National League Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun Gifted His Bonus Money to Habitat Following His Experience as a House Leader at 2007 JCWP

Last fall when thousands of volunteers joined President Jimmy Carter & Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles to build 100 homes thoughout the community, one volunteer was significantly moved.



Ryan Braun was an Honorary House Leader during the JCWP and for those of you who don't know the name, Braun plays for the Milwaukee Brewers and was voted National League Rookie of the Year last year in 2007!



When Braun built with us last fall, he pledged he'd donate his Rookie of the Year bonus money to Habitat so we could further our mission and this week he did just that. You can read the official press release here.



We just wanted to say to Ryan, on behalf of all our current and future partner families, THANK YOU!

Still riding the momentum

Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles is still riding the wave of momentum that the JCWP 2007 gave us, Even though the 2008 JCWP (Now called the Jimmy AND Rosalyn Carter Work Project) in the gulf is right around the corner! The San Pedro and Vermont Village homes should be completed by the end of February, when a block party is planned for the new residents and their neighbors! Stay tuned for more information about that! Also, if you want to be part of the next JRCWP, check out their site for more info.

We also found a great blog by one of the Jimmy Carter Work Project volunteers from Singapore! Check out her awesome blog and pictures here!

More Hometown Praise for a JCWP Volunteer

3000 volunteers came to Los Angeles last fall to build with us and many are receiving praise and exposure in their hometowns, we love it!

Meet Chuck Mano in Racine's Journal Times:

People You Should Know: Chuck Mano
Saturday, January 5, 2008 10:20 PM CST

Name: Chuck Mano
Age: 38
Personal/family: Married to Kim for 12 years.
Three children: Michaela 10, Zachary 8, Samantha 4
Hobbies/interests: Camping, hunting, ATV riding

Chuck Mano Occupation: Fence contractorVolunteer service: Local Chapter of the American Fence Association, Haban Hitting Center, Habitat for Humanity. I also recently donated time and a kennel for Bones, our Mount Pleasant K-9 unit. Anyone who truly needs help I will go out of my way to assist. Every year I donate to Charlie French’s neighborhood watchprogram. Kids from other states join their churches and come to Racine to rehab homes.

Recent accomplishment: Participated in the 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project in Los Angeles. Volunteers from all over the world helped Habitat for Humanity build homes for the needy in Los Angeles.

Read More>>

A Very Special Volunteer - Read About JR Williams in his Hometown Newspaper

THE LIFE A HOUSE BUILT

JR Williams' escape from poverty started 19 years ago in a Habitat home
The life a house built JR Williams' escape from poverty started 19 years ago in a Habitat home
By Elizabeth Leland

JR Williams looked like just another volunteer taking time from his job at a brokerage firm to help build a Habitat for Humanity house.

He joined the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Los Angeles six weeks ago for many of the same humanitarian reasons as other volunteers, but Williams had one more reason: He once lived in a Habitat house.

READ THE WHOLE STORY

Today a Publicist, Tomorrow a Builder!

This was my first Jimmy Carter Work Project, and I can hardly believe it’s already over. What a week!

Although my work at JCWP was focused on external outreach about the project to media and the community, being immersed in the positive nature and attitudes of the nearly 2,200 volunteers was an experience I will never forget. And, I can’t wait to go pick up a hammer and a paint brush at a Habitat build in the future.

Ever the publicist, I cannot help but mention some of the highlights from the week on the media side:
o CNN “American Morning”
o Reuters wire story
o NPR story (people are still talking about this one!)
o Los Angeles Times story with photographs
o Broadcast coverage by every local station in Los Angeles throughout the week, sometimes multiple stories
o Stories in communities newspapers from the Daily Breeze to the Wave
o AP wire pick-up of eight photos
o Live remote newscasts by KCAL-TV and KCBS-TV in Los Angeles
o An unbelievably successful satellite media tour
o And, anticipated coverage by many more newspapers

Thank you to all the families, volunteers and Habitat for Humanity employees for putting together an amazing event that made a very positive impact on the community in Los Angeles and made for a fabulous way to highlight the organization.

Pink Tool Belts

A lot of you expressed interest in purchasing those cute pink Tuff Chix Tool Belts by Paige Hemmis that many of the gals were sporting during the JCWP, so here's a link to purchase:

BUY NOW

Hope you put it to good use!

