1. family and parenting

Spring 2015
Serving McLeod County
Moving a House to Create a Home
A new project model for Habitat’s 23rd home
During this cold Minnesota winter, Lilia Vega and her four children lived in their rented 3-bedroom trailer in Glencoe, Minn.
When they turned up the heat, some rooms were extra warm while others remained cold. The family looks forward to the
promise of 2015, when they will have more space and comfort when they become the 23rd Crow River Habitat homeowner
partners.
Lilia’s family’s home will be a rehab project, a first
for Crow River Habitat. An existing home in
Glencoe that was donated to Habitat will be
moved to Morningside Drive in Hutchinson as
soon as the spring road restrictions are lifted,
likely in May. By August 2015, the basement and
portions of the home will be rebuilt and it should
be ready for the family to move in. Of the project,
Lilia commented, “When you ask God for
something, He has even bigger plans.”
In the new home, only two of the four children
will have to share a room, and as Lilia said, “the
house will truly be ours.” In the past her children
have had to move often, so this stable home will
be a change for the better. The kids love to be
outside and will love to have the space to play —
perhaps even with their own swing set or trampoline.
Sarahi (9), Genesis (11), Isaias (7), Lilia, and Gaby (5) Vega
Lilia will complete at least 200 hours of sweat equity. She has already been
volunteering on the Hilltop project this winter. She knows of colleagues at Customer
Elation and friends from her church who plan to help volunteer. Lilia laughed when
she said, “The phrase ‘Minnesota nice’ is so true. It means a lot to us that people will
volunteer, and there are a lot of people who volunteer in MN... I’m so thankful that
people care about their community here and are willing to donate their time and
resources.” Read more about Lilia and her family on page 5 >>
Lot of the future Vega home
Saturday, April 4th at 10:00am
Ground Blessing Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt
Join Lilia Vega and her family, volunteers and neighbors at
141 Morningside Drive in Hutchinson.
And because it’s Easter weekend, bring the kids
for an Easter Egg Hunt following the program!
To volunteer your time to help build Lilia’s
home, call (320) 587-8868, or visit our new
website at www.crhfh.org
218 Main Street South, Suite 116, Hutchinson, MN 55350 320.587.8868
www.crhfh.org
Our Mission in Action
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
A message from the
Executive Director:
Kevin Dietrich
President
Richard Navara
Vice President
Renee Bryan
Treasurer
Kelsey Midthun
Secretary
Brandi Johnson
Sam Scholl
Sarah Schwedler
Candace Carlson
Bill Hard
Levi Schultz
Vicki Foster
Gene Brandt
Over the past several months when
reflecting on my Habitat adventure, I am
convinced I was led to Habitat for
Humanity by the higher power that
guides us all. I am certain our paths are
chosen for us and we are led to where
we are supposed to be. If we listen
closely and watch for the signs, we’re
drawn down the path we are meant to
be on.
STAFF
Michele Meis
Executive Director
michele@crhfh.org
Pam Johnson
Volunteer Coordinator
pam@crhfh.org
Todd Schnobrich
Construction Manager
todd@crhfh.org
CONNECT WITH US
218 Main Street South,
Suite 116
Hutchinson, MN 55350
320.587.8868
visit our new website
www.crhfh.org
facebook.com/crhfh
A year ago, I found myself in the position
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
of being able to take the summer off and
I was looking forward to spending the
extra time with my family. Since my
grandchildren would not be out of
school for another couple of months, I
chose to volunteer for Habitat for
Humanity. Within a few weeks, I was
asked if I would be interested to helping
guide Crow River Habitat for Humanity
back to a stable and prominent position in McLeod County. I accepted the challenge and am so glad
I did. I’m thankful our Board of Directors had the forethought and wisdom to see the need for a
full-time person to lead this organization.
So many wonderful things have happened these past months. We’ve gained many new volunteers,
including four new board members. We have a positive balance sheet and a bright outlook for the
future. This year we will complete the rehab and sale of a distressed Partner Family home, move a
donated house to create a home for our 23rd Partner Family and, with God’s blessing, help two
additional households improve their homes through our A Brush with Kindness program.
All this is possible due to the generous donation of time and resources from individuals,
foundations and businesses. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization. Never in
my life have I met so many kind and thoughtful people; so many that care about their fellow human
beings and are so willing to give of themselves to help others help
themselves. Frequently, all it takes is a hand-up to rise out of poverty and
give your family a better life.
I sincerely want to thank each and every one of you for listening to your
calling and seeing your signs. Our door is always open and we invite you to
come in and join us in changing the world by eliminating poverty housing.
