muffins and bananas for those in attendance.
“We are so excited for this family,” she said with a smile as she started distributing orange juice and coffee.
As guests began to arrive, staff members told them they could take a peek inside the house if they wanted.
“The club did a really great job with this house,” said Shari McCray, marketing and communications coordinator for Habitat for Humanity. “They personalized this house just for this family and they finished in record time. You can see the love they had for this family in each room in the house and they have additional surprises coming.”
While raising her five children, one of whom is developmentally disabled, single-mother Joyce Tohill struggled to make ends meet.
Housing was always a problem and the dream of a home for her family seemed out of reach. Tohill had learned to be a medical transcriptionist so she could work from home and care for her disabled daughter.
Tohill had always taken an interest in Habitat for Humanity and volunteered for the organization. When The Villagers Habitat For Humanity of Lake-Sumter Club named her as the recipient of a new three-bedroom home to be built by club members, she was overwhelmed.
As she received the keys to the house on Tuesday morning from Villager Sandy Read, Tohill began to cry. She told the Villagers who worked on the home that she was “so grateful for making her dream come true.”
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Some Lake County High Schools offer a program to provide experiential learning and introduce students to the field of construction.
What You Need To Know
Program in Lake County teaches high school students about constructions
Students help build homes and learn life skills
The program is in partnership with Habitat for Humanity
This class teaches students the basics of building, while also picking up life skills.
It’s graduation season, and some students are spending it helping create a home for a Lake County couple.
“It’s happy, it’s a feeling of joy because you get to give people the keys for them to start their life,” said Aaron Dudhnath, a senior at South Lake High School.
Twelve South Lake High School students, including senior Dudhnath, built this home as part of the Youth Construction Academy program.
“Day by day, kind of see the house come from the bottom and up is a very great thing to see happen. Especially us, we’re young and to get in there and get that experience is great,” Dudhnath said.
Their instructor believes the partnership with Habitat for Humanity will provide the students with a strong foundation.
“Whether you want to be in construction or not, all these are valuable skills you’re going to learn. Instead of maybe coming out and paying someone to fix something simple, you’re able to take care of it yourself,” said Jared Fullerton, the Construction Academy Teacher at South Lake High School.
Being at the work site came with many benefits and experiences.
“Hanging a door, putting in cabinets, installing flooring, that’s not stuff we can really do in the classroom,” Fullerton said.
At the start of the 2020 fall semester, the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter in partnership with a hand-selected group of students from South Lake High School broke ground and began construction of a new home. Through all kinds of weather and a pandemic, the group completed the home in less than a year.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter started the Youth Construction Academy, partnering with high school construction students. The vocational program, began approximately 3 years ago to introduce students to the field of construction. Students graduate the program with access and opportunity for internships and employment.
On Friday, May 7, a dedication ceremony was held at the newly constructed home in Mascotte. Construction Program Head Jarod Fullerton and his Groveland High School construction students Ernesto Lea, Aaron Dudhnath, Samuel Smrekan, Jonathon Cherry, Christopher Sherman, Nakoma Payne, Georgia Turner, Hayley Kintner, Dayton Driggers, Alexander Valentine, Jacob Willis, Elizabeth Singh, Jacob Myrland, were recognized and asked to present the keys to the house to new homeowners Mark and Mindy Owen.
Habitat has plans to build a total of four homes in that one block on Thomas Street in Mascotte, one house a year, in cooperation with the advanced construction students of South Lake High.
There has been a construction program at South Lake for well over 20 years. The program was revitalized through a workforce grant. Program head Jared Fullerton is himself a graduate of South Lake, where he was a construction student. Fullerton says he was 18 when he took part in building his first home. After graduating from South Lake in 2001 and spending two years studying at Lake-Sumter State College, he went on to earn a degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida. He worked several years in the industry and now has returned to South Lake High School, home of the Eagles, to reenergize the construction program for a new generation of students.
Instructor Bruce Haberle congratulates students with The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy for helping build a new home in Lady Lake for Amanda Brooks and her daughter, Emilee Carter. Rachel Stuart, Daily Sun
Most families aim to build success and raise their standard of living so their children can have better lives. But, this isn’t feasible for everyone without help. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and the Construction Management Academy of The Villages High School work together to give some of these families a boost when it comes to their homes, a measure of success for many families. Habitat and the academy recently completed a yearlong project to build a home for the Brooks family and handed over the keys to their new home Wednesday.
To Amanda Brooks, a working, single parent whose family received the house, the students’ drive and efforts were impressive and something for which she always will be grateful.
“The students are amazing,” she said. “I know they don’t realize it but they have completely changed my life.”
Brooks Family
After years of trying to obtain a home, Brooks and her daughter, Emilee, received the keys to their new home with tears of joy. Brooks applied to the program at The Villages Charter School and, through a selection process, was chosen out of the top five applicants.
