Volunteer Spotlights

Heartland Habitat for Humanity is so grateful for all of the individuals and groups who dedicate their time, talents and resources to further the organization's mission and impact the lives of deserving families in need. Here are a few of the many faces of volunteerism that make the work of Heartland Habitat possible.

Steve Alley

Every day, Heartland Habitat engages volunteers in a myriad of ways. Those volunteers are not only helping to change the lives of local families in need; they are also enjoying the reward that comes with hard work and investing in the lives of their neighbors.

Steve Alley is one such volunteer. Steve first got introduced to Habitat for Humanity when his company engaged in a Day of Caring. He discovered that his skills and interests were a good fit for working on a Habitat site. When his church chose to spend a Missions Day working with Heartland Habitat, Steve became even more engaged. Soon he was on-site several times a month, occasionally helping out at Heartland Habitat ReStore, and even using his information technology skills to help out at Heartland Habitat’s administrative offices. “There’s always something you can do, no matter what your skill level or interest,” said Steve.

You are needed. Whether you have a desire to spend an occasional Saturday helping to put in nails, a few hours to help sort items at ReStore, or the ability to invest in Heartland Habitat with a financial gift to help support its work, Heartland Habitat needs you. Heartland Habitat is only able to build homes for low-income families to the extent that you are able to get involved.

“If you’ve never volunteered with or donated to Heartland Habitat, please do,” said Steve. “Not everyone can go overseas to do mission work, but we can all help on a local basis – in Leavenworth, in the Northland, in Kansas City, Kansas, in Johnson County.”

Joyce Benedict

When Joyce Benedict felt the call to serve with Habitat for Humanity International's blitz build effort in Nepal last year, the desire had a familiar ring to it. The opportunity tapped into her desire to learn about new cultures and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

"I really like the physical aspect of working with Habitat," she said. "I enjoy physical construction and strongly support the mission of building homes. It was a coming together of my personal philosophy and things I enjoy doing."

Benedict was among more than 460 volunteers from around the world who arrived in Lekhnath municipality in Pokhara, Nepal to build 40 bamboo homes with Habitat home partners in a week. The work also included doing home improvements and expanding current structures to accommodate larger families. The unique nature of building with bamboo and other unfamiliar materials enhanced her understanding of the housing challenges in Nepal. "Understanding what's needed when you work with totally different materials requires a new approach and technique," she said.

The Nepal blitz build was not Benedict's first international experience. She has also participated with Habitat builds in New Zealand and Mexico, and has volunteered with other international organizations. She had also been to Nepal previously, and found a deep connection with the mountains and the people there.

"There are so many different places in the world where Habitat is building. Pick a place that appeals to you and find a build nearby," she said.

Benedict, who works in the income tax department at CenturyLink, is keeping her future volunteer and travel plans open. She'd like to do another international project, perhaps in tandem with her grandchildren, as well as increase her involvement locally with Heartland Habitat.

For those who think an international build might be for them, Benedict has some advice. "Do it! You'll never have any regrets. Even if the conditions are less than your liking, you'll find your inner strength. Don't have any hesitation," she said.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity's International Volunteer Program, visit http://www.habitat.org/ivp.

Sharon Myers

Sharon Myers describes herself as a "construction junkie." In both her childhood and her adult years, she lived in homes where do-it-yourself projects were encouraged. Thanks to her involvement with Heartland Habitat for Humanity, not only does she have the opportunity to polish her construction and home repair skills, she also has the opportunity to give back through meaningful community involvement.

"There's a real sense of personal satisfaction when you get the chance to experience new challenges, bring your own skills to the table and learn new skills," said Myers. "No matter how old you are, it's still worthwhile to learn new things."

Myers has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for almost nine years, and with Heartland Habitat for the last year. She can be found on-site every Tuesday and Thursday. She loves the physicality of the work, as well as the opportunity to work in various neighborhoods. She also raves about Heartland Habitat's staff and crew, citing how organized and efficient they are.

