Gail is a lifelong Sumter County resident who works hard at her part-time position at a local grocery store. At 71 years old, she is proud to have lived in the same beloved home for over 40 years. Sadly, Gail became a widow two years ago and found herself unable to manage the major repairs that her home requires.
Gail’s journey with Habitat Lake-Sumter began with our Preservation and Repair Program. We partner with very low-income and fixed-income families like Gail, who own their home but due to age, health, or life-circumstances are unable to maintain the safety of their home.
Gail’s story offers a window into the life of many older adults who are struggling to maintain their homes, but together, we can stand in the gap to ensure every family in Lake and Sumter Counties has a safe place to live.
The feeling of safety and security that a decent home brings is priceless.
With your help, Gail’s roof will be replaced, and her bathroom made accessible. Gail is no longer burdened by the financial and physical stress of repairs and can now safely age-in-place in the comfort of her own home.
We saved 50 homes from ruin this year through our Preservation and Repair Program. Together, we can continue to make lasting impacts on families in need. Since 1989, Habitat Lake-Sumter has been able to make great strides in our local area, but there is still much work to be done.
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.
For single mother Katy Black, Publix Super Markets Charities has helped radically changed the life of her family. Publix Super Markets Charities awarded Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter a $50,000 grant in 2023, as signature sponsor of her new home that was constructed in Eustis, FL. Annually, Publix Super Markets Charities has been contributing $35,000 since 2015. Their gift of $50,000 is an increased investment in affordable housing in Lake County and their largest award to Habitat Lake-Sumter to-date.
By being the lead house sponsor, Publix Super Markets Charities provided single-mom, Katy and her son Chase, a decent and affordable place to live. Katy, a first-time homeowner never thought this could be a reality for her and her son, but Publix helped fulfill her dream of homeownership. Katy will now live closer to work, which will lessen her travel expenses significantly. Owning an affordable home will provide Katy and her son the financial freedom they need to improve their future outlook.
“When I found out that owning a home wasn’t out of my reach, that it was obtainable for me at that point after working on and fixing my credit, I could see that I am going to be able to move my kids to a place that is safe and stable.”
-Katy Black, Homeowner
This home sponsorship has also served as a visual representation of the high-level commitment that Publix has to supporting the community and families. Katy and Chase, along with volunteers from the community, youth groups, and local Publix stores, have put in many hours of sweat equity building their home. To date, there has been 122 volunteers and 2,244 hours spent building this family’s home, including two days of volunteer support from local Publix team members. The home is now completed and Habitat Lake-Sumter invites you to celebrate as Publix helps hand over the keys to the new homeowner.
Katy and Chase are so grateful and excited to embark on this new journey as homeowners.
“Finally, we have something to look forward to and before we know it, we are going to have a safe place to live and call HOME. This whole journey will all be worth it in the end, and I can’t wait to pull the moving truck into the driveway of our new home.”
-Katy
Our partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities and volunteers, makes it possible to provide local partner families access, opportunity, and guidance on attaining an affordable home. It has been a great example of what it means to be a changemaker, paying it forward and giving back into your communities.
In partnership with volunteers from across the country, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is dedicating the home built during their first ‘blitz build’. The Mike Welch Legacy Buildcompleted building the home from the foundation up in only four weeks, between February 27th and March 25th, 2023.
The build was sponsored by family and friends of Mike Welch. Mike spent a significant amount of time as Construction Manager with the Habitat Lake-Sumter affiliate prior to working for Habitat for Humanity International as the US. Director of Long-term Disaster Recovery.
In Mike’s memory and to honor his life, this Habitat home was constructed for Dionna Alston. This local family was in need of decent, affordable housing. Dionna and her sons, Travon and Dashi, had lived in the same apartment complex since 2013. As a single mother and grandmother, Dionna was accustomed to being solely responsible for meeting the needs of her family.
“I always prayed that one day I could stop renting and obtain my own home. Renting has become more and more expensive throughout the years, and it has not always been the best experience. It was time to step out on faith to reach my goal of home ownership.”
~ Dionna, Homeowner
This Legacy Build, with the partnership of every person involved, helped Dionna’s family realize every bit of her growth and the hard work she put in to build her credit, was beyond her imagination.
“It is never too late to realize your dreams. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity and all of the people who came together to build our home for helping me to realize mine for me and my family.”
~ Dionna
Mike’s memory will live on in advocacy and Habitat’s mission – building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
“We are privileged to celebrate the spirit of a great community investor, Mike Welch. Building alongside his friends, family, and top-brass members of Habitat for Humanity to commemorate Mike’s lasting influence and to build a home for a deserving family has been memorable,” says Danielle Stroud, CEO and President of Habitat Lake-Sumter.
A Legacy Build not only honors your loved ones but impacts generations, to learn more about Legacy Builds, contact Lacie at (352) 396-6763 or Lacie@HabitatLS.org
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.
We are saddened to share that our dear friend, Dorothy Jean Wallace entered eternity on April 22nd, 2023. We were first introduced to Dorothy when she became a homebuyer with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida in 2016 and she has been a part of our family ever since.
After receiving the keys to her home, Dorothy was often a familiar presence at our office, volunteering throughout the week, donating to support other families in our community, and showing up with baked goods in hand, simply to say ‘hello.’ We will carry many fond memories of Dorothy forward and hope to share them with you.
Dorothy Wallace was not only a Habitat homeowner but a valued volunteer and friend to many in the Habitat family. Upon closing her home, she was most excited to start her garden – veggies, flowers, all the delicious things bees loved. She liked spending time on her back porch, but she was also so excited to begin volunteering with Habitat because she believed in offering others a helping hand as they had so kindly done to her. More often than not, when she came to the office, she would bring home-baked treats for the staff and loved to make her sweet-spiced nuts, she would share the “nuts are heart healthy” so everyone should enjoy them. Every day when she arrived, she had a smile on her face, words of wisdom and joy, and was ready to pray for anyone that needed it at a moment’s notice.– Danielle Stroud, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter
Quite a few years back Dorothy asked to meet with me, and she was not like many others who seek after Habitat’s help for housing. She was one who took ownership of her housing needs. When we met, she quickly presented me with a Commitment Letter from HUD stating that she had (on her own) gone and submitted and applied for a HUD pre-approval loan. As a result, she was approved for a federally insured HUD loan for a specific sum of money. She promptly asked if we could provide her with a house for the amount of her pre-approval, and when I told her she was a bit short she indicated she would be open to a rehab house if we had one. It just so happened that we had one and while her pre-approval was not quite enough to cover the cost of acquisition and repair, it was very close. As a result, we were able to provide her with a 2nd mortgage so that she was able to secure and afford a home of her own.
Dorothy was always optimistic and thankful for the opportunities she had, and though she could have – she never played the victim card – she ‘owned’ her situation and worked and disciplined herself to make the most of the opportunities she had – truly a remarkable trait that endeared me to her, and we became lifelong friends. I will miss her greatly! –Kent Adcock, Former CEO, Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter
In March 2023, Habitat Lake-Sumter kicked off their annual Women Build campaign with the goal of building the very first home in our upcoming 55+ community in Tavares, The Cottages at Heritage Grove.
62 women on 13 teams made extraordinary efforts which resulted in fundraising $79,350!
We celebrated an incredible evening at the Venetian Center in Leesburg on April 27th. A grand total of 341 donors contributed to this great cause. With the help our Purple Hard Hat Sponsor, Sun Kool Air Conditioning, we had fun celebrating all the Women Build participants and honoring the top fundraising team, Chicks with Sticks, who raised $21,963!
Sun Kool Air Conditioning staff members were on hand at the Pre-Build Celebration, including Sun Kool Executive Vice President & CSO Holly Nicholson Tobin, who shared with the attendees the importance of local businesses stepping up to heed the call for affordable housing for our workforce and families in our community. Sun Kool Air Conditioning also graciously donated the HVAC for the new home.
A special highlight of the evening was the induction of new members into the Sisterhood of the Pink Hard Hats! The ladies welcomed 12 new members to the not-so-secret Sisterhood. Members of the Sisterhood individually raised over $1,500 and were inducted into the notorious hard hat society for surpassing their goals. Our event was a hit with Our DJ Rocks! DJ Jennie Smith spinning tunes, 360 & Beyond hosting our 360 photo booth, and Ponder’s Cateringoffering delicious bites. A special thank you to our vendors and supporting players!
Top Fundraising Team:
Chicks with Sticks raised $21,963 to build the home!
Honorable Mentions:
The HammerKnockers raised $10,447!
Golden Triangle Girls raised $8,071!
Chicks with Bricks raised $6,059!
Top Fundraiser:
Lisa Carter Harsh from Chicks with Sticks raised $10,599! A record-setting achievement!
On May 6th, 2023, teams began actively building the home for Habitat homeowner, Beth Dyhr. The home being built is a 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.
Teams will continue to volunteer their time at the site until completion of the home, at which time Habitat Lake-Sumter will host a Home Dedication ceremony to dedicate the home and hand over the keys of this home to it’s new owner.
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.
On August 22, 2022,Marsha Brewington was told she had been approved to be a future Habitat homeowner, and she was ecstatic. She had not thought about being a homeowner until she gained custody of her grandchildren, but having them under her care, she knew she wanted a home for them.