“I remember exactly where I was when I received the call from Habitat,” Brooks said. “I was at work, and I took the call and I wanted to jump up and down and cry in excitement.”
She said she then contacted everyone that knew she had applied.
“My family is so proud of the woman, mother, daughter I’ve become,” she said. “They can’t wait to come visit my new home.”
Brooks has spent the year keeping herself steady at work and volunteering over 200 hours of “sweat equity” for Habitat for Humanity.
The construction students even planned a surprise for Emilee: a bright pink playhouse for her to enjoy in her new backyard. Art students lent their artistic abilities to add characters from Disney movies to the decor. Emilee smiled as she ducked through the door labeled “Emilee’s Playhouse.”
We are pleased to announce that Danielle Stroud will serve as incoming President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter beginning in November 2021.
Kent Adcock orchestrates this transition after being the President & CEO of Habitat Lake-Sumter for 10 years. Kent will relinquish the role of President & CEO effective November 1st, 2021 to further pursue personal and professional interests.
Kent played a critical role in the growth of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter with his exemplary leadership and innovative approach to housing and community development. His out of the box thinking assisted in bringing key projects to life through his tenure at the affiliate and opened meaningful relationships to advance the mission of the organization. The Domestic Global Village – a 96-bed volunteer facility in Eustis, The Veterans Village – a pocket neighborhood in Umatilla for Veterans, and The Cottages at Heritage Grove – an aging in place community featuring apartment sized homes, are three of many accomplishments during his years of service.
“Kent has contributed 10 years of experience to our organization and his achievements will not be forgotten. I graciously thank him for his tireless work and invite the community to join me in wishing him well on his next chapter in life,” says Felix Ramirez, Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.
“I’m honored and privileged to announce Danielle Stroud as the incoming President & CEO. For the past six years she has been the voice of the affiliate; supporting and creating sustainability for our growth. She is a natural advocate and leader, consistently broadcasting our mission and fighting for change. I’m excited for our next phase and success under her new vision.” says Felix
Danielle Stroud holds a B.S. degree from the University of Florida and has more than 10 years’ experience in non-profit management, and has worked for a diverse group of organizations including The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and The Southwest Conservation Corp. Danielle has been with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter for the past 6 years as a member of the senior leadership team and is an expert in the areas of strategic development, fundraising, and public relations. Some of her recent accomplishments within the organization include increasing philanthropic revenue by 60%, implementing and managing the Youth Construction Academy – an experiential learning opportunity for high school students, and leveraging private and public dollars to double the number of families served through Habitat’s repair program.
Danielle shares, “I’ve been privileged to be part of this amazing organization for the past six years, so it excites me to be able to continue to develop our amazing staff and work with local members of the community to collectively further our mission.”
As to the future of Habitat Lake-Sumter, Danielle says, “We will continue to be a key collaborator in providing housing solutions and innovative opportunities for community involvement. I want to see that the growth in Lake County and Sumter County is sustainable for all families. Together we can always achieve more.”
In her spare time, Danielle is an avid hiker and yoga enthusiast. She is mom to two boys and married to her husband, Chase.
Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity work on repairing siding on the roof at the home in Leesburg. Cindy Peterson/Correspondent
LEESBURG — After years of insurance claims and patching leaking roofs, Leesburg veteran Kory Eureka and his family are finally getting a new roof thanks to the Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Project in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake and Sumter.
“We partner with Habitat for Humanity to give back to veterans who have served our country,” Travis Foster of Owens Corning said. “We donate all the materials for the job and connect with one of our platinum contractors to do the work. Giving back, especially to veterans, is very meaningful. It’s a privilege and an honor to us a company to give back and this is just one way we show it.”
Eureka and his family were chosen for this specific project due to the extensive damage of the home on Linda Lane in Leesburg.
According to Justin Blandford of Batterbee Roofing, not only was the entire roof removed, but most of the plywood and trusses underneath had to be replaced as well. Habitat for Humanity will also be repairing the inner walls, cabinets and flooring where the leaks have rotted the wood or caused mold.
“The roof was in disarray,” Blandford said. “It had been tarped for about three years with several insurance claims that had been denied and resulted in many damages within the home. So, we were thrilled to be a part of this. We’re always looking to help out our community and especially someone who has severed in our military.”
Eureka and his wife live with his grandparents, Hank and Joan Marie Kanczurzewski, whose home was damaged during a hurricane while Eureka was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014.
According to Joan, the insurance company took a year to get the check to fix the roof, but a second hurricane struck the same day and damaged it even further
AgeWave Solutions, Inc is the presenting sponsor for Women Build 2021, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida. Women Build aims to build and repair homes, while raising awareness of housing issues facing women, their families, and the community.