Ultimately, it is her belief in helping to provide housing opportunities for those who would not otherwise have them that drives Myers.

"There is such a return when you see the finished work," she said. "When I'm tired and sweaty at the end of the day, I feel like I've really done something."

Timothy Dorr & Family

Heartland Habitat for Humanity is dependent upon volunteers who are willing to serve in a variety of capacities, whether it's on-site at a home build, serving at ReStore, or helping to build awareness and raise funds in their own circle of influence. This holiday season, Tim Dorr and family went above and beyond by spreading holiday cheer through their Christmas lights extravaganza and raising funds for Heartland Habitat.

It took months of planning for the Dorr's holiday lights display to become a reality. The building, sequencing and installation are chalked full of details and logistics. The end result was a 13-minute animated lights display set to holiday music. 

"We're very pleased that our display is bringing the joy of the season to so many," said Dorr.

The family placed a donation box for the lights spectators who wanted to give a little back for this display of joy. As of December 28, the Dorrs have raised over $1,500, and Heartland Habitat is so grateful. The display opened on November 26 and continues until January 1.

"I didn't really know what to expect when we decided to collect donations, but am very pleased with everyone's acceptance and generosity," said Dorr.

For more information about the Dorrs and their holiday display of cheer and generosity, visit www.frontdorr.com.

(December 2009)

Dave Herdman

Dave Herdman has been a pillar of support for the Heartland Habitat ReStore, volunteering there regularly even before it's official opening. He serves as an inspiration to friends, family and ReStore visitors, proving that one person's dedication can truly affect many.

 Why did you first volunteer with Heartland Habitat?
Six or seven years ago I helped build a Heartland Habitat house with my church. I really enjoyed it, but I was volunteering with other organizations and never found the time to go back. A couple years ago I was looking for something new, and something that would allow me to work with my hands. I called Kate Fields, and she told me about the ReStore they were opening and how they needed help. I’ve been volunteering there since before the doors were even open.

 What keeps you motivated to continue volunteering?
I am crazy about the idea of Heartland Habitat. It does so much good for people, and for people who deserve it. I worked with a family from Eritrea who were completing their sweat equity at ReStore. Their whole family was involved, even their kids, and it was incredible to see the way they supported one another. I also love working with the people who shop there. I meet so many young couples who have bought their first house and are trying to fix it up. I helped a couple load some doors into their car the other day. They told me they’d been able to replace all their doors with doors from ReStore for the price of one door at a commercial retailer. I feel like ReStore helps everyone win. The funds are used to build more houses, and the people who purchase items are getting a great deal on stuff they truly need. I almost feel guilty about having such a good time, like if I’m enjoying volunteering this much then maybe I’m doing something wrong. Really, it is so exciting to watch people help each other.

 Are there other organizations with which you volunteer?
I used to volunteer with Ronald McDonald House and Harvester’s. In fact, we started volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House near Children’s Mercy when our daughters were three and six years old. They’ve been raised to value volunteering and contributing to their community. I think it’s so important to involve children in your efforts, so they grow up and continue volunteering. Now I’m with Heartland Habitat. I switched just to switch and do something new. I can’t imagine though that I’ll ever switch again. I really love Habitat.

 What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Heartland Habitat?
Do it and don’t tell yourself you don’t have time, because you do. You’ll get more out of it than you can imagine. It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re helping people, and when people see you helping, especially kids, they know you care. People need to know that people care about them.

 Any favorite volunteer stories?
The Arrowhead project was a blast! The day we moved stuff out of suites was zero degrees with 50 miles-per-hour wind. Miserable weather. I was loading a truck with a bunch of girls from the Paul Mitchell beauty school. My head is shaved, but I was wearing a stocking cap so you couldn’t tell. They kept telling me to come get a hair cut there, and I finally pulled off my stocking cap to show them my bald head. They thought it was so funny. Then, I remembered I had a friend whose daughter was in school there. I asked if they knew her, and there she was! I’ve known her since she was little, but we were all so bundled up we didn’t even recognize each other. We laughed about that forever. You know, it’s the days that are supposed to be miserable that end up being the best. We were all so cold that all we could do was work and have fun. It was great.