Marsha grew up in Sanford, Florida. She lived there her whole life until unexpected circumstances, and a giving friend, brought her to Lake County. During this time, Marsha’s daughter was facing difficulties she could not overcome, leading to Marsha becoming the caretaker for her two grandchildren, Kaemon and Demyla. Though they did not plan on becoming their own family, they wanted to make it as complete as possible. So they added Bella, a cat, and she has been an amazing addition.
They have been living in apartments in Leesburg but have had many issues this year. Pipes burst, causing flooding and damages to their personal belongings, as well as AC issues creating mildew on walls, have left them in a less than ideal living situation. Marsha had heard about the Habitat program and the “amazing things they done to help others and change lives,” so when she had the opportunity to apply, she did not hesitate. Marsha is “excited to be a part of the Habitat family” and so far, she said her “experience has been wonderful.” She is looking forward to helping at the build site as much as possible, and she is also interested in volunteering at the ReStore.
The excitement of having a new home is in full swing for her and her grandchildren. Marsha is looking forward to a few things, one being the driveway/garage. She cannot wait for her own parking space. She is also excited about having a porch to watch the “kids be kids” in the yard. Kaemon and Demyla are both thrilled about having their own rooms. Once in the home, the Brewington’s want to have a small housewarming party with family. They also plan on starting a few new traditions: a happiness jar and a monthly picnic in the yard. No matter the traditions that take place in the home, Marsha believes “the memories are already being made.”
On, April 26, 2023,Marsha was surrounded by the Youth Construction Academy students, the Leesburg High School band and cheer team, staff from the City of Leesburg, home sponsor RoMac Building Supply, and many esteemed members of the community.
During the ceremony, the students shared highlights of their experience and expressed gratitude for participating in the program which has taught them many useful skills they may carry into adulthood. The keys to the home were ceremonially passed from one student to the next, through the hands of Don Magruder, CEO of RoMac Building Supply, into Marsha’s excited hands. Passing this significant set of keys marked the completion of this special project and ushers in a new chapter in the life of the Brewington 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.
Nicole Benton is a hardworking single mother of two growing daughters, Janaiza and Jaide, who has been employed with local company M & S Air Conditioning for over 10 years. Nicole and her daughters have always lived on and off with her grandmother; Shirley, who is now 90 years old. Nicole has always dealt with the hardships of finding a home that was capable of fitting her family, as well as being a good environment for her children to grow up in.
“I have never not appreciated living with my grandmother. There is never a dull moment, but as
time goes on there is a point where children need their own space and so does a mom.”
~ Nicole Benton
When Nicole’s family heard the great news about Nicole meeting mortgage criteria and being chosen to construct a Habitat Lake-Sumter home, they were just as excited as Nicole and her daughters. With their life is a non-stop, 24/7, continuous loop. The Benton family is always on the go for school, work and after school activities. Their new home gives the girls endless opportunities and the education they need to achieve anything they put their minds to.
“As we get ready for this new change in our lives, I go on to think about all of
the opportunities this house will give us and cannot wait for the new beginnings we are
going to face as we move for in the process, thank you so much for this chance to give
my family what we have always, a home to call all ours!”
This new home will bring Nicole and her children closer to other family members and their school. As they get ready for this new chapter in life, she reflects on the opportunities this home will provide and the new beginnings that come with a home to call their own!
Fulfilling their 7th year as Habitat Lake-Sumter’s March Match sponsor, RoMac Building Supply continues to be a driving supporter of our Youth Construction Academy. Under the leadership of CEO Don Magruder, the Youth Construction Academy has expanded to 4 schools across Lake-Sumter, and we are welcoming in our newest partnership with Wildwood Middle High! To date, the Youth Construction Academy has built 15 homes across Lake and Sumter Counties.
Thanks to the generous donations and community support throughout the month of March and the RoMac Building Supply matching investment and you contribution we were able to raise an additional $45315 during this year’s RoMac Match campaign more than doubling our match!
This is our highest match result to date, with an estimated $6,000 increase from last year, for a TOTAL community investment of $65315!
We not only met our goal, but we surpassed it! This great accomplishment was made possible because of caring supporters like each and every one of you believing in our youth and the importance of decent, affordable homes!
Every donation received directly supports the vocational training for the students in the Youth Construction Academy, as well as fulfilling the dream of a future homeowner with decent, affordable housing.
RoMac Building Supply continues to pledge their support in Habitat’s mission to build communities, hope, and homes and an unwavering commitment to bettering the opportunities of our youth. Because of RoMac’s devotion to improving the lives of deserving families and future outlook of our students through skilled trades, these families and students will have the tools to brighter futures ahead.
Thank you for supporting and investing in the future of our youth and future homeowners.
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.
Today, you can partner with RoMac Building Supply to double your donation and help Caleb obtain valuable vocational skills with Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter’s Youth Construction Academy.
When you give, RoMac Building Supply will match every dollar donated in March, up to $20,000!
Your gift helps Caleb graduate high school career-ready, with the training and education to enter the workforce in a growing industry!
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.
“My name is Hannah Burton and I am currently a freshman at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I began an extraordinary journey in Eustis, Florida, on January 15, 2023. I had the chance to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter for two weeks with a few of my classmates. We had the opportunity to provide service in Eustis, Mascotte, Fruitland Park, and Leesburg, four cities in Lake County.
We painted an entire house’s outside as a group, added siding to two other homes, tore apart one’s interior to begin the process of a fresh new start, and constructed a house from nothing more than a pad of cement, complete with walls and a roof.
Being able to connect to the individuals we are helping is what made this experience so unique. The stories of their journeys, the reasons why they needed our assistance, and their gratitude for having us here made working so much more rewarding. I personally want to go into the public service once I graduate from college which made this an amazing opportunity to discover what real recovery work is like.
This journey has been enlightening, humbling, and a great opportunity for friendship-building with people I might not have otherwise met. By interacting and speaking with the homeowners, supervisors, and volunteers, I have gained more knowledge about poverty, privilege, and gratitude. Overall, I never planned for the impact this experience would have for me and a bit of my heart will always remain in Lake County, Florida.” – Hannah
Hannah is one of 36 students that came with Cadet Group A from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The cadets, along with Seniors and their Instructors, worked hard throughout the week doing building, repairing, and rehabbing sites in Eustis, Wildwood, Mascotte, and Clermont. During their two week stay, they framed walls, secured trusses, and put up plywood at a new construction site in Eustis. For their Preservation and Repair projects, cadets installed siding and windows at a site in Wildwood and rehabbed the flooring and assisted with wiring and plumbing to add to the renovation process in Mascotte.
Aside from all of their incredible industriousness, the cadets also got to have fun on trips to Universal and visited the historic sites in St Augustine too. After one of their workdays, the Lake County Emergency Operations Center was generous enough to give the cadets a tour of their facility. This gave the cadets a real world look at the true scale and capabilities of a county EOC. At the end of their time here, the community came together with the Knights of Columbus, a charitable organization that has been working closely with Habitat Lake-Sumter, providing a cookout lunch for the cadets to thank them for all of their hard work.
To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, reach out to Carlos@HabitatLS.org or 352-483-0434 ext. 119
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.
What started out as a spark of imagination has grown into a flourishing fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter. In its 4th year, more than 100 volunteers were on site in downtown Tavares participating in the construction and decoration of 13 individually themed playhouses.
Teams sponsored the build of each playhouse to support and benefit Habitat’s affordable homeownership programs and preservation services. Teams of any kind can build playhouses – corporate groups, faith congregations, youth and school groups, members of community organizations and groups of friends. Each playhouse takes 3-4 hours to build and paint with the help of 8-10 volunteers.
It is an inspiring opportunity to see something beautiful and meaningful come together out of a few pieces of wood, knowing that it will bring light into the life of a deserving child in the community. After they are decorated, later in the day the parents, some with many family members present, arrived with the children to surprise them with a playhouse of their own in their favorite theme.
The 2022 Winner of Best Playhouse was the team from ShuffieldLowman with their Princess Castle themed playhouse, which was decked out with a pink fur rug, bookcase full of books, and even a pink chandelier!
It was a magical experience for all involved to see the look on the children’s faces when they saw their playhouse for the very first time, lighting up with animation when they realized the special playhouse was their very own home! The Jingle Build-Off is designed to be a stepping-stone to teach young children the pride and joy of homeownership.
It’s moments like this that reinforce what HFHLS builds within our community!
Want to get involved for next year’s friendly team build competition?
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.
As I look forward to the season of celebration that is upon us, I can’t help but recall the families who have been blessed this year, thanks to your compassionate giving.
Because of your support, we’ve built 278 new homes and repaired more than 280 homes for families since 1989, providing access to the most valuable gift we can give– a safe place to call home.
But families in Lake and Sumter Counties are facing unprecedented challenges. In this time of tremendous need, here is a powerful opportunity to make a difference.
For the second year in a row, Citizens First Bank has offered an outstanding match (up to $100,000)!
Give today and your gift of $50 will be doubled to become $100.
Your gift of $250 will become $500!
This year’s challenge gift opportunity is coming at a crucial time. Between escalating housing costs and inflation, owning a home feels out of reach for more and more people in Lake and Sumter counties. Families like the Brewington’s face the difficult choice between rising housing costs and life’s necessities, like nutritious food or new shoes for school.
During difficult times, we count on you.
Your donation gives hope to families like the Brewington’s. As a first-time homeowner, Marsha will be able to raise her grandchildren with the safety and stability that comes from home, providing Kaemon and Demyla a place to learn and grow. An affordable home removes barriers to opportunity and provides financial flexibility to build a better future for the Brewington Family.