Paige Hemmis Shares Her Personal Experience from JCWP 2007

What an amazing experience! This year I was fortunate enough to be the emcee of opening ceremonies for Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy Carter Work Project 2007. What an honor and privilege to be on stage with such talented people! I would love to share with you my experience, and perhaps it is best told with the company that I kept on stage on that beautiful Sunday night.

First of all, I met our first guest of the evening, Grammy Award-winning artist and Habitat volunteer, Ricky Martin. I didn’t know much about this man, except for the fact that I new he could compose, sing, dance and perform. What I didn’t realize was that he was so passionate about his charities, and is such a good public speaker! I was blown away by the heart-felt sentiment he had for Habitat and this program. He talked about how giving was a form of love – and it really is.

Second, I met Mr. Steve Sidwell, and the Hollywood Film Chorale Special Effects Choir. Steve and his crew performed for the Academy Awards this past year, and they performed for all of us that night. This choir astounded me! They took footage of building and put their special effect sounds to it. What amazed me is how real it sounded! I was surrounded by true talent up there on stage, and they even made me participate towards the end. I now am an official “beat-boxer”, if that is such a term.

Each person who took the stage was just as amazing as the next! Erin Rank, the head of the Greater Los Angeles Affiliate, whom I’ve worked with several times in the past, amazes me every time I hear her speak. Here is a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others, and always finds time to go out of her way and be kind to everyone. She made sure that everyone who helped was properly thanked…but I believe that we should all be thanking her for all the incredible work she has done, and continues to do every single day.

Mr. Kevin Kessinger from Citi came to the stage to talk about the involvement of one of Habitat’s biggest sponsors. It is so touching to see that large companies like Citi have hearts as big as this! And he represented so many great men and women that have come together to help this great event.

Then I had the opportunity to introduce the President and CEO of Habitat International, Mr. Jonathan Reckford. He could possibly be the best representation of giving! What a kind a gentle man, with a tremendous responsibility. As I meet more and more people who are behind this great charity, it makes me realize that I am surrounded by truly great individuals who are using their God-given talents to help others.

And talk about being surrounded by great individuals! The people who make this city of Los Angeles what it is today are so inspiring and so incredible. First, there is the true “tuff chix”, Councillwoman Janice Hahn. She is one of my heroes – a true example of a strong woman who is so caring, so kind, and so capable of taking care of all of us! She was out working at the job site in her pink toolbelt, gloves and hard hat! She is so awesome. Then, there is the great man, Mayor Villairagosa. You can tell by his spirit and his touching words that he loves this great town, and will do everything he can to help its people.

The final honor of the night? Perhaps one of the great honors of my lifetime – being hugged by the great man, former US President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, President Jimmy Carter, right there on stage! He has done so much in his lifetime. He is truly a man that we can all look up to and hope to emulate. I believe he is the best humanitarian of our time. And his wife Rosalynn right there beside him that night, as she has been for so many years. An honest example of true love, dedication, and devotion – plus she is such a great strong women in her own right!

For me, this night was a dream come true. To call it an “honor” does not do it justice! I was filled with honor and love, humbly sharing the stage with so many great people. I believe it was a blessing, and this blessing will leave a wonderful memory for the rest of my life.

Hey Bill!

If you did not meet Vermont Village house leader 'Hey Bill' this past week then you totally missed out!

Bill has been volunteering with Habitat since 1984 and was at the very first JCWP in New York in 1984. He drove from DC to cut boilers in the basement and he and his friend Jim became known as the "Boiler Boys." The only JCWPs Bill ever missed was The Phillipines & India.

It's going really well! I think this is the most media attention we've ever had and going from 42 people that first year to volunteers worldwide is just mind-boggling!"

Bill adds that the plus side to this whole thing is that now he has 25 families!

"At Christmas I look up at the sky and thank God for the opportunity to put a roof over their heads."

"Hey Bill" you're awesome!

(He spoke quickly with us and went back to work!)