(April 2009)

Fred Valentine

 A retired businessmand and accountant, Fred Valentine helps Heartland Habitat each week with all their bookkeeping and financial database management needs.

 Why did you start volunteering with Heartland Habitat?
There used to be a combined fundraiser called “The Chorale” for all the Habitat affiliates in the Kansas City area. One year, I was asked by a fellow church member to become involved. Since I have a background in finance, I ended up being the event’s Treasurer. Through that event I met people at Heartland Habitat (then Kaw Valley) and was asked to assist with some of their financial bookkeeping. I’ve been volunteering there ever since.

 What year was that:
2002. I’d been retired for about four years.

 What keeps you motivated to continue volunteering?
When I retired I knew I didn’t just want to sit at home and watch TV. I think it’s really important to give back to your community. As for Heartland Habitat, I think providing low-cost housing to people in need is so important. Seeing these families put forth their own effort and earn their home is extremely rewarding.

 Are there other organizations with which you volunteer?
I volunteer several times a week with Literacy Kansas City and Community LINC. Community LINC provides transitional housing to families and individuals in need.

 Any favorite volunteer stories?
There have been a couple families that I worked with at Community LINC who ended up purchasing Habitat homes, one through the Kansas City affiliate and one through Heartland Habitat. It’s really neat being able to help these families and know them during their journey to becoming homeowners.

(February 2009)

Paul Grahovac

 Director of New Business Development and General Counsel for Prosoco, Inc., Paul Grahovac was looking for something that would allow him to spend time outdoors while giving back to his community. He decided to volunteer one time with Heartland Habitat for Humanity and learn what all the buzz was about. Four years later, he’s still doing his part to eliminate poverty housing in and around local Kansas City communities. Meet the Heartland Habitat March, 2009 Volunteer of the Month.

 Why did you first volunteer with Heartland Habitat?
The first time I volunteered was a Saturday, and I just wanted to see what it was like. It was supposed to be a one-time thing. The next week I thought, ‘Do I have a reason not to go back?’ I didn’t. I began volunteering on Heartland Habitat construction sites every Saturday after that.

 So why did you come back?
I like the feeling of satisfaction that comes from helping others. I work inside and at a desk during the week, so I really enjoy the time outdoors. I also like that I’m learning new skills and meeting people. At first my wife objected to me being gone every Saturday, but now she says she can tell I’m more relaxed and refreshed when I volunteer some on the weekends.

 What keeps you motivated to continue volunteering?
From the construction side, it’s the reasons I said: helping people, being outside, getting exercise, meeting new people, all that. I started volunteering on the Family Selection Committee around two years ago because it was an opportunity to use my business skills for Habitat. I think I bring my experiences helping businesses solve problems to this committee, so that we choose applicants who are deserving, and also capable of and committed to meeting the program requirements.

 Are there other organizations with which you volunteer?
I work with the Community Gardens Program, which teaches low-income families to cultivate gardens and grow their own food. I also work with the Kansas City Blues Society, which promotes live Blues music appreciation by partnering with communities for summer concerts and with other nonprofits for fund- and awareness-raising dance and concert events.

 Is there anything you would say to someone considering volunteering with Heartland Habitat?
Whether you volunteer with Habitat or some other organization, do it. Your quality of life will be greatly enhanced when there’s more to life than just your job. Things in life may not always go perfectly, but you’ll always know you’re doing the right thing by helping others.

 Any favorite volunteer stories?
We were roofing a house once and decided to take a short break. Instead of climbing down the ladder, I just laid down on the pitched roof to rest. I was volunteering with a group from Church of the Resurrection, and they thought that in my white overalls lying on the roof, I looked like Snoopy on his dog house. They took a picture and posted it to their web site. I still chuckle when I think about it.

(March 2009)