MCHFH Newsletter

Mecosta Habitat Family Circle

Quarterly Newsletter #11

BUILDING TOGETHER: Meet the team behind the mission

Trisha Davis - Program Coordinator

Wearing many hats isn't just about juggling tasks; it's about mastering the art of becoming who you need to be, exactly when you need to be it.

Working at Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity means I get to play

many different roles, each of which keeps me deeply connected to our

mission. My days are varied and busy, and I wouldn’t have it any other

way.

Learn more about Trisha

Brenda Westfall - Finance and Grant Manager

Nearly seven years ago, I joined the Habitat team as an Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper, a role that followed my initial volunteer experience at a Habitat worksite. I thrive in the dynamic environment of a small non-profit, where I wear many hats and face a diverse range of tasks each day— from drafting letters, reports, and requests to reviewing finances, completing forms, and generating reports. Though my role is largely behind the scenes, I understand the crucial impact it has on the success of our direct work with partner families.

Learn more about Brenda

OUR HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAM

Transforming Houses into Homes: Habitat for Humanity’s Rehabilitation Journey

Habitat for Humanity's home ownership program rehabilitates houses for deserving families, revitalizing properties and empowering new homeowners. The process begins with selecting a family and assessing the home’s needs, focusing on repairs, energy efficiency, and functionality. Contractors and volunteers handle renovations, keeping costs low and fostering community spirit.

Future homeowners contribute 300 hours of "sweat equity," actively participating in their home's transformation while gaining valuable skills. They also make personal choices in design elements, ensuring their home reflects their unique preferences. Once complete, families work with Habitat to finalize their homeownership.

This program builds strong foundations for families and strengthens communities, celebrating the transformative power of homeownership.

OUR CRITICAL HOME REPAIR PROGRAM/VETERANS PROGRAM

Habitat for a Humanity Prison Build

Building a Better Future: Habitat for Humanity of Michigan's Partnership with Local Prisons

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan has formed an innovative partnership with local prisons, where inmates build high-quality kitchen cabinets for homes. This initiative provides inmates with valuable woodworking skills, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for future employment.

The partnership benefits both parties: inmates gain hands-on training and a path to reintegration, while Habitat for Humanity receives durable, cost-effective cabinets, allowing more resources for other projects. This collaboration is a win-win, creating sustainable communities and brighter futures—one cabinet, one home, and one life at a time.

OUR DONORS - Our Foundation

Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity held its annual Golf Outing on June 19, 2024 at The Royal Golf Course in Canadian Lakes. It was a hot day on the course but our dedicated supporters showed up to play and enjoy the day! MCHFH added a betting hole and an air cannon shot on the green, besides having our usual fun with providing a critical score kit, grenades, mulligans, string, and a guest hitter to positively adjust the scores. We are deeply grateful for the support of the local businesses and community members for our fundraiser.

THANK YOU for being a part of the Habitat family in making a difference in the lives of Mecosta County residents!

Title Sponsors: State Savings Bank, B103.9 and 107.1 The Drive

Platinum Sponsor: Susan H. Grant and In Memory of A. Donald Grant

Golf Cart Sponsor: Andy Valdespina, Mortgage Loan Officer, Mercantile Bank

Reception Sponsors: Heidi & Dick Litobar, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lake-Osceola State Bank

Hole In One Sponsor: Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty

Dinosaur Air Cannon Sponsors: Kathleen Adams, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty, Marshall Henry, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty

Lunch Sponsors: Corewell Health and Ground Up Stump Grinding

Breakfast Sponsors: Preferred Office Machines/XEROX and West Michigan Credit Union

Hole Sponsors: A&W Restaurant; Alternative Heating Sales & Service; Biller Insurance; Bruce Fredrick & Dee VanHorn– In Memory of Lenny Fredrick; Canadian Lakes Association (CLA); Chuck & Meredy’s Auto Service; CR Construction, LLC; Tim & Barb Collinge/Marc & Rita Hernandez; Drs. Nevins Family Dentistry; Farrington Bookkeeping; Fred and Jane Walkington; Golfing Sistahs Forever; Horizon Bank; Joe O’Neal, Thomas & Daniel Wolken; Lakeland Title; Lerner, Csernai & Fath Financial Group; Liberty Gray, Keller Williams, Grand Rapids North Realty; Lobert Law Office; Marshall & Melanie Henry; Ouellette Construction; Sackett Potatoes; Schuberg Agency; Sweeney Holbeck Edison Agency