Will you give the gift of home this holiday season?
Danielle Stroud
CEO
P.S. Make a gift today and help us double the $100,000 donation from Citizen’s First Bank, so we can make an even BIGGER impact for people in need of decent housing.
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.”
So far in this series, we’ve looked at five inflation-busting tips, planning meals in advance and now I want to discuss buying whole food ingredients and how this can save you money. When you hear the term whole food, don’t think of the famous grocery store chain, but think of basic ingredients that are used to make meals.
A perfect example of a whole food ingredient would be heavy cream. While it is seen as an additive to sauces it can also be used to make butter. There are a lot of benefits to using whole food ingredients. The benefits are endless but here are my three favorites:
Whole food ingredients are less expensive.
Can be used in multiple meals.
Are better for your health
The easiest way to incorporate whole food ingredients into your meals is staying away from the center aisles and shopping the outer aisles of your grocery store and staying away from mixes, and flavoring sauces. Sure, using whole food ingredients is more time consuming but the health benefits and the potential amount of money you will be saving is more than worth it in the end. Here are a few whole food ingredients and the dishes
Oranges- jam, marinade, citrus salad, the juice can also be used as sweetener for teas and other drinks.
Flour- sure you can make homemade bread, biscuits, cakes, and can also be used as a breading when frying and a thickener for homemade sauces and gravy.
Tomatoes- ripe tomatoes can be used to make sauces, and are the perfect base for vegetable juice blends and of course salads.
While this is a brief list of whole food ingredients and their uses, the list goes on. I suggest going through your cabinets and looking at the ingredients in your prepackaged meals and mixes and make an effort to buy the ingredients separately.
In our next article, we’ll review the importance of understanding your food groups. I hope you’re finding ways to incorporate these ideas into your own family’s budget, and, as always, thanks for reading.
Right now, there are too many Veterans in our community living in unsafe housing conditions. But with your support, we can help!
We’re taking the month of November to honor our Veterans and their families by providing safe, decent, and affordable homes through our Veterans Housing Initiative.
Thanks to you, we’ve served more than 50 Veterans. Veterans like Casey, who was a part of the last patrol deployed to Iraq in 2010. After returning home, Casey became the sole caretaker of her mother and they desperately needed accessibility repairs in their home.
Casey was taking her mother to a local gym to use the shower, but the emotional and physical burden they faced to do a simple task became unbearable.
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.
Last month I shared with you five inflation-busting tips to help your food dollars go further. This month I want to expand on one of those principals: Planning Your Meals in Advance.
The concept of pre-planning meals is certainly not a new one, but it is essential if you want to make the most of your monthly food budget. Besides saving you a lot of money, pre-planning your meals gives you an opportunity to make healthier food choices for you and your family. Here are five tips to help you make the most of planning your meals:
Plan your meals according to the season. Although technology has made many foods available year round, mother nature is still the boss when it comes to peak harvesting times for fruits and vegetables. Knowing when a fruit or vegetable is at the peak of its harvesting season will benefit you because it will taste its best and it will also be more economical to buy.
Start small by planning only a few days at a time. Meal planning is not complicated but can seem overwhelming at first. Taking it day by day then expanding to a week will help you build your core recipes and family favorites. As you get comfortable doing that, you can expand your planning to an entire month, which will make this task less challenging.
Shop the sales. You can plan your meals in advance then plan around your local grocery store sales. Compiling several weeks of planned meals will allow you to shift meals around according to whatever items are on sale.
Plan themed meal nights. Discover foods from different regions and incorporate this into your meal plans; for example, Taco Tuesday and Amazing African Inspired Friday.
Leave a free day–plan on not planning! Whether that’s having a leftovers day or choosing to grab an occasional meal out when you’re busy, it’s okay. Don’t punish yourself for not cooking.
So far in this series, we’ve looked at five inflation-busting tips and planning meals in advance. In our next article, we’ll review buying whole foods. I hope you’re finding ways to incorporate these ideas into your own family’s budget, and, as always, thanks for reading!
Sheena Tynes, a soon to be homeowner with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, is patiently awaiting the completion of her future home. Sheena’s home is the product of Women Build, an annual event held by Habitat Lake-Sumter each spring, but more importantly, it is her first step into homeownership for her and her children since moving back to the United States ten years ago. Sheena works as an assistant manager at a loan company in Leesburg and she has 3 children: Nicholas, Nathan, and Skye. They are all excited about their new space. The Tynes Family has lived in Mount Dora for 10 years, and all those years, they have been working toward this moment. As the construction of their home progresses, Sheena admits her children are “excited because they want their own space. They’re ready. That’s something they keep talking about.”
Habitat for Humanity was not always on Sheena’s radar, but after having a previous home fall through, and living in a single-parent program at Mount Dora Christian Home, a social worker relayed Habitat Lake-Sumter’s home ownership program to her. It took a bit to get going, but Sheena prayed about the opportunity and now that she is in the program, she is “excited for the next step.” Sheena dedicates her Saturdays to completing her sweat equity hours and her sons have also volunteered by painting houses at other Habitat project sites. She has never had any experience in the building/construction field, so this experience has allowed her to learn new skills. One thing she has learned in this process…the home is always morphing. Every time she looks at the house “it keeps changing.”
Her 4/2 house is offering something that seems taken for granted often, her own space. She has been shopping for bedroom, living room, and patio furniture. Like many people in Lake County, she is excited to do some front porch sitting. Relaxing mornings on the front porch drinking coffee are in her future. Sheena knows it will be her spot to reminisce about her grandma. This process takes time, hard work, and sweat (in abundance), but when it comes down to it, she “just wants to get in” and have the house to herself for a bit.
From losing a previous house to applying with Habitat, Sheena has trusted God through the process and the waiting. The process has been “pleasant and easy” for all parties involved. We’re so glad to have the opportunity to partner with the Tynes family and provide an end to their time of waiting. Sheena’s future home is already past the plumbing, electrical, and duct work phases, which means the move-in day is near and her front porch days are not far off. Eustis is a new town for her which she hasn’t spent much time, so she is looking forward to exploring downtown and the events it has to offer. One request from Sheena is for her house to be prayed over. Well Sheena, prayer is on the way. Enjoy your new home and your coffee on the porch!
Martha is a life-long resident of Mount Dora, Florida and has owned her home since 1979. When describing her neighborhood, Martha shares memories about her family’s first home on Jackson Street and when Downtown Mount Dora was made up of “two hardware stores and a general store”. Needless to say, Martha has been witness to a lot of growth and change in her city.
Martha family’s history and connection to the area began when she was a child and her father worked for the City of Mount Dora. Her family has stayed close, with her sister living in their old family home. Martha raised her own children in the home she is living in now. For Martha, Mount Dora is truly home.
But this past June, Martha’s air conditioning broke. Among a series of repairs needed to her roof, overhanging trees, and damaged windows, Martha said the broken air conditioning was difficult and not good for her health, “I couldn’t breathe. The house was too hot, I would come and sit in the car for A/C,”says Martha.
Martha heard about repair work that the city of Mount Dora had available and decided to find out if she could receive help. With grant funds from Mount Dora Community Trust and matching funds through the City of Mount Dora, we were able to partner together to replace Martha’s A/C in August.
Mount Dora Community Trust partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter and the City of Mount Dora to invest in revitalizing the Northeast district of Mount Dora, FL.
As part of Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program, Mount Dora Community Trust has sponsored a total of $30,000 to be re-invested into the City of Mount Dora for an output of two critical home repairs. Mount Dora Community Trust’s grant provides access to Mount Dora’s matching CRA funds for a community benefit of $60,000.
Through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program, cost-burdened homeowners, like Martha, can update the homes they already own by receiving repairs to increase the safety, accessibility, and beauty of the home. This allows Habitat Lake-Sumter to help maintain the affordable housing stock in our community and ensure that everyone has a decent place to live.
Martha’s roof was replaced prior to Hurricane Ian, so she was safe at home. With HVAC replacement also complete, Martha’s home will receive a fresh coat of paint and interior repairs, including cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom re-model with accessibility modifications. Martha spends her time gardening and when her orchids bloom, she likes to bring them inside. She says the plants come alive and don’t give her too much trouble.
“It would have taken years to save enough money to get the home back to where it needed to be, I don’t think I could have done it,” says Martha. Since the roof and HVAC replacement, Martha says it’s easier to breathe. “I’m not stressed out by how am I going to get this done,” she says, “I’m going to be so happy after the repairs are complete. Like the flowers – Ahhhhh….”Martha breathes a sigh of relief.
To learn more about this partnership or Habitat for Humanity’s programs contact Lacie@HabitatLS.org at 352-483-0434 Ext. 146.
This grant was made possible by the generosity of Mount Dora Community Trust. Since 1972 the Trust has collected funding for local educational, charitable, and benevolent projects and purposes. The Trust provides outreach programs to schools, charities and civic causes through the generous actions and financial support of Mount Dora residents and businesses committed to promoting the community’s unity and prosperity.
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.”
Over the course of the last six years, Habitat Lake-Sumter has opened its doors to interns seeking studying abroad opportunities. This summer we welcomed two interns from France, Adrien and Matthieu, to join our team. For two months they spent time learning about Habitat’s role in the community and acquiring new construction skills.