Every spring, Women Build participants advocate, fundraise, and volunteer to provide access to affordable housing solutions for those who need it. This year, our goal is to raise $35,000 to help build a new home in Eustis, Florida. With three weeks left to fundraise we are more than HALFWAY to our goal, thanks to the generosity of AgeWave Solutions, Inc and the Women Build participates working together to achieve that goal and build a home for a local family!
AgeWave Solutions, Inc. is an architectural and engineering firm headquartered in The Villages, Florida. They provide full service building design services in the residential and commercial construction markets. Specialties include production builder solutions, custom residential design, industrial building design and project coordination, restaurant, retail and multifamily housing design.
Amber Umland, CAD Coordinator with AgeWave Solutions, Inc and awesome Women Builder says, “There is a natural partnership between AgeWave Solutions, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. We share collective success in translating construction dreams into reality. AgeWave Solutions, Inc. is honored to be a partner in Woman Build 2021. Our team members are excited and feel very fortunate to lend a helping hand to this important initiative by making one family’s dream come true while promoting the outstanding women in our building community”.
Not only does AgeWave’s support make it possible to build the new home, but they are also responsible for the engineering and design of the house. “We work closely with AgeWave Solutions, Inc for the architectural design, drafting and engineering of our house plans,” says Danielle Stroud, Sr. Director of Programs and Partnerships at Habitat Lake-Sumter. “This home will go from drawing to reality, all while working alongside AgeWave.”
We are so grateful for the partnership with AgeWave Solutions, Inc and the community collaboration! Together, we will build homes, communities, and hope!
Matching donations benefit the Youth Construction Academy students at Leesburg High School
(Leesburg, FL) Through the month of March donations made to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter will be matched by RoMac Building Supply. The matching challenge, up to $20,000, will benefit the Youth Construction Academy in partnership with Leesburg High School and ultimately, build a home with Habitat Lake-Sumter.
Those interested in donating during the March Match period can do so by going to www.habitatls.org/give or by mail to 906 Avenida Central, The Villages, FL, 32159.
Habitat’s Youth Construction Academy offers selected Leesburg High students access to trades within the construction industry. Graduating students gain first-hand experience of principles taught in the classroom and hold industry certifications necessary for a career.
“Don Magruder, CEO of RoMac Building Supply, has been a key driver in the success of Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Youth Construction Academy,” says Danielle Stroud, Sr. Director of Programs & Partnerships at Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. “Not only is the financial investment made by RoMac vital to the success of the program, so is the community support promoted by RoMac throughout Lake County.”
Two lots have been donated by the City of Leesburg for use by Leesburg High’s Youth Construction Academy students; this ensures the viability and success of the program for two additional years and secures two additional affordable housing opportunities for local families.
Participating students receive in-class instruction during levels 1 and 2 of the program, and the upper level students get the opportunity that will take them out of the classroom and onto Habitat’s job site. To learn more about this program or any of Habitat for Humanity’s programs contact Danielle at 352-483-0434 Ext. 133.
Ro-Mac Building Supply is a family owned and operated lumber and building material supply company headquartered in Leesburg, Florida. Ro-Mac Building Supply has been supplying lumber and building materials to residential and commercial contractors, as well as individual homeowners, throughout Central Florida, since 1945. For more information, please visit https://www.romacfl.com/
About Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida has been your local Hometown Habitat serving individuals in Lake and Sumter Counties with access and opportunity to affordable housing solutions since 1989. As an affiliate of Habitat International we empower local families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter and are united by a shared vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers, Russ Staerkel, background, of the Village of Hadley, and Ben Greene, of the Village of Largo, build a backyard fence for a home on Jackson Street in Wildwood in January 2020. Using money given as a grant from The Community Foundation of South Lake, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter will use the $20,000 in support of critical home repairs to increase the safety, accessibility and beauty of the home.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
For one nonprofit, the year 2021 has brought a number of unexpected grants meant to help those in need.
The most recent includes money for the nonprofit to use for critical home repairs throughout Lake and Sumter counties.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter recently received a $20,000 grant from Community Foundation of South Lake. The nonprofit has been serving individuals in Lake and Sumter counties with access and opportunity to affordable housing solutions since 1989. The grant is designed to help with critical home repairs through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program, which provides safety and accessibility modifications to cost-burdened homeowners.
Thrivent is awarding Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter a contribution of $5,000 to help families in Lake and Sumter Counties stay in their homes. Thrivent’s donation will allow Habitat to provide mortgage relief to Habitat homeowners who need temporary assistance making their mortgage payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Thrivent’s support, Habitat Lake-Sumter will sustain affordable homeownership costs for more than 10 families locally.