Many Blessings, Michele Meis
- Spring 2015 - 2
Partners and Programs
Thrivent Financial Helps Us Build in 2015
For the tenth consecutive year, Thrivent Financial is committing millions to stabilize, strengthen and secure communities in
2015 through its unique partnership called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. In 2015, it will fund the construction
and rehabilitation of 121 Habitat for Humanity homes in the U.S. through the Thrivent Builds Homes program. Funds will
also support the Thrivent Builds Repairs and Thrivent Builds Worldwide programs. From the partnership's inception in
2005, Thrivent and its members have now committed more than $213 million and more than 4.4 million volunteer hours.
Here in McLeod County, we will be building one of those 121 homes. Crow
River Habitat has been awarded $59,491 from Thrivent Financial, which is
half of the construction costs for the Vega family home. This build will
involve all the typical local Habitat players—but we also hope to involve
new people through this partnership, including members of Thrivent
Financial and other local Christian church groups. There will be work this
spring doing site preparation and preparing the house to be moved. Then,
we will begin the build in earnest with a build day schedule of Thursday,
Friday and Saturdays through July.
“It will be inspiring to work alongside Habitat families, Thrivent members and others to build the home,” said Diane Knorr,
a financial representative with Thrivent Financial. “Sharing our time and talents helps us live generously and strengthen
our community.”
Building this home will be more than just boards and blocks. It’s sweat and smiles, borne of hard work and expressions of
faith. There are many ways you can help, and they’re not all swinging hammers. Find out more by talking with Habitat
staff, or the local Thrivent Financial representatives Diane Knorr, Christine Ruppert, and Roland Ebent.
“We are extremely grateful to Thrivent Financial and its members for their continued support of Habitat for Humanity,”
said Michele Meis, Executive Director of Crow River Habitat. “Because of this generosity, more families will have a safe,
affordable place to call home.” Visit www.thriventbuilds.com for program information.
Are you a member of Thrivent Financial
who’s eligible to direct Choice Dollars®?
Choice Dollars charitable grant funds can
make a world of difference to Crow River
Habitat as we work together to build the
Vega family home. By directing Choice
Dollars, eligible Thrivent members
recommend where they feel Thrivent
should distribute a portion of its charitable
grant funds. Directing Choice Dollars is
easy. Simply go to thrivent.com/
thriventchoice to learn more and find program terms and conditions. Or call 800847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after
the prompt.
New program helps home renovations
become a reality
In 2014, Crow River Habitat for Humanity started working with low-income
homeowners to repair and maintain the exterior of their homes through A
Brush with Kindness program. In 2015, we hope to be able to complete at
least two projects. The first will be exterior maintenance for Hutchinson
resident, Bob Arndt.
——— Homeowners and Volunteers Needed ———
We need your help finding homeowners needing repairs, as well as caring
volunteers to work alongside and assist homeowners in completing the necessary work! It would be possible to complete more projects if an individual
or two would volunteer to be the Site Supervisor. Typical projects take two
to five days from beginning to end.
Please contact pam@crhfh.org or call 320-587-8868 if you are in need of
help with your home or could help others with theirs.
- Spring 2015 - 3
Habitat Highlights
Celebrating 20 years of Hope Where Are They Now? The
Wolff Pack
Since 1994, Crow River Habitat has completed a total of
22 homes, which consist of 14 homes in Hutchinson, 5
homes in Glencoe, 2 homes in Stewart, and 1 home in
Brownton. The 23rd home will be completed in 2015 in
Hutchinson. The founding group was excited to make a
difference in their community and now they are able to
see the fruits of their labors.
Over 20 years, 22 families—including 40
adults and 53 children—are now living in
decent and affordable homes.
On September 15, 2014, supporters of Crow River
Habitat gathered together to celebrate this milestone
anniversary. Many past board members, volunteers,
partner families, and interested community members
shared food and experiences and how Crow River
Habitat has blessed their lives. Whether they were a
partner family, a volunteer, a committee member, or a
board director, past and present, all had heartwarming
memories to share.
“As a new volunteer to Crow River Habitat, I loved
walking from table to table hearing words like
community, affordable housing, sweat equity,
volunteerism, and thankfulness, along with please pass
some of that hot dish!” said Candace Carlson. “It’s great
to be a part of a community that really makes a
difference in the lives of so many.” Happy 20th
Anniversary, Crow
River Habitat!
And wishing many
more smiles, hearts
and homes ahead!
Above: The Vega family
Left: Executive Director, Michele Meis
and Board Chair, Kevin Dietrich
Right: Anniversary attendees
- Spring 2015 - 4
It’s been two years since Beckie Wolff and her family moved
into their new home. Before Habitat, the Wolffs resided in an
apartment that prevented the kids from being kids due to noise
restrictions and limited space to play. Now settled into their
own home, the ‘Wolff pack’ (as Beckie refers to them) are
doing great!
Left to right:
Karlee,
Kara,
Beckie,
Darrin,
Dylan, and
Katie
Middle schooler Karlee (12) enjoys being creative and active
with dance. Dylan (11) can typically be found buried in a new
book as an avid reader or playing sports, with basketball and
football ranking as his top picks. All-American girl Katie (8) finds
it easy to get along in any group with her smarts, charm, humor
and compassion and is also in dance. Kara (6) is uber girly, confident, and a natural athlete, keeps busy in dance and gymnastics. Darrin (4) is an active boy who can tell you everything
about dinosaurs. He loves to learn and is in Headstart.
