VolunTourism of Central Florida Announces Event Calendar for 2014

EUSTIS, Fla (September 26, 2013) – VolunTourism of Central Florida , in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, has announced its four feature build events for the 2014 calendar. The four events, which feature themes such as faith, football, fashion and “Made in USA”, will appeal to a wide range of groups who are interested in combining sunshine, service, and a fun activity into a week of memories.

January 27 -February 2:  Big Game Build Week

Groups will be able to register to stay at the Domestic Global Village and participate in a football themed week that will feature past & current NFL and College Football players (schedule to be determined). The week will culminate on Sunday Feb 2nd with a Big Game Viewing Party in our media room.

February 10- February 16: Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build Week

Groups of women will be able to register to stay at the Domestic Global Village and participate in a Lowe’s Women’s Build Event. In addition to volunteering, Lowe’s workshops may be included.  In honor of New York and London Fashion Weeks, the week’s events will culminate with a Fashion Show “Hard Hats and High Heels”.

June 30- July 5: Made in the USA Build Week

In honor of our Nation’s Independence Day, groups will be able to register and stay at the Domestic Global Village and participate in a build week featuring products made only in the USA. The week will culminate with 4^th of July celebrations at the facility, as well as throughout the community.

September 1- September 6: Faith Build Week

Churches and Clergy are invited to stay at the Domestic Global Village facility and participate in a Faith Centered Mission Week. In addition to building and serving the community during this week, if they wish, groups will be able to attend the “Rock the Universe” and “Night of Joy” Christian music concerts held at local theme parks at the end of the week.

If you would like further information, or wish to register a group, please email engagemet@habitatls.org or visit the VolunTourism Inquiry Page.

Things...they are a' changing!

There is a line in a song that says “The only thing that stays the same is that everything changes.” That could not be truer for Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter. So much has happened in such a short time and as an affiliate we are so excited about the changes in store for us AND the Lake-Sumter community. We are thrilled to have several job openings that will help us transition into our role as an affiliate on the cutting edge of innovation.

We are looking to fill the following positions with experienced and passionate people who will work enthusiastically at both their duties and furthering the overall mission of Habitat for Humanity.

Client Services Support Specialist

The Client Services Support Specialist supports the overall operational and administrative functions of the Family Services Manager and the Director of Operations. The role is one that requires attention to detail with the ability to multi-task.

Duties and Responsibilities may include (but not limited to):
1) Providing tracking, reporting, scheduling, and resourcing of all functions carried out by the Director of Operations.
2) Manager the day-to-day functions and relationship with the 3rd party mortgage servicer.
3) Keep clean and up-to-date documentation on all affiliate assets and inventories.
4) Support the compliance needs related to governmental entities.
5) Provide support for Family Services processes including reports, documentation, filing, and aggregating of data.
6) Provide operational related activities with recruitment, qualification, education, support, and dedication for partner families.

Qualifications (to include but not limited to):
1) Combination of educational attainment and experience that permits you to function at a high level, establishing goals and monitoring against objectives.
2) Highly organized, ability to multi-task.
3) Experience with Windows-Microsoft Office Suite computer programs.
4) Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Maintenance Support Person

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Include (but not limited to):
1)Maintaining a monthly routine service at each location such as AC filter, light bulbs, door and gate operation etc.
2) General care, building, and ground appearance.
3) Prepare and paint as needed.
4) Maintain proper fluid levels and service log on maintenance vehicle.

Qualifications:
Must have a valid and clean driver's license, high school diploma plus two years related experience, practical experience in minor repairs and general building maintenance. Must also have the ability to climb ladders, paint, and grounds care (i.e. mowing, trimming, and gardening) while also possessing the ability to work with staff and volunteers.

Further Requirements, Functions, and Responsibilities will be discussed during the interview process.

Administrative Assistant

The Administrative Assistant will handle incoming phone calls, The HR needs of the affiliate, coordinating insurance and benefits for the staff, processing payroll, various office admin functions (i.e. copier, office supplies, filing, documentation, etc.) for Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter.  Additionally, this position will provide personal assistance to the CEO regarding scheduling, meeting coordination, etc.