Prior to the spread of the novel coronavirus, more than 18 million households across the U.S. were paying half or more of their income on a place to live. As the pandemic continues to cause job disruption and economic fallout, many households are enduring lay-offs, unemployment, and pay cuts. This wage loss has amplified the financial burden on households to maintain essential payments and can result in families having to trade-off between bills, mortgage, or medical care.
“We are grateful to partner with Thrivent and offer ongoing support for our Habitat homeowners,” Danielle Stroud, senior director of programs and partnerships, says in a news release. “No one should lose their home because of lost income or unexpected financial burdens caused by the pandemic. Because of Thrivent, we’re able to provide continued stability for local families.”
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is one of 100 local Habitat organizations across the nation partnering with Thrivent to help families stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, Thrivent is donating $750,000 to Habitat for Humanity to assist with mortgage-related relief and prevent foreclosures across the U.S.
Students from the Leesburg High School Construction Academy work on constructing a home for Habitat for Humanity in Leesburg. [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent] Cindy Peterson
For most people, 2020 has been a year of heartache, fear, and anxiety with little to smile about. We are all exhausted from the COVID-19 pandemic, the bitterness from the presidential election, and a hurricane season that never wanted to end.
Despite all the turmoil through the fall, a group of local young people have been working hard doing good work for their community while preparing themselves for a future with a respectable job in the construction industry. Since September, each week students from The Villages Charter High School Construction Management Academy and the Leesburg High School Construction Academy have been working on jobsites building homes for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
These students are doing so while trying to combine virtual learning, wearing a mask, and following COVID-19 pandemic guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The students in The Villages Charter High School Construction Management Academy are working in two shifts on their project on Ann Street in Lady Lake. Under the direction of their instructor Bruce Haberle and Habitat for Humanity Project Manager Barry Martin, these students have constructed a home with little help. The walls and roof are up, and it is dried in.
The project is being done with the highest of craftmanship and the jobsite is neat and clean. However, the students are what make this project so special. Polite, hard workers who want to make a difference in the life of this homeowner. This something to smile about.
On Grove Street in Leesburg, the Leesburg High School Construction Academy students are building their Habitat for Humanity house on a beautiful corner lot just one block from the water. This home is being constructed with the highest of quality and the members of the “Dream Team” are working hard to understand every aspect of construction. Jobsite mentors have been instrumental in providing real world direction and all are motivated by the homeowner who has worked side by side with the students.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter hosted its second annual Jingle Build-Off, a playhouse build competition, on Dec. 5. This year, six teams competed: Advent Health, First National Bank of Mount Dora, Rotary of The Villages Noon, The Villages Charter High School (students from the construction academy and art students collaborated), Data Graphics and BNI Golden Triangle sponsored by Union Home Mortgage.
Teams build playhouses for a child or children in the community that they’ve been paired with – and they had the option of building at the Tavares event location, The Square, 122 E. Main, or at a location and date of their choice. The playhouses will be delivered to the selected families as unique gifts, just in time for the holidays.
In addition, the playhouse build is a snapshot of Habitat’s mission. Sponsors helped fund the playhouse build, teams and volunteers spent time building and creating the playhouses, and ultimately, the playhouses are given to families in Lake and Sumter counties.
“It’s a small representation of all of the partners that make building a ‘big’ home possible,” according to a statement by Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
All Jingle Build-Off donations help underwrite the cost of construction for upcoming Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter projects.
Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter partner to help families stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Lake & Sumter, FL (Dec. 21st, 2020) – Thrivent is awarding Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter a contribution of $5,000 to help families in Lake and Sumter Counties stay in their homes. Thrivent’s donation will allow Habitat to provide mortgage relief to Habitat homeowners who need temporary assistance making their mortgage payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. With Thrivent’s support, Habitat Lake-Sumter will sustain affordable homeownership costs for more than 10 families locally.
Prior to the spread of the novel coronavirus, more than 18 million households across the U.S. were paying half or more of their income on a place to live. As the pandemic continues to cause job disruption and economic fallout, many households are enduring lay-offs, unemployment, and pay cuts. This wage loss has amplified the financial burden on households to maintain essential payments and can result in families having to trade-off between bills, mortgage, or medical care.
“We are grateful to partner with Thrivent and offer ongoing support for our Habitat homeowners,” says Danielle Stroud, Sr. Director of Programs and Partnerships. “No one should lose their home because of lost income or unexpected financial burdens caused by the pandemic. Because of Thrivent, we’re able to provide continued stability for local families.”
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is one of 100 local Habitat organizations across the nation partnering with Thrivent to help families stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, Thrivent is donating $750,000 to Habitat for Humanity to assist with mortgage-related relief and prevent foreclosures across the U.S.
“This year has been incredibly difficult for many people as financial hardship has added stress and anxiety to daily lives,” said Nikki Sorum, senior vice president of Thrivent Advisors at Thrivent. “This pandemic has underscored how important it is for people to have safe, affordable homes. Given all we have endured in 2020, we are especially honored to provide financial support to Habitat for Humanity to help people stay in their homes so they can continue to build toward financial stability.”
Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent began their partnership in 2005. Over the past 15 years, Thrivent and their clients have contributed more than $275 million to Habitat and have partnered with families to build safe, affordable homes across the U.S. and around the world.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida has been your local Hometown Habitat serving individuals in Lake and Sumter Counties with access and opportunity to affordable housing solutions since 1989. As an affiliate of Habitat International we empower local families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter and are united by a shared vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
About Thrivent
Thrivent is a diversified financial services organization that helps people achieve financial clarity, enabling lives full of meaning and gratitude. As a mission-driven, membership-owned organization, it offers its more than 2 million members and customers a broad range of financial products, services and guidance. Thrivent and its subsidiary and affiliate companies offer insurance, investments, banking and advice over the phone, online as well as through financial professionals and independent agents nationwide. Thrivent is a Fortune 500 company with $152 billion in assets under management/advisement (as of 12/31/19). Thrivent carries an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best, a credit rating agency; this is the highest of the agency’s 16 ratings categories and was affirmed in May of 2019. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Joyce Tohill cuts the ribbon for the breaking ground of her new home. Habitat for Humanity staff, members of Habitat for Humanity Lake Sumter The Villages Club, Tohill and her family gather together to celebrate.
Andrea Davis, Daily Sun
Joyce Tohill broke into tears as she walked up to the site where her new home was to be built.
This would be the first home the Tavares resident has owned, and it’s all thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter The Villages Club.
On Friday, club members gathered with Tohill’s family, and Habitat for Humanity staff at the location in Fruitland Park, where the home is going to be built, to celebrate breaking ground. When Tohill arrived, she was immediately overwhelmed by the support of everyone present.
“I’ve assisted with The Women’s Build for Habitat of Humanity,” she said. “But it’s different when you are the one receiving the home.”
After a ribbon-cutting, members celebrated with cake, muffins, juice and coffee and began discussing plans for the build.
“This is the first new build for the club,” said Sally Read, co-president for Habitat for Humanity The Villages Club.
“We are really excited and we will be doing all the decorating for the house as well. The Dream Team consists of several of the guys, and they will act as managers throughout the build so we thought it was the least us ladies in the club could do,” said Read, of the Village of Tall Trees.
Kevin Tucker, president of Habitat for Humanity The Villages Club, said everything was on track.
“The concrete will be poured Monday, and we can get started on the build by Wednesday or the following Monday,” he said. “We are so thankful we are able to provide a home for this family.”
Danielle Stroud, senior director of programs and partnership for Habitat for Humanity, said she was thankful to work with each family that benefits from the group.
“Four out of 10 families make under $30,000 a year,” she said. “So when these volunteers are out swinging hammers, they are the voices making a difference for our local families. I am so thankful Joyce and her family will be blessed and have a home to call their own, because they deserve it.”
Joyce Tohill, third from left, was joined by her children and grandchildren for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new house that volunteers are building for her.
The Villages Habitat for Humanity Club has dedicated its energy to construct its first home to help a single mother and her children in their time of need.
Joyce Tohill coped with homelessness and substandard housing while raising her five children. Three of her children are now adults out on their own.
Tohill’s adult daughter, Grace Ware, explained how difficult it was to find adequate housing. Her mother also had the additional worry of caring for a disabled daughter who requires that Tohill be present at all times. In order to provide for her family she became a medical transcription specialist which enabled her to work at home. The pandemic affected her income and was making it difficult to make rent payments. When she was selected to receive the first home to be constructed by The Villages Habitat Club she said it was “a miracle” and “this home is securing a future for my daughters that I am just so thankful for.”
The Villages club also presented a check for $10,000 to Danielle Stroud , senior director of development for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, to help fund the Fruitland Park project. While this is the first house the group is building, President and club founder Kevin Tucker explained they have done a number of restoration and repair jobs in the community.
The Villages High School seniors Brock Esarey, left, Hayden Fink, center, and Tyler McLean help build a playhouse as part of the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter’s Jingle Build Off 2020. Bill Mitchell, Daily Sun
The Villages High School’s Construction Management Academy will make Christmas a little brighter for the child who receives a playhouse the students built. Students participated Nov. 10 in the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Jingle Build-Off competition. The academy is one of the five teams entered so far, said Lacie Himes, associate development director for the Habitat Lake-Sumter. Teams may still enter Jingle Build until Monday for the best playhouse. The public may judge it online this year Dec. 5-10 at habitatls.org/jingle-build-off. Construction Management Academy teacher Bruce Haberle said he hopes students not only learned construction skills by building the playhouse, but also about giving to the community and to people who are less fortunate. Last year, the academy was one of eight teams that built 10 playhouses on site for Habitat’s Christmas Village in Tavares. This year will offer a Virtual Christmas Village. Teams have the option to build their playhouses at their own sites or on site.