And Beckie? Well, she’s pretty busy raising those wonderful
kids and taking care of everyone. She is very interested in
working, but transportation continues to be a barrier. Aside
from the home, Beckie is thankful for the lifelong friendships
she has gained by being the 21st Habitat for Humanity home
owner.
Your Time Gives Hope
1. VOLUNTEER! On a committee or on a
project, hearts and hands are needed.
2. Return the envelope included in this
newsletter with a donation.
3. Attend the Spaghetti Dinner at the
Vineyard United Methodist Church–
April 15th.
th
4. Attend our 10 Annual Hammer &
Nails Dinner – April 24th.
5. Choose Crow River Habitat to receive
your Thrivent Choice Dollars.
6. Eat at Dairy Queen in Hutchinson on
the 4th Monday of the month from
5-8 pm.
7. Recycle your aluminum cans at
McLeod County Solid Waste. Ask
them to donate the proceeds to Crow
River Habitat.
8. Shop and donate a portion of
purchases to us. eBay & PayPal Giving
at givingworks.ebay.com and Amazon
Smile at smile.amazon.com. Choose
us as your favorite charity.
9. Drop off used ink cartridges at the
Crow River Habitat office or sign up to
be a Business Supporter- email
michele@crhfh.org.
10. Donate your old used vehicle through
our Cars for Homes Program. Simply
call 1-877-277-4344 or go to
www.habitat.org/carsforhomes.
Learn or develop skills.
Benefits of
Volunteering
10 Ways to Support
Crow River Habitat
for Humanity
Teach your skills to others.
Enhance your résumé.
Gain work experience.
Build self-esteem and self-confidence.
Improve your health.
Make important networking contacts.
More about the Vegas (continued from page 1)
32-year old Lilia Vega hasn’t always lived in this cold climate. She was born in
Mexico, but grew up and graduated high school in Texas. Today, Lilia enjoys
full-time work at Customer Elation in Hutchinson as a Support Specialist.
She’s engaged to Jaime Naranjo, she likes to cook and complete do-ityourself projects. She also loves children, and is involved at Riverside Church
in Hutchinson.
Lilia’s oldest daughter Genesis (11) is in the 6th grade in the Glencoe-Silver
Lake school system. Genesis is shy, except with close girlfriends, and helps
care for her siblings. Sarahi (9) is in the 3rd grade at the same school and is
very social, loves math, and enjoys LEGOS—even organizing them by color!
Isaias (7) is in the 2nd grade at Park Elementary in Hutchinson and he also
loves playing with LEGOs and video games. Lilia’s youngest, Gaby (5), is
spunky, smart and absorbs everything her siblings say. When the whole
family moves to Hutchinson, Lilia will be grateful that all her kids will be able
to attend the same school system.
Lilia learned about Habitat for Humanity when talking to Karen Klimp, the
22nd Crow River Habitat homeowner partner, who is a colleague at Customer
Elation. When Lilia heard the good news, she cried tears of joy and said, “I
knew my prayers had been answered.”
Help build Lilia’s home
Without active volunteers, Crow River Habitat for Humanity would not be
able to help all the families that we have and all the families we will
partner with in the future. Please consider giving your time to help give a
hand-up, not a hand-out, to families in need in McLeod County.
Call 320.587.8868 or visit www.crhfh.org
to volunteer today!
- Spring 2015 - 5
218 Main Street South, Suite 116
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Hutchinson, MN
Permit No. 60
Serving McLeod County
GO GREEN
If you would like to:

Receive the newsletter electronically, or

Update your mailing address
...it’s easy to let us know! Send an email to
pam@crhfh.org or call the office at 320.587.8868
Upcoming Events
Spaghetti Dinner — April 15 from 4:30-7pm
Vineyard United Methodist Church, Hutchinson
580 Hilltop Drive NE
List Price $120,000
Realtor: Greg Witt,
Edina Realty
previous Habitat home
3 bedrooms, 1 bath,
attached garage.
Completely refurbished, new kitchen cabinets, flooring and
woodwork. Central Air and New Air Exchanger. Kitchen appliances included. Open floor plan and large backyard.
Great Area, Great Schools, Great Buy!
This newsletter is
made possible by:
- Spring 2015 - 6
Hammer & Nails Dinner — April 24 at 5:30pm
Event Tickets $40, Raffle Tickets $5
Days Inn, Hutchinson
Building Home #23 — May, June, July 2015
Volunteers needed!
Music in the Park — June 22
Library Square, Hutchinson
Habitat 500 Bike Ride — July 12-18
Donate to Team Crow River
Women Build — dates to be announced soon
Volunteers needed!