JCWP A Reunion with Old Friends

Susie Graber of Phoenix, AZ is proudly wearing her '95 JCWP T-shirt today as she guards the tool pods here at the Vermont Village build site. Susie and her husband have been attending JCWPs since 1988 and have traveled to the Phillipines, Nova Scotia, and Budapest.

Susie proudly mentions that her husband has been the house leader with Jimmy Carter on four different JCWPs. Lasting friendships come again during our conversation and Susie tells us about a couple from New Jersey whom they met years ago on a JCWP and whom they now travel with each year, sometimes in their RV. She has made so many friends over the years that she says the JCWP always feels like a reunion.

"It's is a very rewarding experience to help others. The lord has blessed us so much and we figure we can give back a week or two each year. It's worth it."

If you are not already friends with Susis Graber, you can meet her next May in the Gulf for the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008!

Birthday Present for these two ladies was working at JCWP

Through wind & rain, sleet or snow, blazing heat or bitter cold, Habitat will be there. Ok, so this week there wasn’t much rain, sleet, snow and the cold was only bitter during closing ceremonies, but Habitat was still here building away and so were we. Amber and I have been bff's since college and since our birthdays are only a week a part, we have celebrated them together every year since graduation no matter where we are living.

Here’s a little info on who we are, because we know you care.

Terri Ellen Waddell
# of Habitat Builds: Stopped Counting
Current Occupation: Is anyone hiring???? I used to work for Habitat Int’l
Favorite Color: Dirt on skin
Hard Hat Size: 7 ¼
Where she resides: Currently, anywhere she can find a friend with an open couch.
Favorite build site activity: drywall
Age: 26 & 364 days

Amber Leigh Skorczewski
# of Habitat: 3
Current Occupation: Marketing for Target Corporation
Favorite Color: Lip gloss with SPF
Hard Hat Size: 6 7/8
Where she sleeps: St Paul Minnesota. Amber just bought her first Home!!!!
Favorite Build site activity: Siding
Age: 26 & 7 days


When we heard that JCWP 2007 would fall during the week between our birthdays it seemed to be the only option for this year’s trip. We mean, what better way to celebrate another year of life than with former President Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn and about two thousand strangers building houses in LA? If you and your bff had birthdays only a week a part from one another wouldn’t you want to do the same thing?
Off to our computers we went to get ourselves registered. Guess what… we were selected, so we jumped on a plane and flew out to LA to join the party.
Upon arriving we were assigned to “Media”. At first we felt a little bummed that we wouldn’t have a chance to wield a hammer or cut some siding, but it turns out that our assignment would give us a chance to not only check out both sights, but also do a million other super cool things. Check out some of our highlights below:

•Practicing our stern face. Which if you meet Amber, you know is for her.

•Sharing a laugh with former Mayor James Hahn while standing in line for opening ceremonies. If only we had known who he was while we were chatting with him.

•Getting secret service to crack a couple of smiles. We thought the stern face was one of the job requirements.

•Chilling with D.B. “ay papi, we luv u”

•Learning dance moves from 4 year old Kelis, She will soon be living in one of the homes that you all have been working so hard to construct.

•And many more that we are happy to tell you about next year in the Gulf.

We would like to give shout outs to the following who helped make our week even more memorable:

Emily & Sara and the rest of the Golin Haris Girls and guy, Little B, the bomb diggidy PR gal

Nancy & Carolyne (Pres. Carter’s right hand ladies)

All the Secret Service Men who got the memo on matching polos. #1 & #2 U guys ROCK

M&M of the Philly Soul- till we meet again

Dustin the bouncer at the door, we cant believe you made a walk up the hill so many times
Billy AKA Cookie Monster
Tom, if you ever need someone to touch your toes Amber is your girl
And of course all of the other volunteers, staff, and everyone else who helped make this event happen

As we drove to the sight this morning Amber, with her cheesey Hallmark emotional self turned to me and said that she had had a great birthday week. She said “ “This is the kind of present I really like--- they’re like memories, you can’t put a bow on that”

Thank you all and super special thank you to the homeowners for allowing us the chance to share this amazing time with you all. Blessings

See you all in the Gulf-
Terri and Amber

Jennika picks up her first HFH paint brush

Jennika volunteered during the last day of the JCWP, but she believes that it was an experience that she will never forget. It introduced her into the world of volunteering, and she got to understand why so many people love to volunteer! People love the feeling they get when they help others, and Jennika was no exception.