The recipients of the home, Jessica Smith and her son, Otto, are introduced to the Leesburg High School Construction Academy who will be building the home for the Habitat for Humanity project in Leesburg on Monday Sept. 21 [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent] Cindy Peterson
LEESBURG — Red Apples Media premiered Habitat Academy Season 2 Friday, documenting the start of another year’s home-building project by students at Leesburg High and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.
The Nov. 13 premiere showcased the new project to be built by 14 Leesburg High School students — known as the Dream Team — and the family who will benefit from their work. This season debuted a full month earlier than the first season, which initially aired its first episode on December 16, 2019.
The new season of the show includes updated graphics and an opening video which features clips of students working. As before, it’s hosted by the CEO of RoMac Building Supply, Don Magruder. RoMac is one of the show’s sponsors, and Magruder has been involved as a community advisor for the Leesburg High School Construction Academy for the past few years.
This season of Habitat Academy is starting off with extra ambition, and the benefit of partnerships and knowledge developed over the course of last year’s production.
Red Apples Media President Marc Robertz-Schwartz said after the conclusion of last season that he and his crew learned a great deal while producing the show, including about how to schedule the show.
“The house gets built at the rate that the house gets built,” Robertz-Schwartz said.
Season one was a couple episodes short of its projected run due to the rate the house reached its milestones, Robertz-Schwartz said. They couldn’t ask the construction team to hold off on a milestone for filming, for instance, so it was hard to capture every planned moment.
Still, with that experience under their belt, Red Apples is going in for a longer season this year.
Calling local businesses and teams to sign up to build and customize wood playhouses as a special holiday gift to children during the second annual Jingle Build-Off, a fun, team-building competition, hosted by Habitat of Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
The 2019 event was the inaugural Jingle Build-Off with First National Bank of Mount Dora winning bragging rights as the overall winner. Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty won for constructing the most creative playhouse; Florida School Nutrition Association Lake County Chapter earned the Team Spirit award; and Lowe’s won the First to Finish award. Also participating in the first build-off were BP Smith Construction, Lake County Eagles Aerie No. 4273, Data Graphics, and VoluntEARS.
“We have five spots available for the 2020 Jingle Build-Off,” says Lacie Himes, associate development director for Habitat, who notes the playhouses can be built by a team of up to 10 participants.
All of the building supplies, instructions, coaching, tools, paint, and paint supplies will be provided by Habitat. The cost for the team build is $2,500 with up to 10 participants or $1,500 for a youth build of a playhouse built by one to two adults, and up to eight youths.
Local businesses can also participate as presenting and signature sponsors of the Jingle Build-Off.
Teams can do offsite building of their playhouses at a location, date, and place of their team’s choice, or they may participate at the onsite building on Dec. 5 at The Square, 122 E. Main St., Tavares.
Joshua Fulwider, left, Abigail Stewart, center, and Jakobe Zick bring in a roof truss to be raised on a home being built for Habitat for Humanity Lake Sumter on Oct. 12 on Ann Street in Lady Lake.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
The Villages High School seniors in the Construction Management Academy are back at work building a third home for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
“It’s a great learning experience,” said student Jace Gray, 17.
“I’ve learned so much about a house I never would have learned in any other place — so much more respect for a house,” student Abigail Stewart, 17, said.
They carried and placed roof trusses in place on the house they are building in Lady Lake for a single mother with a daughter. Last March, students were almost done building another house for Habitat when spring break was extended in an effort to thwart the spread of COVID-19. Then the state closed schools for the rest of the year while students learned online.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter plans to break ground Oct. 16 for a new housing development in Tavares.
The Cottages at Heritage Grove is a 23-unit pocket neighborhood featuring cottage-style homes and townhomes at approximately 730 square feet. They will be the first age-qualified community, 55-plus, built by Habitat Lake-Sumter, in the area of 1406 County Drive, Tavares.
The groundbreaking for the new community comes at a time when housing affordability has risen to the forefront of conversation. In part, due to the efforts of Lake 100’s Workforce Housing Strategic Plan commissioned by locally elected officials.
Danielle Stroud, senior director of programs and partnerships at Habitat Lake-Sumter says the community will benefit those in the Central Florida area who are on a fixed income, retired, or looking to maintain affordable housing as senior citizens.
Habitat Lake-Sumter Villagers Club members put construction skills to good use for people in need.
Villager Sally Read felt a strong desire to do something productive and meaningful after her husband died two years ago. She found her calling with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Florida.
“I knew that God had a place for me, and Habitat is what it turned out to be,” she says. “I was searching because I didn’t want to sit in my house all the time or just go out with the girls. Habitat was the answer I was looking for.”
