OneMain Financial Sponsors Walker Valley Students

Students from Walker Valley High School received a sponsorship from OneMain Financial to participate in Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Women Build initiative. The sponsorship allowed a group of female students from the high school to serve during Habitat’s annual pay-to-play fundraiser that is building homes for two deserving families in Bradley County. Lara Davidson, book keeper for Walker Valley High School and team chaperone, was excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity for the second consecutive year. After getting to experience Women Build with a group of students in 2016, Davidson learned a lot about Habitat and hopes to continue involving students in the future.

“It was a very educational experience,” Davidson said. “It was good to let the girls experience that, but also now to be hooked to the experience. I want to come every year and bring a new group of girls with me every year.”

OneMain Financial has served local communities for over 100 years with a focus on responsible lending, according to their website. Their commitment to community-minded service propels their partnership with the Women Build initiative. Evie Correa works as a personal loan specialist with OneMain Financial and said the company is proud of their continued efforts in the community.

“We take great pride in supporting and partnering with Habitat for Humanity to continue the development of our local economy,” Correa said. “Our main focus is to help this community continue to grow stronger.”

Through the support of local businesses and community volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is helping pave the way to a better future for families of Bradley County. The Women Build initiatives furthers the efforts to unites Habitat for Humanity with local women to raise money and build homes for two families: Sheila Bell and her granddaughters as well as Jose and Rhina Basora and their two sons. These two families will work alongside volunteers to build their own homes, while also completing classes about homeownership and finances to prepare them for the future.

Athens Federal Bank Sponsors Bradley Central Build

Students from Bradley Central High School received a sponsorship from Athens Federal Community Bank for the second year in row to participate in Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Women Build initiative on May 6. The sponsorship allowed a group of female students from the high school to serve during Habitat’s annual pay-to-play fundraiser that is building homes for two families in Bradley County. Agnes Colón, Spanish teacher at Bradley Central High School and team chaperone, has been the chaperone for the Bradley team both years they have been a part of the Women Build.

“At Bradley, we believe it is so important to volunteer and give back to our community,” said Colón. “Women Build is an amazing way for our students to see that helping your community is hard work, but that it is one of the best things you can do. The girls are always so excited to build, and we plan to partner with Habitat every year!”

Athens Federal Community Bank is celebrating its 10^th year in Cleveland. The bank was founded in Athens in 1934 with a commitment to treat its customers with dignity, respect, and to meet the needs of its customers. Cleveland City President, Jay Leggett, Jr., joined the Bradley Central team on the construction site at Habitat’s Victory Cove Subdivision for a check presentation.

“Athens Federal Community Bank is so pleased to be able to contribute to our community in this way,” said Leggett. “Habitat has been doing great work in Cleveland for a long time, and it is always nice to see new homeowners move into their homes. The girls from Bradley Central have done such a great job the past two years being a part of the Women Build, and we are proud to be able to support them again.”

Through the support of local businesses and community volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is helping pave the way to a better future for families of Bradley County. The Women Build initiative furthers the efforts to unite Habitat for Humanity with local women to raise money and build homes for two families: Sheila Bell and her granddaughters as well as Jose and Rhina Basora and their two sons. These two families will work alongside volunteers to build their own homes, while also completing classes about homeownership and finances to prepare them for the future.

Volunteer Spotlight: Alan Goslen

by: Natalie McNair Alan Goslen initially heard about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland when he helped support a Women Build group through Broad Street United Methodist Church in 2000. He began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland on weekends and became a regular construction site volunteer in March 2010. He volunteers on Tuesday and Thursday each week and works on the homes of future Habitat homeowners.

Alan worked for 20 years as an Army Officer. He then attended the University of Tennessee where he obtained a Library Science degree. He spent 13 years at Cleveland State Community College as a reference librarian before retiring in 2010.

Also a member of Sunrise Rotary, Alan led a group of volunteers from Sunrise Rotary on April 29^th. The group worked on the interior of the Stafford family home.

When asked what he enjoys about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Alan responded with, “I enjoy seeing a tangible product of my work. I enjoy the physical work. I enjoy the other members of the regular construction volunteers”.