Adrien and Matthieu are from Nantes, France and are currently enrolled in the engineering program at École Centrale de Nantes. Matthieu is studying architecture and Adrien is studying civil engineering. Learning American mannerisms and culture, Florida way of life, on top of foreign construction skills and training seemed challenging, but the pair acclimated themselves almost seamlessly. The two students enjoyed their experience and learning the difference in building techniques between France and America. Learning to build a wood frame home was a very different experience for Matthieu, as France builds concrete homes. As for Adrien, building a home was completely out of his element as his training is predominantly in civil engineering and planning.
Despite the significant differences in what they were accustomed to, the two students welcomed their new surroundings and teachings with eagerness and were dedicated to learning each new task presented. Roofing as well as carpentry was a first-time experience for both Adrien and Matthieu. When asked what skills they enjoyed learning the most, Adrien admits that his favorite skill was constructing interior walls; while Matthieu preferred learning flooring.
However, it wasn’t all work and no play. The two had the chance to tour popular Florida cities such as Orlando, St. Augustine, and Miami; and even visited Manhattan, NY and toured Times Square and the museums.
Matthieu and Adrien helped tremendously in our new construction builds, furthering our impact and mission to serve our communities with decent, safe, and affordable housing.
“Being here with Habitat was very nice. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. We hope to come back and visit in the future and see the homes we helped to build.”- Matthieu & Adrien
Hi, my name is Chef Ze’ and I have been teaching cooking classes for almost two decades. I love to cook but what really brings me joy is sharing cooking tips and life-altering nutritional information. I believe that food is life and everyone deserves good food. With that being said, part of my mission as a Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter board member is to share my knowledge of food and the food industry to help foster my sentiments.
Understanding your finances and how they affect your household can help your family through times of economic uncertainties. I am not a wordsmith but I bet that the word of the year will be INFLATION, and there is no way that anyone can escape its effects. However, as consumers there are ways that we can control how much it affects our bottom line, especially in the kitchen. When it comes to food consumption, cutting back is not always an option; for example, if your family includes children and seniors, their specific nutritional needs cannot be easily ignored.
To tackle food inflation, embracing basic culinary concepts can be a lifesaver. Understanding the foundations of proper nutrition will help you expand your food budget and give your family what it needs without breaking the bank. Practicing the following concepts will help you maximize your food budget:
Understand the basic food groups and what foods are included-MyPlate.gov is where you can find this information along with some easy recipes.
Buy whole food ingredients-convenience foods such as pre-sliced or individual serving size foods may seem like time savers but in reality, they are budget-busters and actually cost more per serving. Buy the bigger or bulk bag and invest in reusable containers and break it down yourself.
Make dinner preparation a family affair-even the youngest member of the family can contribute to meal planning and execution. Every family is unique and whoever is in charge of meal prep can capitalize on those qualities and involve the entire household. Studies have shown that families who are involved in meal planning are more likely to eat healthier.
Plan your meals in advance-when you plan your meals ahead of time you are able to properly prepare by gathering ingredients and assigning family members their roles in the meal prep.
Eat seasonally available foods-MyPlate.gov provides a list of fresh fruit and vegetables and their seasonal availability. Although you can find many fruits and vegetables year round, nature is still the boss and many are best harvested and grown during certain times of the year. For instance, you can find citrus all year long in the grocery stores but peak season for citrus is during the winter months, when the fruit is at its best and more affordable.
Understanding the basic food groups and involving your family in meal planning is just the beginning to a more affordable grocery bill. There are more components such as basic knife skills and learning how to read food labels, just to name a few. Please look for your newsletter next month as I share more kitchen knowledge.
In 2009, a gift of $179,000 was given to the Community Foundation of South Lake to establish an endowment that would benefit Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida in perpetuity. Over the past ten years, the fund has awarded $123,347 to Habitat to support the work we do in Lake and Sumter Counties. At the start of 2021, that fund had a value of over $196,000.
When an endowed fund is created, lasting community impact is ensured through a permanent charitable fund. Lucille’s gift is invested over time, and a percentage of the fund’s market value is used annually to make charitable grants to Habitat Lake-Sumter.
Lucille A. Smith may no longer be here, but her legacy lives on through her thoughtful and planned gift to ensure her most cherished charity would be supported. Lucille was born in Elizabethton, TN. In the 1950’s she moved to Clermont, FL to raise her family and where she enjoyed being a part of the First Baptist Church of Clermont, along with many clubs and activities.
Today, and forever, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter will benefit because Lucille cared enough about her community and had the vision to see the lasting impact of her gift. Anyone has the opportunity to make the same type of impactful gift.
We know that safe, decent, affordable housing provides a cornerstone for families to build healthier lives full of promise. Whether you would like to put your donation to work today or benefit families after your lifetime, a planned gift ensures that your legacy will continue in your community for generations to come.
There are many options to create lasting and meaningful change through Habitat Lake-Sumter, learn how you can build a legacy, now and in the future.
Call or email Lacie Himes at (352) 483-0434 x 146, Lacie@HabitatLS.org to learn more about how to leave Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter in your will, trust, or annuity plan.
Copy and paste our full legal description below when planning a gift to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter: Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation, organized under the laws of the State of Florida, with its principal office located at 906 Avenida Central, The Villages, FL 32159– Federal Tax ID #: 47-2312472
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.
Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Collegiate Challenge program provides year-round alternative break opportunities to college students across the United States. Ohio State University students recently joined us for a week over summer break as part of the college’s Buck-iServ program, to explore Florida and volunteer on numerous construction projects!
Join Billan from OSU, for an Instagram Takeover, while she and her fellow students volunteer on a Preservation and Repair Project in Mascotte, FL.
When students volunteer with Habitat Lake-Sumter, they ensure that every family has a safe and affordable place to call home. Access to safe, affordable housing – whether new construction or a critical home repair – can be life-changing for families, with far-reaching impact on health, education, and economic outcomes. Service volunteering can be equally transformative for students as they learn more about the complex issues surrounding affordable housing and witness their own potential for making an impact!
Comfort is what Habitat homeowner Amanda feels about her new home. She and daughter, Emilee, enjoy spending their time sitting cozy in their living room, which is their favorite room in the house. The two thoroughly enjoy the open floor plan and extra space. In fact they were able to turn the third bedroom into a playroom for Emilee, and she is enjoying being able to decorate and put her own touch on it.
“We just love the openness and space that we have. It’s great having so much room!” -Amanda and Emilee
Since becoming homeowners Emilee’s expressive personality has truly blossomed. Research has shown that housing has a direct correlation to children’s development and ability to thrive. Emilee now has the ability to continue growing and thriving in her new home and even has a pet now, a cat affectionately named Winnie. Life has moved in a positive direction for Amanda and Emilee since becoming homeowners. Amanda has since received two promotions at her job and is now able to save to buy a new car!
“The overall experience has been great! I enjoyed every minute of the process from start to finish,” says Amanda.
Although there are many joys of being a homeowner, Amanda admits there were a few adjustments to get used to such as learning yard maintenance. Amanda and Emilee share the responsibility of keeping the yard up. Amanda does the mowing and trimming, while Emilee tends to the weeds. The two are looking forward to gardening and planting flowers. Amanda also plans to eventually enhance her backyard and create her own oasis for outside entertainment.
Amanda is certainly not the only Habitat homeowner in her community as she shares comradery with other Habitat homeowners in her neighborhood. Amanda plans to continue being an ambassador for Habitat Lake-Sumter encouraging others to also go through the homeownership program.
“Going through the Habitat Homeownership program has inspired me to help others. I want to encourage as many people as I can to apply and go through the homeownership program. It’s so worth it.” – Amanda.
Kim Thayer, of the Village of Summerhill and Villagers Home Assist, edges around the Lady Lake home of Barbara McGee.
George Horsford, Daily Sun
Despite relying on an oxygen tank, Barbara McGee makes an effort to hop on her mower to cut her grass every few weeks. However, McGee’s home needed maintenance beyond what she could handle. That is why her friend Lorry Hein, of the Village of Tall Trees, nominated her house as the first project for Villagers Home Assist, a new program started by the Villagers Habitat for Humanity club. About a dozen club members met Friday at McGee’s house in Lady Lake to pressure wash the home’s exterior, clean the gutters, trim hedges and other chores.
Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter is invested in helping those that have invested in our country, and this month we’ve partnered with The Home Depot Foundation, to fulfill that mission.
Veterans are an important focus among Habitat’s programs. With Lake and Sumter Counties large population of Veterans, we’re committed to improve access to safe and affordable housing for them through our Veterans Housing Initiative.
Veteran-centered projects were renewed thanks to our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation – Repair Corps. The Home Depot Foundation allotted Habitat Lake-Sumter $40,000 to serve our veterans once again.
This money was crucial in completing critical home repairs to areas such as, roofing, sub floors, accessibility, plumbing, and more. The Home Depot Foundation created the means for Habitat Lake-Sumter to help Veterans in need and to improve their living situation. This partnership improved the stability and security for those who deserve it most. It also impacted many lives and communities, one of which was Mr. Kenneth Kemp.
