VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Leslie’s Story
Meet longtime volunteer, Leslie Lesperance. Leslie volunteers in our office performing administrative & financial tasks 2 days a week. Leslie began as the sole member of a home dedication committee in 2000; joined the Board as Treasurer for 8 years; became Finance Manager in 2009; then Interim Executive Director in 2012. On top of that she has helped out on many home builds. She officially retired in 2013 but is so committed to the goal of Habitat that she keeps returning. She was recently awarded the Unsung Hero Award at our annual meeting this past February. “I love the people, the organization and what it does to help others.” In her spare time, Leslie is an avid bridge player and is very active on the Northborough Junior Women’s Club. Leslie, your dedication is an inspiration to us all!
Meet Our Regular Volunteers
Shari’s Story
Shari has been a regular volunteer for about 2 years. She started with her son who wanted some experience with home building & architecture. She liked volunteering so much that she continued with her other son Adam who has also become a regular volunteer at the home builds. “I knew nothing about building a home. I learned everything on the job site, and I learn something new every time I’m here.” Recently, Shari helped tile one of the bathrooms which was a whole new experience for her and one that she really enjoyed doing. Thinking about volunteering on a home build? Shari says, “Don’t be intimidated by it. Everyone helps you out, and you’ll learn a lot! And helping out another family in need is reason enough to do it.”
Thank you Shari and family for your dedication to our mission!
Larry’s Story
Larry Engholm was recently honored at our Annual Meeting and presented with our Construction Volunteer of the Year. Larry began volunteering at the Sunderland Rd. homes soon after retiring. He loves learning new skills and helping others – essential traits for a home build volunteer. What a great fit for him! He encourages everyone to “just give it try”. We welcome ALL to volunteer.
Congratulations, Larry
Steve’s Story
Steve is a retired mechanic and has been volunteering on home builds with us since 2008 and hasn’t stopped since! He would like to see, and encourages, other seniors to get in there to help with home builds/repairs. Not only is it great socially, but he gets a lot of satisfaction from helping others in our local community. “You don’t need to be a carpenter. We all help each other out and do what we need to do to get it done”. He takes a lot of pride in his work and is happy to be providing a family with a safe and energy efficient home to live in.
Thank you, Steve, for all your years of service!
Al’s Story
Our Regular Volunteer of 7 yrs., Al Hamilton, has been working on the Sunderland homes since its groundbreaking. Al is retired and enjoys volunteering on the build sites because it keeps him busy. He especially enjoys spending time with others who are also volunteering. “I get a lot of satisfaction from working with and helping the various sponsored teams on the builds”.
Thank you, Al, for all your years of service!
Jason’s Story
About 16 years ago, Jason Sobol was driving by a house in Sudbury which was being worked on by Habitat and thought it would be something he’d enjoy doing, so he signed up. It got into his blood right from day one, and he just kept coming back. Sixteen years later, he’s still volunteering with Habitat, currently on the Sunderland Rd., Worcester homes, which he believes are his 15th and 16th Habitat homes.
Jason is part of a crew of “regulars” who volunteer on home builds on a regular basis. “We want to build a house we’re proud of and anything we’ve done personally to contribute; we want it to be positive. Everybody here has the same mindset and work ethic. We’re here to cooperate with each other, we’re here to have a hand ready to help someone else. It’s all about pitching in where it’s needed.” Jason continues to volunteer because he has become great friends with the group, and there’s a lot of camaraderie. “Each of us have had individual projects we’ve done at our own homes – word goes out and we all go out to help. It goes beyond Habitat.”
Thank you, Jason for your positivity, skill, and commitment!
Other regular volunteers pictured outside the Sunderland Rd. homes are:
-Steve Welus ~ 27 years, -Jason Sobol ~ 16 years, -Jim Matheson ~ 25 years, -Kevin Kelley ~ 7 years, -Chuck Rossi ~ 3 years, -Larry Engholm ~ 15 mos., -Denis Mahoney ~10 mos., -Scott Heald ~ 4 mos. Also pictured is our Construction Supervisor, Ted Oxholm.