Habitat for Humanity has a great deal to
celebrate this year. Garth Lovvorn Jr., has been the
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity for several
years, and is seeing the fruits of his labor. Working on
house #37, Garth has helped place family after deserving
family in well built, energy efficient, low interest new
home.
At today's breakfast Garth honored not only
the volunteers and his small staff, but one of the families
who has qualified, worked on and purchased a Habitat Home.
The Houston's, a family of 5, were presented the "Family of
the Year Award." Last Fall, Shonda Houston gave a
presentation for Habitat to the Athena League, recently
Habitat learned they were to be awarded a grant from the
Athena League for $9,000.
Lovvorn informed those attending the breakfast that, "having
your application accepted by Habitat is a lengthy process,
it can take up to 2.5 years before a family receive the keys
to their new home." These candidates are also expected to
contribute to the building process by investing work hours
into their home. The families must demonstrate a need for
assistance, must be able to afford the home, and must be
willing to partner with Habitat.
In April this year, the Habitat ReStore
opened on 17505 Highway 72 West in Athens with Carissa
Williams as the ReStore manager. Carissa's husband, Nathan
Williams, is also a volunteer for Habitat and received the
Outstanding Volunteer Award. Nathan always gives 150% of
whatever he does for Habitat.
Receiving "Outstanding Volunteer Awards"
also were Jade Watson, Alicia Longmore and Cory Brooks.
James and Jarrett McLin received the 'Outstanding Youth
Volunteer Award."
Gene Barbre, Ron Altergost and Artie Adell
received certificates of appreciation for the dedicated
service they provide. Always willing to do above and beyond
the jobs expected or required, *a footnote... except paint!
Outstanding Staff Award went to Lydia
Pressnell for the long hours she gives, coming in early and
staying until the job is done in the office of Habitat. Also
receiving the "Outstanding Staff Award" is Carissa Williams.
Putting together the Habitat ReStore took tremendous amount
of hours and planning, and Carissa was up for the task.
The "Iron Will" award went to Mrs. Terry
Banta of the Chamber of Commerce. Terry has overcome a very
serious illness, continued to work and come out the victor!
She is a beautiful person, with patience and willingness to
assist those who need her.
The "Outstanding Leadership" award went to
the current Board of Directors President Greg Miller. Greg
also received the "Volunteer of the Year Award" from the
Alabama State Habitat Association in Montgomery.
The award "Service Above Self" went to Mrs.
Shirley Smith. Shirley started bringing food to the
volunteers twice a week back in November of 2010. She never
knows which job site she will find them at, but that doesn't
prevent her from bringing her delicious Chicken Stew and
cornbread and many other dishes.
Other awards went to Melissa Barton, the
past president of Habitat. Melissa was instrumental in the
grant which allowed Garth to acquire his position with
Habitat.
Teresa Todd and Holly Hollman received the
"Excellence in Journalism Award." Garth said, "It
is really important to have a working relationship with the
media." He continues to say, "there has never been a time
when I've asked either of these ladies to covered an event
that they didn't show up with cameras, pens and pads ready
to cover my story."
The fabulous fruit and
waffle breakfast was catered and served by the Athens Athena
League.
Habitat has three homes completed in Hope
Subdivision which are the first in the State of Alabama to be LEED
certified and at the GOLD level, which is the second highest
possible rating you can receive. Recently, they achieved
Platinum certification for their 2 newest houses.
Read more about our local Habitat for
Humanity at
www.habitatalc.org
Read other stories on our Athens Habitat at the links below:
www.tourathenshomes.com/habitat_saintandrews.htm
www.tourathenshomes.com/habitat36.htm
www.athensplus.com/habitatrestore_carissawilliams.htm
www.tourathenshomes.com/habitat.htm
www.tourathenshomes.com/alar_habitat.htm
Teresa Todd
AthensPlus.com
June 18th, 2011