If you are interested in applying for the Client Services Support Specialist, the Maintenance Support Person, or the Administrative Assistant, please email your resume to construction1@habitatls.org. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

LEGOLAND GIVES BACK

 Starting today and for two weeks only,

 

Legoland is offering tickets for ONLY $30.00!

 

From today through the 31st of August,

 

 you can purchase your Legoland tickets and

 

use them between now and September 29th.  

 

$15 dollars of each ticket  will be given back to

 

Habitat of Lake-Sumter.

 

What a great way to help your local Habitat

 

and have fun at the same time!

 

 

TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS Click HERE! 

World Habitat Day Grand Opening for Domestic Global Village

EUSTIS, Fla. (August 2, 2013) Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is announcing the anticipated Grand Opening of its fully renovated Domestic Global Village of Central Florida on Monday October 7^th, 2013- an opening that will coincide with World Habitat Day- and is already welcoming inquiries for any groups that wish to be a part of the affiliate’s newest initiative.

“Habitat has long been known as the premiere organization that utilizes volunteers for community good. Now, Habitat of Lake Sumter, FL is expanding that model in a major way. Its called Domestic Global Village of Central Florida.  Programs like VolunTourism, and Collegiate Challenge will be run from our new 14,000 sq. ft. Volunteer Village facility in Eustis,” explained Habitat CEO Kent Adcock.

The facility itself, which will boast amenities such as a game room, campus-wide Wi-Fi, a media & movie room, and outdoor recreation facilities along with bunk-style living accommodations is anticipated to house approximately 100 “voluntourist” visitors a week at its capacity. Each registered group will volunteer and tour based on their choice of one of three participation models.

VolunTourism Village Model:  Volunteer 3 days/ Tour 3 days

Neighborhood Builder Model:  Volunteer 4 days/ Tour 2 days

Community Champion Model: Volunteer 5 days/ Tour 1 day

As CEO Kent Adcock detailed, “At Habitat we are not just building homes but communities as well. We at Habitat believe that investment of social capital will result in helping solve many problems and challenges our communities face. We simply feel that community challenges are best addressed within the context of community involvement. There is no better way to make an impact and leave a legacy than to intentionally become socially philanthropic.”

While the affiliate’s 10- year vision is to mobilize 50,000 volunteers in making a difference in Lake and Sumter counties, the process will all start with a ribbon cutting and a grand opening on World Habitat Day – a day intended to:

• Call attention to the need for better shelter around the world.
• To let it be known that affordable, adequate housing should be a priority
• To Change the systems, policies and attitudes that lead to poverty housing, and creating partnerships to find solutions.

So, whether it is assisting in building affordable housing, helping increase the capacity of one of its vital community non-profit partners, or helping reduce the burden of local municipal government services, the opening of the Domestic Global Village, and the groups who chose to be a part of its programs, will become a catalyst for community ownership and involvement for many years to come. If you would like more information about how your volunteer group can be a part of VolunTourism of Central Florida, you may contact Tesa at  engagement@habitatls.org or call (352) 483-0434 ex. 121.

Helping Others is Good For Your Soul...and Your HEART?

The research is in: According to a recent article on MSN.com, doing nice for others does a body good. Every year, our affiliate thrives and continues to grow thanks to the generous donations of time from our volunteers. But, rarely many stop to think WHY they volunteer? 

As the article mentions, maybe some think that one of the best things about volunteering is getting a free pass to leave the office a few days a year or maybe its the pleasant feeling of accomplishment you get for helping others. Well, researchers from Carnegie Mellon have uncovered another.... a direct link between volunteer work and decreased risk of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. 

As the MSN article explains, the study, published in the Journal Psychology and Aging, included almost 1,200 people between the ages of 51 and 91, but the health benefits of volunteering among younger people have also been reported. Earlier this year, a study with high school kids indicated volunteerism could lead to lower inflammation, cholesterol and body mass index. 

So as you consider your personal reasons for volunteering, 

whatever they may be,

 just remember...

VOLUNTEERING: IT DOES A BODY GOOD!