“I was in a very dark place before reaching out to Habitat a year ago…I got the call, and everything in my life turned around! My home is better, my life is better…I’m just so grateful for what Habitat and Home Depot have done for me.” -Kenneth Kemp
Mr. Kemp faithfully served in the Army for 14 years. During his time, he sustained multiple physical injuries which left him 80% disabled. As he journeyed on after his time in the Army, he pursued other professions, all to support his family, but ultimately his disability greatly impacted his life. Now retired, Mr. Kemp has lived in his home for 20 years. His home began to fall into disrepair due to natural aging of the home and hurricane damage. Due to his disabilities, Mr. Kemp was unable to complete them on his own. He needed assistance and was struggling to find it. Mr. Kemp felt that his home was a reflection of his life, which was currently declining. His home status was impacting his mental well-being.
The Home Depot Foundation created a beautiful opportunity for Mr. Kemp and his home. His home needed subfloor repair, roof repair, and foundation leveling. The repairs needed were unmanageable both financially and physically, but with the funds awarded to Habitat Lake-Sumter, Mr. Kemp was able to receive the necessary repairs.
Since receiving the call from Habitat, Mr. Kemp’s life has changed for the better. He found love again and the couple married this May. He is now proud of his home and happy to share his newly repaired home with his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp’s home is now safe and ready to be filled with love and new memories.
It was an honor to serve Mr. Kemp and to be a part of the life changing differences that were made through the partnership with The Home Depot Foundation.
When you visit the Leesburg ReStore, you may encounter the bright smile and warm welcome of Tasha. A Lake County native, Tasha has always enjoyed work that allowed her to improve her community and positively impact others. Prior to joining the ReStore team, Tasha worked as a chef and also as a health and wellness coach alongside her sister.
Tasha first began her journey with the Habitat Lake-Sumter team as a volunteer, as helping people has always brought her joy and fulfillment. When the opportunity for employment within the Habitat organization arose, Tasha decided to take a chance and apply. It was the right choice. Tasha enjoys working with the Habitat Leesburg ReStore team. “The professionalism, yet family-oriented atmosphere makes the Leesburg ReStore a great working environment”, Tasha says.
Giving back into the community is a value that Tasha also instilled in her son, Andre. Andre, who often volunteered alongside his mom at various Habitat events, is now also a part of the ReStore staff. Tasha admits the mother and son duo work dynamic has been both fun and challenging. Learning to balance roles of parent-child and co-worker was indeed an adjustment for the two.
Tasha serves a dual role in the Leesburg ReStore as lead cashier and social media assistant. In addition to her warm and bright smile, Tasha is very efficient in her role and tasks and always carries a pleasant demeanor at work. One of the highlights Tasha enjoys about working at the Leesburg ReStore is seeing the smiling, familiar faces of the customers who shop regularly as well as welcoming new customers.
Tasha enjoys the ReStore’s role in empowering families. The ReStore plays an intricate role in Habitat’s mission to build homes, community, and hope. Providing families with affordable goods and services empowers families in many ways and Tasha ensures that she does her part in sharing that mission by informing all customers about the affordable housing programs Habitat Lake-Sumter has to help local families and residents. “Being able to build relationships with the customers and help families in need is a great feeling”, Tasha says.
Tasha encourages anyone interested in volunteering or becoming a part of the Habitat to take the leap. “Don’t be afraid to try new things. This has been a very rewarding experience,” says Tasha. Tasha hopes to continue her tenure with Habitat and looks forward to future opportunities for advancing her career within the Habitat Lake-Sumter organization.
Summer is the time for fun in the sun, but for the Cepero family, it is the time for closing on their first ever owned home. “Thank God we were blessed to have our own home in Eustis,” these are the words of Brenda Cepero, Habitat homeowner (soon to be). She feels blessed to have partnered with Habitat, but Habitat would also say our organization was blessed by her and her family.
Brenda Cepero, 52, has been living in a small Eustis apartment with three people she loves dearly: her daughter, Stephanie, her son, Victor, and Victor’s girlfriend, Angela. As a family, they enjoy each other’s camaraderie during everyday life, especially during family game night. As a family they are growing their careers and working on deepening their education, however, they have never had the ability to purchase their own home. Through conversation, a friend shared Habitat for Humanity’s housing program with Brenda and from there the process began.
Brenda shared that “the application process was easy and went smoothly. I was guided through the process by very helpful Habitat employees…We feel great about our new home…It’s something we’ve wanted to do, but never had the opportunity. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, we have the opportunity now and we can’t wait.”This sentiment is everything Habitat wants to embody: Habitat, the community, and the people in it coming together to work toward a better future.
With all the positive notes regarding the Cepero family’s process and experience, there still were some construction setbacks. The process to build the home has had its challenges. Construction delays due to timing and issues with procuring needed materials and permits caused inevitable hinderances. Even with the realities that come with a task so large as building a home, the Cepero family put their frustration aside and remained optimistic throughout the obstacles.
With or without challenges, the unique detail about Habitat and their homeowners it that it is a partnership. With every homeowner there is a relationship made and time spent. Brenda, Stephanie, Victor, and Angela have all assisted Habitat in various ways through the Sweat Equity Program. Devoting countless hours whether volunteering in the office, assisting in construction projects, working in the ReStore, participating in the Jingle Build Off, attending Women’s Build Events, or painting their own home, they have selflessly poured their time into Habitat’s causes; therefore helping to further what Habitat can do for others. They are another illustration of how a family and Habitat for Humanity are better together.
As the Cepero family and their home approach the closing date, one of the most exciting details for the family is that the home will be theirs and only theirs. This means they can do with it what they want, specifically, decorating it as desired. They were able to pick the color palette for the interior and they are “excited” to put everything in it that could not fit in the apartment because of space. The family made it clear though, once moved in and decorated, they “are going to party and have some fun.” They are most excited about making memories in their own home. They look forward to celebrating birthdays, holidays, and anything in between. Brenda, Stephanie, Victor, and Angela are a family, and now they are also part of the Habitat family.
We were so blessed to partner with them. From Habitat to the Cepero family, we hope you love your new home!
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.
When 7 year-old Layla and her brother moved in with their grandparents, Layla knew she was moving into a good home for her and her brother to grow up in.
Layla’s grandparents filled the home with love and laughter, making her feel safe again. But without an air conditioning unit, the house gets so hot Layla can barely sleep at night.
Through our Preservation and Repair program, we partner with very low-income families, like Layla’s, who own their home but due to age, health, or life-circumstances are unable to maintain the safety of their home.
Your gift of $20, $45, or $100 willgive Layla a stable start in a home that increases safety, health, and her educational success.
Your donation helps to provide the critical home repairs, like new HVAC, windows, and weatherization that will make Layla’s house a safe place to grow up in!
Layla’s grandparents will be able to move limited finances from home repair costs to instead pay for healthy food, doctor’s visits, and the resources a 7 year-old needs to thrive.
“Since Publix finished painting our house, so many of our neighbors and friends have stopped by admiring our home. They love how the blue just makes the home pop out. They really did a great job and we’re so happy!”– Jimmie
Publix Super Markets Charities awards Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter with a $35,000 grant in support of preservation and critical home repairs. As a lead sponsor since 2015, Publix Super Markets Charities has annually contributed $35,000 to Habitat’s Preservation and Repair program and has improved the lives of more than 200 families in Lake and Sumter Counties.
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. Because of Publix Super Markets Charities support, we’ve increased the number of families served for a total of 67 projects completed this year!
Over the course of two days, Publix team members from 5 districts came together to volunteer on a critical home repair project in Mt. Dora sponsored by Publix. Not only does Publix Super Markets Charities provide a financial investment in the community, but their team members dedicate hours of volunteer time to see the projects successfully completed.
Jimmie and Marian have lived in their home for almost 40 years. When the Banner’s home began falling into disrepair, Jimmie tried his best to manage the repairs on his own. With a background in carpentry, he managed to do some repairs on his own such as replacing the bathroom sink, kitchen cabinets, and some drywall repair. However, as an elder adult and current fixed income, these tasks proved to be too demanding both financially and physically with his health complications. Jimmie and his wife, Marian are thankful that they were referred to Habitat Lake-Sumter and are very grateful for the assistance provided by Publix Super Markets Charities and their local staff in repairing and beautifying their home. In addition to a new roof and windows, the Banners received critical interior renovations, including a new roof and HVAC system, flooring throughout the home, counter tops, and much needed bathroom fixtures. With the help of the dedicated Publix team, the Banners’ home also received a fresh, vibrant blue exterior painting chosen by Marian.
We are grateful for the longstanding support Publix Super Markets Charities has shown the Preservation and Repair program, thank you for partnering with us to build strength, stability, and independence for families in our community!
We celebrated an incredible evening with the Women Build Presenting Sponsor, AgeWave Solutions Inc, honoring all the Women Build participants, top fundraising teams and the highlight of the evening: inducting new members into the Sisterhood of the Pink Hard Hats!
This year, we had 66 Women Build participants who rallied their communities to raise over $70,000 to build a home and transform the lives of Sheena Tynes and her children. We’re celebrating our highest goal achieved through Women Build and the growing Sisterhood of the Pink Hard Hats, 15 new members were inducted into the Sisterhood!
RECORD SETTING YEAR!
Top Fundraising Team:
Chicks with Sticks raised $18,073 and partnered with Habitat to secure material donations for the home!
Honorable Mentions:
Team Nailed It! was the first and only team to have every member inducted into the Sisterhood of the Pink Hard Hats!
Lisa Carter Harsh from Chicks with Sticks raised $9,012! A record-setting achievement.
Honorable Mentions:
Ruth Pizarro from Chicks with Sticks raised $5,052 and Laurie Bryant from the Hammer Knockers raised almost $3,000 and passed on the title of Top Fundraiser to Lisa Carter Harsh.