Habitat of Cleveland is thankful to have volunteers like Alan who are committed to serving the families of Bradley County and who bring dedication and commitment to our group of regular volunteers. Thank you Alan for all you do for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

Habitat Helping Bradley County Residents To "Be Smart About Money"

by Brenda Palmisano Habitat’s Be Smart About Money program recently launched and provides a 10-session experience centered around the management of personal finances, teaching the program participants how to decrease their debt, improve their credit scores, and build up their savings. In order to qualify for the program, residents of Bradley County must fall into the 60% area median income or below, pay a $25 participant fee and open a savings account with a partner bank.

Be Smart About Money Program Manager, Amanda Gouveia, believes this program will have a great impact on class attendees.  “By participating in this class, Bradley County residents will have a better understanding of the importance of good financial management and they will have the opportunity to pay down a significant portion of debt.”

As an additional incentive to complete the program, participants who show proof of their financial savings over 12 months will have their savings matched up to $1,000. This money can be used one of three ways: toward a down payment for a house, to pay off debt, or to pay tuition for education. To find out more about the program, visit: habitatofcleveland.org/smartaboutmoney

This program is sponsored by United Way of Bradley County and Atlantic Capital Bank.

Toyota of Cleveland leading the charge...

Toyota of Cleveland leading the charge to build two homes through Women Build 2017 Toyota of Cleveland has been partnering with Habitat for many years, but four years ago they kicked their partnership into high-gear by becoming the presenting sponsor for Habitat’s major fundraiser, Hard Hats & Heels. Toyota of Cleveland has donated $20,000 every year since 2013 to the Women Build initiative. Because of the support from partners like Toyota of Cleveland, we are able to build two homes through the Women Build initiative and Hard Hats & Heels fundraiser.

Toyota Motor Corporation’s mission is to build more than just great cars; they want to help build great places to live. “Any way we can use our platform to garner exposure for a great cause we will; it’s all about being a great steward of the resources you’ve been blessed with in order to help others,” said Monté Burney, Toyota of Cleveland General Manager.

All of the proceeds from Women Build and Hard Hats & Heels are going toward purchasing building materials for the homes of Sheila Bell and Jose and Rhina Basora. Both of these families have worked extremely hard to provide the best life possible for their families. “I believe Habitat is important to any community,” said Burney. “Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is doing a great work within the community and that’s evident in the passion and amount of work they poured into this fundraiser.”

Whirlpool Continues Support of Habitat With Full Home Sponsorship

by Brenda Palmisano Over the past 17 years, Whirlpool has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, committing more than $101 million to programs in over 45 different countries. Through this partnership, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland recently received a $90,000 grant from Whirlpool to sponsor the building of a new home. This generous donation will help propel the mission of Habitat for Humanity by providing another family with a home and hope for the future.

Habitat of Cleveland's Family Services Manager, NaCole Harris-Massengill, believes Whirlpool has set an invaluable example of being a community-minded corporation. “When you talk about a great partnership and continuing to help families leave a legacy and become stable, independent and sustainable themselves, Whirlpool is at the top of doing that,” Harris-Massengill said. “This grant for a full home sponsorship will only help to strengthen their ties in the community, helping another family along their way of achieving the American dream of being a homeowner.”

Through this donation, Whirlpool continues to be actively involved in the neighborhood revitalization effort in Bradley County, helping to leave a positive imprint of hope and restoration. Chip Willis, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland was thrilled at the news of the Whirlpool grant. “Whirlpool and Habitat of Cleveland have enjoyed a longstanding partnership both in monetary support as well as volunteer participation,” Willis said. “Whirlpool has committed to help revitalize the area around the site of the former Whirlpool manufacturing facility; this new grant will allow us to build a new home in the Blythe Oldfield neighborhood and contribute to the remarkable transformation currently taking place in that area.”

The staff, volunteers and homeowners at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland are extremely grateful for Whirlpool’s support and involvement in the community and are looking forward to many more years of exciting partnership with the corporation!

Staff Spotlight: LaManda Bowers

by Brenda Palmisano LaManda Bowers has served as the Volunteer Services Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for the past six years. Throughout the years, LaManda has focused on Recruitment, Recognition, and Retention of volunteers, while also focusing heavily on community outreach and assisting with special events, all while advocating the mission of Habitat to everyone she meets.

Before beginning work at Habitat, LaManda had recently divorced and was working in the school system, but after hearing about Habitat from a friend, LaManda soon realized there was something special about Habitat. “I fell in love with the mission of Habitat and knew this is where I needed to be full time,” LaManda said. “The way everything fell so perfectly in place was as if God had hand-picked this organization for me.”