Patron Sponsors: Courtright Water Wells, Lakes Rentals, and Quality Car & Truck

Silent Auction Donors: Ace Hardware-CL; Antlers; Applebees; Barb & Dave Seabolt; Becki Lentz Fitness Center; Brown's Barber Shop; Buffalo Wild Wings; Carolyn Allingham, LPGA Pro; Conley's Bakery; Dave Dzuris; Fate's Market; Firekeeper's Casino; Four Green Fields,; Gingrich Gas Station; Grand Rapids Griffins; Gwin Girls Winery; Habitat ReStore; Hixson's Family Market; Hometown Pharmacy; Isabella Bank; Jet's Pizza; Karen McKenzie; Lakeside Motor Sports; Lakeside Pizza/Mancino's Proactive Wellness Partners; Roger Jewelers; The Royal Golf Course; Shell-CL; Spring Valley Golf Course; Tullymore Golf Resort; Whitecaps Baseball

OUR VOLUNTEERS- Our Backbone

We would like to highlight our dedicated MCHFH Board of Directors. The Directors meet bi-monthly to review and discuss financials, policies, and projects. There are currently 11 Directors who share a mission-centered, strategic, diverse, professional and collaborative approach as the Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity Board. The wide-range of expertise includes banking, titling, accounting, construction, telecommunications, real estate appraisal, engineering and management, landscaping, building maintenance, and public health. Outside of the board meetings, the Directors are committed to MCHFH by regularly volunteering at the Habitat ReStore, on MCHFH worksites, and at fundraising events. There are so many worthy causes, many of which they support in addition to MCHFH, and we are honored and grateful for the time and talents each Board member shares with MCHFH.

Thank you to our current Board of Directors for your passion and leadership at Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity: Kim Davila, Karen McKenzie, Ken Smith, Betsy Ashbaugh, Lee and Karen Kitson, Lee Wolken, Doug Fitzgerald, Dan Grit, Kim VonKronenberger, and Kay Suckow.

VOLUNTEER TODAYl

OUR RESTORE

Did you know that the Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers a wide range of brand-new products? Whether you're refreshing a room with a new coat of paint, installing fresh flooring, or tackling DIY projects, we have everything you need. From premium paints and supplies to quality tools and tapes, our ReStore is stocked with essentials to help you bring your home improvement visions to life—all while supporting a great cause. Come in today to check out our new arrivals!

OUR FAMILY NEWS - Keeping Connected

We extend our deepest thanks to Kim VonKronenberger and Lee Wolken for their dedicated service on our Board. As their term comes to an end, we are grateful for their contributions in making key financial decisions, attending meetings, and supporting fundraisers. Thank you both for your commitment and hard work!

MCHFH tithe in action in Nicaragua

Habitat for Humanity's Tithe and Global Impact

The tithe is a key principle of Habitat for Humanity, allowing U.S. affiliates to support global efforts by donating 10% of ReStore net sales, fundraising, and unrestricted donations. The tithe supports three priority programs:

Global Mission Fund: Assists families outside the U.S. with secure shelter.
Orphans and Vulnerable Groups: Provides housing for the most vulnerable, including orphans and persecuted ethnic groups.
International Disasters: Offers immediate disaster response and supports long-term humanitarian emergencies.

This year, Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity chose to support "Orphans and Vulnerable Groups." One example of this impact is in Nicaragua, where Habitat built a concrete floor and ramps for 14-year-old Abner, who has mobility and speech challenges, improving his quality of life. This effort is part of the "100,000 floors to play on" project, serving many families in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Please stay tuned! We have some big news coming in the next newsletter.

MCHFH SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS

Spotlight on Ketchum Heating and Cooling!

Dependable, reliable, professional, and courteous — that's Ketchum Heating and Cooling. Habitat has worked with Kevin and his crew for many years, and they're always ready to help, even in emergencies. We’re proud to do business with Ketchum Heating and Cooling. 231-580-5285

Habitat of Michigan has ongoing financial classes for everyone in need. Find out more and register today for class.

LEARN MORE