This year, Women Build participants will be raising the walls for a new home in Eustis, Florida. Construction officially begins on Saturday, June 25th and Women Builders will be on-site for two weeks as we work together to build a home!
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.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Women Build empowers you to make a difference. Together, we can build homes, communities, and better futures for local families. If interested in learning more about Women Build or joining us for next year’s build, contact Development Director, Lacie Himes at (352) 483-0434 x 146 or Lacie@habitatLS.org
“My name is Cynthia Hernandez and my daughter’s name is Leah, and we are so excited to start our new journey in our very own home!”
Cynthia Hernandez grew up and resided in Ocoee, Florida until a job opportunity relocated her and her daughter Leah to Lake County 7 years ago. Cynthia and Leah are making a 45-minute commute to and from work and school daily, which is a big part of their day. Being closer to work and school would cut down the hassles of their daily routine and also decrease the added expense of rising fuel cost.
Cynthia says, “Though the time spent together talking about how our day is going to go is great time spent, it does add to the stress of everyday life.”
Homeownership was a goal that Cynthia longed for, but in today’s market, she simply could not afford it. Cynthia had been searching for a place to stay that was closer to work and Leah’s school, but even finding decent rental housing was unaffordable.
Cynthia was growing more and more discouraged until she applied for housing within Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Homeownership Program and received the life changing news of her acceptance! Through the Homeownership Program with Habitat Lake-Sumter, Cynthia and Leah can now look forward to spending less time in the car and more time making memories in their new home!
The mother-daughter duo are ecstatic about being closer to school, work, and friends.
Although Cynthia admits the thought of such a large move being overwhelming at times, she is excited about becoming a homeowner and learning all aspects that homeownership entails.
“I know the journey is going to be a little stressful at times, but I’m trying to gather all the tools I’ll need to keep it running smoothly” says Cynthia.
Being closer to school will allow Leah the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, attend school events, and spend more time with her friends, which also increases her social development. The two are looking forward to getting to know their new community together and most importantly building a foundation and future in their new home.
“We are so excited to be so much closer to school, work, and friends! It will make it so much easier for us to go to school events and get to know the community that I want her to grow up in” Cynthia explains.
Cynthia and Leah’s home is built through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Youth Construction Academy in partnership with South Lake High School. Students from South Lake High School spent a class period throughout the school year to help build their home from start to finish. Students graduate the program career-ready and provide an affordable housing solution for a family each year, the Hernandez Family home is the second house built with South Lake High School. Preparation for the third year of this partnership is currently underway with a groundbreaking planned for the start of the 2022 Fall Semester!
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.
Fulfilling their 6th year as Habitat Lake-Sumter’s March Match sponsor, RoMac Building Supply continues to be a driving supporter of our Youth Construction Academy. Under the leadership of CEO Don Magruder, the Youth Construction Academy has expanded to 4 schools across Lake-Sumter, with aspirations of making Leesburg High School the number 1 construction academy in the state! To date, the Youth Construction Academy has built 10 homes across Lake and Sumter Counties.
Thanks to the generous donations and community support throughout the month of March and the RoMac Building Supply matching investment of $20,000, we were able to raise $39,450 during this year’s RoMac Match campaign.
This is our highest match result to date, with an estimated $9,000 increase from last year!
We not only met our goal, but we surpassed it! This great accomplishment was made possible because of caring supporters like each and every one of you believing in our youth and the importance of decent, affordable homes!
Every donation received directly supports the vocational training for the students in the Youth Construction Academy, as well as fulfilling the dream of a future homeowner with decent, affordable housing.
RoMac Building Supply continues to pledge their support in Habitat’s mission to build communities, hope, and homes and an unwavering commitment to bettering the opportunities of our youth. Because of RoMac’s devotion to improving the lives of deserving families and future outlook of our students through skilled trades, these families and students will have the tools to brighter futures ahead.
Thank you for supporting and investing in the future of our youth and future homeowners.
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/
Brock Esarey is a former student of the Villages Charter School and former participating student in the Youth Construction Academy (YCA). Prior to joining the Youth Construction Academy, Brock was heavily involved in sports. In addition to his schoolwork, being a member of both the basketball and football team kept Brock quite busy, playing the position of quarterback in football and power forward in basketball. Brock is an avid Notre Dame football fan and enjoys fitness and boating.
Although Brock enjoyed playing sports and had done so since he was a small child, as he began his upper high school classes Brock decided to focus more on career building skills. Brock had always enjoyed handy work. In fact, the previous summer before starting the YCA program, he had a job framing houses with a local contractor. As he was considering the available academic components within his school, he came across the YCA and instantly new it was a perfect fit for him. The most enjoyable part of the YCA program was developing a mentorship with his teacher Mr. Haberle, whom he still calls on anytime he has questions or seeking advice. Brock admits that the most difficult experience was learning flooring, as the work was very hard on his knees and back. However, he understood it came with the job and was a necessary skill to learn.
Being a part of the YCA has had a tremendous impact on Brock. Since graduating from the Villages Charter School last year, Brock has found a career within the construction industry. Initially, he began doing trim work in the Villages, and is now currently employed as an assistant superintendent for The Villages, an opportunity that he credits to the YCA program. Brock plans to continue pursuing his interest in the construction field and getting his license to become a general contractor and certified builder in the Villages.
Brock is thankful for the opportunities the Youth Construction Academy offered him, to develop career-building skills and training that prepared him for a successful future. The YCA allowed Brock to turn a hobby into a passion, and now a budding career. The YCA not only provided Brock a hands-on learning environment and vocational education, but also allowed him and his fellow classmates the ability to obtain the necessary certifications to secure job placement after high school. Without the support of The Villages Charter School, the YCA Advisory Board, and the support of local contractors, Brock and other students would not have these direct opportunities to gainful employment. Brock encourages the next YCA class to show up with a positive attitude and ready to work because the reward is truly worth it!
Learn more about the four schools who’ve partnered with us, The Villages Charter High, Leesburg High, South Lake High, and Eustis High, to build homes for local families each school year! Visit our Facebook to follow the students progress from groundbreaking to dedication day, as each school begins a new build in September 2022!
While some students spend spring break at the beach, a group from Frewsburg will be spending their time helping Habitat for Humanity.
Jennifer Swanson, a technology teacher at Frewsburg High School, and six members of the Structural Integrity Club will be traveling to Eustis, Fla., to help with various Habitat for Humanity projects over the week. The group is focused on using architectural and engineering skills learned in technology class. Students — including Jacob Constantino, Noah Collins, Hannah Forbes, Hannah Eckert and Brianna Rosequist and Katelyn Bean — will take off this Sunday, and will spend the week working on their assigned projects.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps provide affordable housing all across the world. Many projects include building homes for those in need, and will often include the homeowners themselves in building the homes.
The trip was supposed to take place in 2020, but due to the pandemic, it was postponed until this year.
“We were all set to go,” Swanson said. “We were supposed to leave in April that year, and everything shut down the month before.”
“During this alternative spring break experience, students will work with the local Habitat for Humanity organization,” Swanson said. “Projects for these opportunities vary depending on the current projects. Our group is currently slated to complete two projects that are in progress with some paint prep and painting, as well as outdoor cleanup.”
Swanson added that the facility the students will visit has several projects at this time. Students will be helping “wrap up” several of the projects.
“We’ve got some that are under 18, so there are certain jobs they can’t do; they can’t work with power tools if they’re under 18,” she said. “We’re doing some more renovation or restoration-type things, so we’ll be doing some cleanups, some painting, some pressure washing and scraping.”
Students who participate in the trip generally have to be students currently in Swanson’s technology class.
“It’s the students who are generally in my classes because they should be going through the program so that they know they have some knowledge of the things that they’re doing,” she said. “Other than that, they have first priority in being able to go because there’s limited space because we don’t take a bus — we’re flying down. The spots are open to the students I have in class first and then it would be open beyond that.”
Swanson commended her students on also being in good academic standing.
“I think all the students that are going on this trip are in the National Honor Society,” she said. “It’s a really good group of students who are going.”
We believe that the path to a stable future includes access to hands-on education and vocational training. Because of your support, our Youth Construction Academy has grown to include 4 school partnerships and over 120 students!
Once again, RoMac Building Supply is partnering with YOU to match every dollar donated in March, up to $20,000!
Your gift will help Caitlynn graduate high school career-ready, with the training and education to enter the workforce in a growing industry!
Today, your gift of $25 will be doubled to become $50! And your gift of $100 will become $200!
Through the Youth Construction Academy, students not only open doors for themselves, but open doors for future homeowners. Each year, students build homes and uplift 4 local families, while gaining life-long skills and impacting our community!
Double your dollar and double YOUR impact with RoMac Building Supply. Donate Today!
With gratitude,
Danielle Stroud
CEO
P.S. Will you invest in Caitlynn’s future? Donate today!
As a lifelong resident of Lake County and graduate of Tavares High School and Lake Sumter Community College, Jordan Hawkins is a true local. Married to wife, Jenna, and raising three sons, together they are continuing the tradition of making Lake County their hometown.
Jordan currently resides in Umatilla, FL and has been employed by the United Southern Bank for the past 16 years, working in their commercial lending department.
He has been on the Habitat Lake-Sumter Board for almost one year and believes his banking and financial experience help provide insight to the Board when making financial decisions.