LaManda quickly fell in love with Habitat and her position within the organization. There are many aspects of Volunteer Services that LaManda enjoys, but a few stuck out to her as being the most impactful. “One particular part of my position that sticks out is witnessing first-hand the generosity and passion of individuals in our community,” LaManda said. “It's truly amazing to see such dedicated volunteers, donors, and staff unite to make the dream of homeownership a reality to so many deserving families.”

When she is not working with Habitat volunteers, LaManda enjoys several pastimes outside of work, such as picnics, hiking and crafting with friends. LaManda also serves as the Director of Children's Ministry at her church where she enjoys pouring the word of God into the lives of future leaders.

Throughout her many activities working with Habitat in the local community and serving through her church, LaManda has shown her genuine passion for helping people through all her hard work and dedication to her job. “To me, Habitat is not a job, it is a ministry and I am so thankful that I get to have a hand in it all.”

Sponsor Spotlight: First Cumberland Presbyterian Church

by Brenda Palmisano First Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been a part of Cleveland for over 100 years. The mission of the church is “Lifting up Christ, Building up people,” a mantra that drives their work in the community.

As a long-standing institution of Cleveland, First Cumberland has partnered with Habitat of Cleveland for over 13 years, during which they have helped sponsor over 10 homes, while donating over $200,000 to Habitat throughout the years. Reverend Jen Newell of First Cumberland Presbyterian loves  to partner with Habitat as an outlet to bring love and hope to members of the community

“People recognize the love we have for God by the love that we show for other people, especially people who have nothing to give in return,” Newell said. “The Habitat model encourages families to take responsibility for their lives, to be advocates for themselves and their neighbors, and to walk down a path toward stability and strength, and that's a win for the entire community.”

The congregation of First Cumberland Presbyterian is the true image of servant-hood; never hesitating to fill a need and always finding a creative way to do so. Over the years, they have sponsored houses, volunteered on the job site, provided food for other volunteers, and even hosted fundraisers on behalf of Habitat. The members of First Cumberland Presbyterian simply love to love people, and by partnering with Habitat, they help spread that love throughout our community.

Volunteer Spotlight: Vivian Williams

Vivian Williams, heard about Habitat for Humanity after her retirement from the public school system in San Diego, California. She volunteered with different organizations in Cleveland such as the police department and the hospital for several years before coming to Habitat but found that Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland was the right fit. Vivian volunteers for the purpose of looking for a meaningful way to spend her extra time. What she enjoys the most about being a volunteer at Habitat is the people and the relationships she has built through volunteering with the organization.

Vivian has been a tremendous help and asset to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland through the outstanding customer service and knowledge she provides to individuals who walk through our doors. She is a cashier at our North ReStore location on Thursdays and Saturdays and she also helps on the sales floor assisting customers. She has been advocating for Habitat's mission for 8 years.

Vivian enjoys traveling on a regular basis with her friends and travel clubs. Her laugh is contagious and she adds a unique twist and extra splash of joy in the lives of her Habitat family.

SERVPRO partners with Habitat to create restoration

by Brenda Palmisano Servpro is a Tennessee based company, operating out of Gallatin, TN with individually owned and operated franchises across the nation. Our local Servpro has been a part of the Bradley County community for more than 10 years, ranking in the top 25 as a Servpro disaster recovery team. Through the years, our local Servpro has grown to include three franchises total in Chattanooga and Cleveland.

In addition to their own restoration and recovery efforts, Servpro holds a national partnership with American Red Cross and also lends support to fire fighters and emergency responders by participating in Mutual Aid.

Servpro has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for over two years, offering maintenance classes for future Habitat homeowners. Through this relationship, Servpro has gone above and beyond to provide knowledge about the hazards that can come with owning a home, such as  fire, mold and water damage.

In partnership with Habitat, Servpro shares a passion for helping people achieve their home ownership dreams, while preparing them to protect their homes by investing resources, time and talent.

Through their many different avenues of outreach, Servpro strives to offer excellent service, fairness and mutual respect with hopes of being the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world.

“We not only restore damaged homes and businesses, we restore people back to their way of life,” said Jeff Gregory, sales and marketing manager for Servpro of Chattnooga and Bradley County.