Sally bonded with other Villagers who are just as passionate about the nonprofit organization that works in partnership with volunteers and donors to build new, affordable homes for families and individuals who demonstrate a need, and who have the ability to sustain a monthly mortgage payment.
“What I have enjoyed the most is meeting like-minded people, the camaraderie,” says Sally, a Rochester, New York native. “We help each other out. If one person doesn’t know how to do it somebody else pitches in. It’s the feeling of doing it together more than anything. There are a lot of hardworking, talented people in the group. It’s quite amazing.”
The Villages is home to “a lot of people with a construction background,” adds Kevin Tucker, a former Ontario County New York resident who is involved in preservation and repair projects for Habitat.
Kevin formed the Habitat Lake-Sumter Villagers Club in October 2019, serving as president, with Sally as treasurer and membership chair. The group began meeting the second Wednesday of each month at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.
Since the coronavirus prevented Villagers from being able to meet at recreation centers, the club has relied on Zoom meetings.
“It has been a little bit of a deterrent, but we decided a couple months ago we needed to keep the ball rolling,” Kevin says. “We are looking to grow our club and we actually have been charged with building a new home, which we will start in October, and it looks like the house will be built in Fruitland Park.”
Students from South Lake High School are working with Habitat For Humanity of Lake-Sumter to help launch a new Habitat for Humanity home in Mascotte. Monday was a big day for the local Habitat for Humanity, as well as for some future homeowners and a group of students at South Lake High School. Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter started its program of partnering with high school construction students two years ago with The Villages Charter High School. Last year they added Leesburg High to the program, and this year they have added the Construction Academy of South Lake High School. The Villages school, located in Sumter County, started its home-building project in August. But Monday was the start day for students in Lake County. Eight students were accepted to the construction team in south Lake — six boys and two girls — and most of them were on hand in Mascotte for their first day on the job site. The plan is that students will spend three days a week at the job site, and two days in the classroom.
Students from the Leesburg High School Construction Academy work on constructing a home for Habitat for Humanity in Leesburg. [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent] Cindy Peterson
LEESBURG — Leesburg construction students took their first steps into their next housing project Monday as they met with the future owner of a Habitat for Humanity home on 1501 Grove Ave. in Leesburg.
The 14 students will be building the program’s second house in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter, though for each of them it is a first — students are hand-picked to be on the team from LHS construction academy seniors.
“I chose the team, so I think they’re freaking amazing,” construction academy teacher Bryan Russ said.
Russ added that he’s really confident not only in their skills, but in their ability to work as a team and to work through any conflicts, which will be key in keeping the project moving.
The project generated a great deal of excitement not only for the team, but for the new homeowner, Jessica Smith, who has already been selected by Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter this year.
She attended a small, socially distanced event to kick off the home build on Monday, where district officials gathered to encourage students and thank Habitat for Humanity of Lake and Sumter for providing the opportunity for the students to work.
Smith, along with her son Otto, will make a home out of the new house after
Leesburg students complete it.
Smith has never been a homeowner, she said, and she and Otto, who is 13, have had to move a total of 13 times since he was born. The home he was taken back to after his birth was destroyed in a tornado in 2007, and they’ve lacked stability since.
That stability is one of the things they’re looking forward to most.
“Moving around house to house, it feels good to be living in a single spot for the rest of my teenage years,” Otto said.
“We are very blessed for this opportunity,” his mother said, looking over at the framework of the house.
Smith added that she was excited to have students working on the project, and was glad that people would be using her future home to further their education.
Six future Habitat for Humanity homeowners and several volunteers will unite on Sept. 12 to finish repairs on a Mascotte house occupied by a multigenerational family.
For the future homeowners, doing exterior painting and landscaping for the Valdez family will count towards completing 200 volunteer “sweat equity” hours with Habitat as part of their journey to homeownership.
“It is a unique volunteer day that brings all of these homeowners together,” says Danielle Stroud, senior director of programs and partnerships for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. “They are not only fulfilling their role as partner families with Habitat for Humanity, but they’re offering a hand-up to the Valdez family and putting the finishing touches to a critical repair project completed through Habitat’s Preservation and Repair Program.”
The Valdez family has already benefitted from receiving much-needed home repairs of a roof and air conditioning replacement. Exterior painting and some landscaping slated to take place Saturday will complete the preservation and repair work on the home.
Looking for ways to support Habitat Lake-Sumter this September? We have two fun ways that you can help families while supporting local businesses!
We are excited to announce that Habitat Lake-Sumter has been selected to be a part of the Community Bag Program at Winn-Dixie, making it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment.
For the entire month of September, each time a reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Winn-Dixie located at either 944 Bichara Boulevard, Lady Lake FL or 820 Old Camp Road, The Villages FL, $1 will be donated to Habitat Lake-Sumter! You can find the two colorful, reusable Community Bags with the Giving Tag on the reusable bag rack at either store. The key is to look for bags with a tag that features a blue heart with $1 on it.