“Habitat has done a great job helping people obtain homes. In today’s market, where prices are rising rapidly, incomes often do not afford the opportunity to save enough money for a down payment while paying for rent and other necessities. Habitat clearly makes homes much more affordable for many hard working people”
Jordan has also been very impressed by the community out-reach programs undertaken by Habitat Lake-Sumter. Of particular interest is the Preservation and Repair program. As a part of this program, Jordan participated in the Umatilla Block Party as a community advocate. He, along with other Habitat staff members, identified homes in Umatilla in need of repair and/or maintenance. Jordan said, “Homeowners were thrilled with the offer of help to do those things that they could no longer do for themselves.”
A second project Jordan got involved in was Habitat Lake-Sumter’s annual playhouse build event, Jingle Build-Off. United Southern Bank was one of many corporate sponsors involved in building playhouses for kids. Local families had the opportunity to apply for playhouses and in their application provided ideas that would appeal to their kids and steer creative construction plans. Jordan, together with another volunteer, led a team of Umatilla High School students in the construction of a playhouse with a Jurassic Park theme. “Seeing the enthusiasm from the kids when presented with the completed project was awesome. Imagine a playhouse with a dinosaur cracking through the roof! The kids were so excited!”
Jordan is pleased to be a part of the Habitat Lake-Sumter Board and providing hands-on experience to help so many local families. He is very thankful for this opportunity and Habitat Lake-Sumter is grateful for his enthusiasm and expertise.
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.
Cherry is a Florida native who moved into her current home in 2018, Cherry and her husband, Steve, were looking for a home that would fit their family with an adult son, Josh, and their granddaughter, Everly living with them. They found the perfect home to fit their multi-generational family, a home raised on piers connected to a small apartment sized home by a breezeway.
The home would fit their family’s needs and still provide privacy. They hired an inspection company, were given a positive report and purchased the home. Shortly after it was brought to their attention that the piers supporting the main house did not reach the foundation. Piers underneath the home were weak, worn down, and the home was having issues with splitting. The family did not feel safe walking through the home with the foundation of the structure compromised and could feel the house shifting as they moved throughout the home. Cherry said they moved through the home “holding their breath, afraid that the home would crumble from the bottom down and collapse.”
Cherry and Steve were told that the inspection company was not responsible for the lack of finding the issue and Cherry said, “It felt like an injustice.”Now, they had to figure out a way to pay for these critical home repairs and then, Steve was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, a genetic nerve condition that effects the brain.
Cherry said they lived in uncertainty and didn’t know how they would have made the repairs. Cherry reached out to Habitat Lake-Sumter and says it “was an answer to prayer.” After applying to the Preservation and Repair program, Cherry and Steve’s application was accepted but the Covid-19 pandemic hit and delays began, the original vendor for the repair went out of business during the pandemic, and Cherry’s project hit a standstill. However, thanks to Wells Fargo, we were able to move the project forward again.
In the midst of the project, sadly, Steve (61) passed away from complications of Huntington’s Disease in August 2021. It changed their financial standing significantly, reducing their income from 50-80% AMI to extremely low. With tears in her eyes, Cherry expressed gratitude to Wells Fargo and Habitat Lake-Sumter for helping her family during this time. “I’m so thankful to the people at Habitat. When we first moved here the address stood out to me, “Shiloh” means peace, so I knew this was the perfect fit for our family. Now, I pray let it be a place of peace and rest. It means a lot that I get to be here for my son and granddaughter too.”
With Steve’s passing, the Chism family were searching for ways to restore stability in their lives once again. Cherry, her son Josh, and his daughter, Everly now live in a home that feels safe and secure – an important step to finding peace. Cherry plans to start a garden and Josh wants to raise awareness about Huntington’s Disease – as a genetic disease the family carries anxiety about health outcomes in their future, but they feel a sense of security and tranquility in their home as they grieve, heal, and look to what the future holds for their family.
Celebrating Steve’s Life
My dad (Steve Chism) lived every day like it was his last in every sense. He lived his dreams.
He loved with all his heart, he took care of his family, he worked hard to build a business he
was proud of and he did it all knowing he could have Huntington’s disease. Never once did he
let that get him down or stop him from living in the moment. If anyone ever needed something
he was always the first to volunteer. My dad loved to help people. He was the most genuine
man I’ve ever met. He put his heart into everything he did. Steve was not an average man, he
was extraordinary. He had a work ethic like no one I’ve ever met, and he put just as much time
into being present with his family. I have the best memories with my father even though he’s
watching over us in heaven now.
Your memories will live on forever. Until we meet again Rest in paradise I love you, Dad
I also wanted to thank the people at Habitat for Humanity Lake-Sumter for this opportunity to honor my father and for all the work they’ve done to help our family. We appreciate you guys and everything you do.
Florida Paints is partnering with Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Preservation and Repair program through community events, “Spruce up the Block” parties.
Started in 2015, 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. As part of Habitat’s Preservation and Repair program, “Spruce of the Block” parties were introduced as community-focused initiatives that provide local neighborhoods with clean-up, landscaping, and fresh painting.
This Spring, Florida Paints became the lead sponsor of multiple block parties for neighborhoods in South Lake, Umatilla, Leesburg, and Mount Dora – donating over 200 gallons of paint! We are grateful to collaborate with community investors like Florida Paints, who are dedicated to uplifting their neighbors and their community.
Florida Paints is a second-generation, family-owned paint company. It all started with Color Wheel in 1960 and continues with Florida Paints today. With a 60-year legacy of manufacturing over 75 million gallons of paint, the Strube family knows the paint business better than anyone in Florida. And are proud to have a team of the most dedicated, experienced, and knowledgeable paint people in the industry.
Thanks to our friends at Florida Paints, cadets from Massachusetts Maritime Academy volunteered during Habitat Lake-Sumter’s community events, “Spruce up the Block” parties for four weeks.
So what can happen in four weeks? Check it out!
Thank you, Florida Paints! Because of your support, volunteers helped to “Paint a Brighter Day” for families and communities across Lake County, serving more than 40 families and 3 faith-based community centers.
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.”
Introducing long time Leesburg residents and among our newest Habitat partner family, Shenika and her daughter, Destiny.
Shenika works at Leesburg UF Hospital as a dietary aid where she has been employed for the last 16 years and Destiny is a 10th grade student at Leesburg High School. They currently reside in a rental unit in Leesburg but have always wanted a home to call their own. “I’ve always wanted my own home for me and my children,” says Shenika, “I have lived in Leesburg my whole life.”
Shenika’s dream of homeownership is possible through Habitat Lake-Sumter’s homeownership program. Their home will be three bedrooms and two baths conveniently located close to both work and school. Shenika investigated the Habitat program via their website. Then through a series of interviews and by working with the Family Services Manager, Veronica Troxell, found she qualified for home ownership. Needless to say, she was very excited. Shenika said, “At first I was nervous to apply because I didn’t think I would get approved then I took the chance and got approved, this was such a great moment for me and my daughter.”
An interesting aspect of this home is that it is being built by Destiny’s fellow students from Leesburg High School who are enrolled a skilled trades program. Working alongside Habitat construction staff and volunteers, students have spent a daily class period building Shenika and Destiny’s future home since September 2021.They work alongside professional trades people and industry professionals who assist in their learning experience and provide them with the necessary skills to get a job after graduation. Destiny knows several of the student builders and they keep her abreast of the progress being made and is told over and over how great this house is going to be.
Both Shenika and Destiny are participating in the required 200 hours of sweat equity. On December 4th, they worked alongside other volunteers and local businesses to construct several playhouses which were donated as Christmas presents to kids in the community. This event is known as Jingle Build Off and is an annual event that takes place the first Saturday in December. Additionally, Shenika has worked at the Habitat Restore and both Shenika and Destiny will be assisting with painting and laying sod at their new home. The sweat equity program allows every Habitat homeowner to give back to the community, gain hands-on skills, and invest personally in the home they will be calling their own. A bit later, Shenika will be taking homeownership classes to help better prepare her for the home-owning experience and the accompanying responsibility of owning a home.
They anticipate moving into their new home in May 2022. Shenika explains what she’s most excited about is “the idea of having your own washer and dryer.”
Destiny agrees, “I feel excited to have a bigger room and to finally say my mother has a house. No More Laundry Mat!”
Shenika has two older sons, Daykon (25) and Traveion (23), and they too are looking forward to spending time with their Mom and sister in their new home.
Both Shenika and Destiny have been very impressed with the help and support they have received from Habitat staff members and volunteers. “We are thankful and blessed for this wonderful experience.”
A native Texan but a Floridian since age 3, Michael found his ultimate career path through both service and education at the US Naval Academy and the University of Florida. During his 42 years in Central Florida, Michael Pape and his professional firm, Michael Pape and Associates PA, has served countless clients with land planning and landscape architectural services, most notably via his primary role in planning, designing, and creating The Villages since 1986. Throughout his career as a landscape architect, land planner, and arboriculturist, Michael has focused on the spirit and creativity that goes into designing places that are an essential part of the community . . . places for people to come together to live, work and play, and to enjoy each other and their lifestyle. It was in this professional capacity that Michael first became involved with Habitat of Lake-Sumter, assisting in the planning, design, and permitting of the Umatilla Veterans Village, the Cottages at Heritage Grove in Tavares, and other potential projects. Having become semi-retired this year, Michael was pleased by the opportunity to volunteer his expertise directly as a member of the Habitat Lake-Sumter Board, while also enjoying other activities for which he now finds time with his wife, Trish, including travel, hiking, biking, boating, and their first grandchild, born in February.
