[ back ]
New Habitat for Humanity leaders ready to build third home
(by Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor - February 21, 2010)
With a new director and board president in place, Habitat for Humanity of Madison County Inc. will start its third new-built house in March.
In January, the non-profit organization elected Catherine Rosebrough as president. The London volunteer heads up family relations and is a two-year board member.
“My goal is to build the infrastructure of our organization,” Rosebrough said. “It’s not hard to find people to swing a hammer. What we really need are people to serve on or chair committees.”
She and fellow board members Aleta Ailes, Debbie Blaho, Joe Blaho, John Brooks and Ron Stewart seek help with church relations, volunteer coordination and public relations.
In February, the board hired Denise Worthington part-time to write grants and raise awareness. She is the group’s only paid staff member.
Worthington retired last year from Hilliard City Schools after 21 years in education. The Hilliard Education Foundation named her a “School Star” in 2008 for her grant-writing work.
Since moving to Choctaw Lake a year ago, Worthington has written successful grant requests for the Madison County Historical Society’s upcoming “Between Fences” exhibit and Madison County Hospital’s continuing education for doctors.
“Habitat for Humanity is looking to expand their profile in the community,” said Worthington, who plans to not only seek out funding but also assist with volunteer recruitment and public relations. “Catherine (Rosebrough), Debbie Blaho and I are available to talk to any group that wants to know more about Habitat.”
The Madison County group is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in Georgia in 1976. The Fullers collaborated with farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan to develop the “partnership housing” concept, which centers on families in need working with volunteers under trained supervision to build simple, decent homes.
“We like to say that Habitat is a hand up, not a hand out,” Rosebrough said.
Habitat houses are built at no profit. No interest is charged on loans to the occupying families. Financial support for Habitat comes from individuals, corporations, churches and other organizations.
The Madison County affiliate’s next house will be built at 79 Wood St. in London. The previous two houses were built on Vernon Avenue and Stewart Avenue, also in London. Rosebrough said the organization hopes to branch out to other communities in the future and welcomes land donations.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Madison County, call (740) 845-0653. Send monetary donations to P.O. Box 679, London, OH 43140.
[ back ]