We appreciate the support you give, which has allowed Habitat Lake-Sumter to maintain the work we do in our community. The Community Bag Program is a great way to continue to support our cause while working to eliminate single-use paper and plastic bags.
Imagine if each one of our supporters purchased just ONE bag! Please spread the word and pass this exciting news on your friends and family.
Maybe you’re looking for ways to support a local business and indulge in some self-care. We’ve been selected as the Charity of the Month at The Best Nail Spa: Pedicures For The People(18977 US HWY 441, Mt. Dora)
$1 Will Be Donated For Every Pedicure Done in September!
The Best Nail Spa is taking extraordinary measures to care for the health and safety of their customers, so invite a friend or two for a well-earned spa day and support Habitat’s mission to build homes, community, and hope!
The Lake County Eagles Auxiliary No. 4273 recently surprised Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter with a $10,000 grant to be used towards their upcoming building project, The Cottages at Heritage Grove.
With infrastructure slated to begin in late fall, the cottages will be Habitat Lake-Sumter’s first 55+ community in Tavares. Construction on the 23 units is set to begin early 2021, according to Lacie Himes, associate development director for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter.
Each cottage will be around 730 square feet, feature nice green space and a community pavilion. The cottages will be styled similar to the prototype four cottages Habitat recently constructed in Coleman.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and Lake Cares Food Pantry are partnering together with last minute touches on a newly built Eustis home for a single mom, Rachel Storey and her son, Jackson, 6.
Lake Care has made it a tradition with every Habitat family to provide a well-stocked pantry and refrigerator prior to move-in day, and on July 21, Irene O’Malley, executive director from Lake Cares, will be delivering groceries to the Storey house with some help from Habitat’s Family Service Coordinator Veronica Troxell.
“As anyone knows, moving in is time consuming and we (Lake Cares and Habitat) want to make sure the home is ready with groceries and meals that can be prepared for the coming weeks and provide stability for the homeowner,” says Lacie Himes, associate development director for Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
Rachel and her son are eager to move into their new home.
“I’m looking forward to just being with my son and having our own house to call home,” Rachel told Style in an earlier interview. The pair has been living at her parents’ Grand Island home, which they moved into when Rachel was going through a divorce.
“My parents helped me with my son, too, because he was younger at the time,” she says. “I started going back to church and it was like God was putting me back piece by piece. I’m just so thankful for everything. God led me to the right people at the right time and Habitat couldn’t have been better to work with. I am beyond grateful.”
The organization recently gave $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter for its Cottages at Heritage Grove project and $13,050 for the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center.
Although the bank accounts are running low these days due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Okahumpka is still doing its part in helping the community.
Most recently, the organization gave $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter for its Cottages at Heritage Grove project and $13,050 for the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center.
Mount Dora Mayor Catherine T. Hoechst, Nadine Foley, a friend and representative of Nancy A. Penn Shaner Trust, and Monica Wofford, a Habitat Lake-Sumter board member, took part in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony July 7 for a new Habitat home to be built at 602 E. Jackson St., Mount Dora.
Bank of America will be the corporate sponsor for the project along with community involvement provided by bequest gifts from the Ohlsson Charitable Trust and Nancy A. Penn-Shaner Trust.
“The community involvement is stemming from individual donors who had the forethought to contribute this way,” says Lacie Lacie Himes, associate development director for Lake-Sumter Habitat.
She adds that the collaboration between Habitat and Bank of America has generated $56,000 in grants over the past several years for new home construction, preservation and repair.
Due to COVID-19, the building site on Jackson street in Mount Dora will be closed to volunteer workers. “We are slowly opening certain locations for volunteers, but we tend to gauge the response the current climate,” says Lacie.
Also before the coronavirus hit, Habitat had planned on female builders to start building a new home construction project in Leesburg, but they had to scale back fundraising and postpone the home build.
“Many awesome female leaders in our community still wanted to support local families,” says Lacie. “So, they raised funds as a group and funded two critical home repairs that had been delayed and were at risk of not happening due to lost resources because of COVID-19.”
![Cadets from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy paint a house in Mount Dora as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Preservation and Repair program on Thursday. [photo by Cindy Peterson]](https://habitatls.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/58d097c4-8014-4345-8ca8-52ad80db64af-FL_LEE_Cadets1.jpg)
![Students from the Leesburg High School Construction Academy show off the house they are building with Habitat for Humanity of Lake and Sumter on Wednesday. [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent]](https://habitatls.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/00aaec4d-3980-4964-8945-e2d9f9aba55d-FL_LEE_ConstructionAcademy1.jpg)
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter hosts first Youth Impact Day 