Why join the Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter Board?
During his time working as a professional consultant and design team member with Habitat, Michael cites the inspiration he gained from working with Kent Adcock and Danielle Stroud on the creative approach reflected in projects like Veterans Village and the Cottages at Heritage Grove, seeing the unique way they served the organization’s mission while creating places with a true sense of community and personal belonging for their residents. Joining the Board felt like the perfect way for Michael to contribute to this mission as he gained more time to volunteer his talents during this stage of life.
What you are looking forward to achieving over your Habitat term?
Michael hopes to combine his experience and skills with those of the Staff and the other Board members, to envision and implement the kind of cutting edge community projects by which Habitat has forged a new and exciting path in the mission to achieve community housing opportunities. Likewise, he looks forward to adding to the Board’s network of professional friends and colleagues to expand Habitat’s base of support in the community.
“I am honored and privileged to join this impressive group of folks that currently serve on the Board. These are caring and involved people, dedicated to serving and enhancing Lake and Sumter Counties, and I foresee a better opportunity than ever for us to increase awareness of Habitat’s mission and engender greater enthusiasm, participation, and support for this exceptional organization.” – Michael Pape
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!
Angie is a proud U.S. Army Veteran who served for 6 years in St. Paul – Minnesota, Fort Bragg – North Carolina, Camp Eustis – Virginia, and Camp Stanton – S. Korea. Angie gives a face to and represents many of the statistics we hear frequently when speaking of female Veterans, Angie is a survivor. Her experiences in service to our Country have left her dealing with PTSD, homelessness, and depression over the years. That never stopped Angie from moving forward time after time, using her past experiences and skills to now help Veterans like her get the help they need.
Angie and her husband Elbert love to spend time at their home in Minneola, hanging out with their son and 3 pets. But until recently, their housing stability seemed to be in jeopardy as they didn’t have the necessary funds to afford a roof repair, they were in danger of losing the house they’d grown to love. “We desperately needed a roof, or we would lose home insurance and end up homeless,” said Angie
Until one of her friends referred her to Habitat Lake-Sumter.
Thanks to grant funds through The Community Foundation of South Lake, we were able to provide the repairs the Batica family needed, and a partnership with the Owens-Corning Roof Deployment, a program that lends a helping hand to struggling veterans, enabled us to replace the roof.
“This is our way of thanking them and giving back for everything they did to serve our country,” says Travis Foster, area sales manager for Owens-Corning, “to give Angie and her family a peace of mind and know that they’re safe, that means a lot to us.”
The new roof was installed in early Fall and to honor Angie and the veterans in Lake and Sumter counties, we celebrated Veteran’s Day volunteering alongside Knights of Columbus and Michael’s Foundation to put the final touch on the Batica Family home, a new exterior paint job.
Angie now serves as an advocate for Habitat Lake-Sumter on United Way’s Mission United advisory board for Veterans in Lake and Sumter Counties.
Angie says, “Thankfully Habitat for Humanity came to the rescue.” When asked what difference the repairs made in Angie’s life, she stated, “Oh the difference is between being homeless or not, which I’ve experienced already. The rest are no more leaks, mold, stains. We thank our higher power for this and are over the moon with joy. Our hearts are full. We will be able to stay safe, stay in our home & enjoy it even more!”
Thank you to our community partners, Community Foundation of South Lake, Owens-Corning Roof Deployment, and many others for sponsoring this project and making Angie’s home a safe haven for years to come.
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.
Karen LeHeup-Smith, a volunteer with LEASH, Inc., says it happens all too often that families surrender their pets to the shelter or, worse, have the animals euthanized when veterinary bills become too much.
Lake County-based LEASH offers financial support to shelters, animal rescues and partners with other organizations to assist private individuals to help with a pet’s veterinary care.
“Since 2015, we have spent more than $140,000 to assist with veterinary care, heartworm treatment, microchipping and spay and neuter procedures in partnership with local shelters, animal rescues and for clients of our partner veterinarians. This includes a trap-neuter-release program for feral cats managed by the Lake County Animal Shelter,” said LeHeup-Smith. “We rely on donations and grants to sustain our services. While we have little overhead in our volunteer-run organization, the demand for these animal procedures keeps growing.”
LeHeup-Smith says LEASH volunteers are prepping to reach out to community donors during the Mount Dora Community Trust’s second annual Giving Week donation drive, November 30 – December 7, and potentially earn thousands of dollars in matching funds for the organization.
“Twenty-eight Lake County charities, ranging from very large to grassroots, have a chance to earn their share of $85,000 that the Mount Dora Community Trust will provide in matching funds,” said Rob English, Executive Director of the Mount Dora Community Trust. “We will offer a dollar-for-dollar match to all participants until the first $10,000 is donated. After reaching that $10,000 milestone, the organizations will compete for additional matching dollars based three winning levels.”
Donations will be accepted online beginning at 9 a.m. on November 30 at https://mountdoracommunitytrust.com/givingweek. Cash or checks made out to Mount Dora Community Trust, with a memo of the donor’s chosen organization, must be received by mail or dropped off at 821 North Donnelly Street, in Mount Dora by 4 p.m. December 7.
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
Join us as we break ground for four new homes in partnership with local schools, community partners, and Habitat Lake-Sumter’s Youth Construction Academy!
Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, select students from each school’s Construction Program will work side by side with Habitat and other construction professionals to learn valuable and employable skills while building a home for a local family in need.
For location details and to RSVP contact Lacie@HabitatLS.org or (352) 483-0434 x 146
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.
Last October, Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter broke ground on a new housing development in Tavares, FL. Now, we look ahead to laying the foundation for the first home this Fall.
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 built by Habitat Lake-Sumter.
Currently, all major infrastructure is complete, and the first layer of landscaping is soon to be underway. With the economy opening after the Covid-19 pandemic, the construction industry is busier than ever and delays from utility installation to lumber delivery has become standard fare; however, the challenges residents in Central Florida and Habitat Lake-Sumter has faced also highlights the present need for a community like the Cottages at Heritage Grove.
Locally elected officials commissioned Lake 100 to create a Workforce Housing Strategic Plan to highlight housing affordability and workforce housing in our community, and it has shed light on the need for partnerships in providing affordability to families now and in the future.
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.
In speaking to the need for affordable housing for senior citizens in Lake and Sumter Counties, Habitat’s Family Service Manager, Veronica Troxell says “We have been inundated with calls and interest around our Tavares Cottages. Countless people are reaching out who are interested and eager to apply for these homes. The cottage-sized home is ideal for aging individuals and couples looking for the stability of their forever-home.”
The Cottages at Heritage Grove and all 23-units are scheduled to be built over a 3 – 4 year period.
Applications will open in late- 2021. For questions about The Cottages at Heritage Grove or Habitat’s homeownership program, contact Veronica at Veronica@HabitatLS.org or (352) 483-0434 x 124.
In December, Publix Super Markets Charities announced it would be donating $2.5 million to support 113 Habitat for Humanity affiliates and 76 additional organizations providing housing and shelter services across the Southeast.
Locally, Publix generously granted Habitat Lake-Sumter with $35,000 to provide safety and accessibility modifications to cost-burdened homeowners. By investing in local programs like Habitat’s Preservation and Repair, Publix has improved the lives of families throughout Lake and Sumter Counties for almost a decade.
Through partnering with Publix Super Markets Charities, we serve dozens of families and maintain the affordable housing stock in our community every year.
Preservation and Repair began in 2015 to serve families who owned their homes but couldn’t afford to keep them in good condition. Our program has grown from minor repairs, like weatherization and yard clean-up, to critical repairs, like ramp installs and re-roofing.
Through the program, homeowners receive repairs to increase the safety, accessibility, and beauty of the home. This year alone, a total of 48 individuals now have improved health and safety in their home. Due to the economic impact of Covid-19, Habitat Lake-Sumter faced many challenges along the way, but because of the generosity of Publix Super Markets Charities, we successfully continued the necessary and critical repair services to families in the most vulnerable housing situations.
“A home often represents stability and independence in one’s life. In what has already been a difficult year, there are far too many people in our country struggling with housing insecurity,” said Publix Super Markets Charities Executive Director Kelly Williams-Puccio. “Through this donation, we remain committed to supporting partners like Habitat for Humanity to help build hope in our communities. We are proud to carry on the legacy of George Jenkins, our founder, to do good, together, for those in need.”
We look forward to building alongside Publix to provide strength, stability, and self-reliance to even more families this year.
Take a look at just some of the community projects made possible through Publix’s support!
Through our Preservation and Repair program, we partner with very low-income families who own their home but due to life circumstances are unable to maintain the safety and accessibility of their home.
Lisa has owned her home for 24 years, but due to financial and physical constraints, Lisa has been unable to keep up with the repairs her home needs. As the primary caretaker of her disabled son, Lisa just wants her home to be safe, but her home has faulty and dangerous electric work that desperately needs repaired and a roof that leaks every time it rains.
With your help, we will repair the home’s critical electrical issues and repair the roof, but better yet, we will change the quality of Lisa’s life.
Today, your gift of $25, $50, or $100 will be used to make Lisa’s home safe!
Do You Know?
Unsafe housing has direct and documented negative health outcomes, especially
for children. A healthy home is a vaccine that provides both immunity and resilience.
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.
![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 