"I didn't really understand the full intensity of "habititus" before i volunteered for the JCWP. Its an indescribable feeling; a high that one gets from helping others. I wasn't sure that i was going to have a chance to volunteer because i was working as an intern for Starfish PR (who does PR for Habitat). But, when i found myself with some time, i decided to jump in and help because I didn't want to leave the site that day without at least picking up a paint brush. I worked up on the roof (of San Pedro house 6A), painting the front exterior siding; around me were big strong men. I was surprised how nice everyone was; they were all interested in getting to know me. Even though i only put in about 3 hours of volunteer time, that was long enough to catch "habititus." I will never forget my experience at JCWP 2007, and i look forward to volunteering in future projects!"

Safety First

Pat Shea is on our Safety Crew here at Vermont Village and he says this week we've earned a good B+. Not bad.

"Any time you have as many people walk off the job site as you had walk on, it's a good day!"

So far, he says there have just been a few scratches and abrasions to report and everyone is in good spirits.

"Everyone here is so eager to do a good job and they are very concerned about safety. The Block Captains are working very hard to keep our volunteers safe."

Pat has been working with Habitat for 6 months and he's been on site all week for JCWP. He says he's definitely be back!

"One of the things that impresses me most is talking to people who've traveled from all over the country like Dallas and Vermont and the poeple from other countries as well. I feel like the new kid on the block because so many people have been at this for years and years."

Not Just a Pretty Face

Karl Champley is familiar face to anyone who watches DIY Network, but to all of us he's an enthusiastic volunteer who's changing the life of Donna Russell (read her story posted 10/31.)

"I've done a number of Habitat projects over the last five years and the best thing about it is the feeling you get. You take away so much more than you put in."

Karl's first Habitat build included a 1000 home blitz in North Carolina, after that experience, Donna's home has to be a piece of cake!

"This A Brush With Kindness program is such a great thing! I live here in L.A. and this is my first Habitat buid here. Donna working full time and she has very little money for the upkeep of her home, she's faced city fines and needs all the help she can get to keep this house safe. I truly believe that smaller projects can have the largest impact."

Karl is leading a team of volunteers who have been primering and painting, replacing broken and non-existant windows, installed a back door that had been missing for years, and they are even attempting to get a furnace working that's been broken for 15 years! We have no doubt they'll be successful.

"Time is the most expensive thing we have and if you can donate that time to be part of a Habitat build you will walk away with so much more. If it's the only thing you do in your life, you'll grow old with a smile on your face."

A Kid at Heart

Rosemary Le is an active volunteer from Home Depot, one of our wonderful JCWP sponsors, who is having a very productive day. She was working so hard that it took several attempts to approach her.

"I'm having so much fun! Today I am installing siding, I learned how to use the power scissors, a nail gun and the saw!"

As excited Rosemary is about power tools, she's way more excited about the playground she's been coordinating for the children of this neighborhood with Home Depot partner Kaboom.




"Oh I can't wait for it! On December 6 we'll be out here for a six-hour event to construct their playground! People from our stores will be volunteering as well as the kids in this neighborhood who are over 13. The coolest part is that a month ago we had a 'design day' where all the kids helped us design their playground. We are trying our best to incorporate their suggestions into the final design."

Rosemary was building on this day with the Gonzalez family who happen to have 6 kids - which we're positive will love the playground!

After a Bumpy Beginning He's a Habitat Believer!

We had the pleasure of meeting Journeyman/Electrian Walter Berten at the Vermont Village site on Halloween who was out working with IBEW. IBEW is a sponsor of the 2007 JCWP and they are giving us power (well with the help of the DWP.)

"It's my first JCWP and my first Habitat build and it's awesome!"

Walter admits that on his first visit to the job site about a few months ago, he had his concerns. There were some logistics issues but he's happy to say they were all worked out before this week's event.

"It's an honor and a privelidge to be here. I love the feeling of community and the giving spirit.And the families, what can I say, we are one big world family."

Walter lives in Panorama City, CA and he tells us he'll be back..."God willing, I'll be here!"

Bo Knows Habitat

Bo Miller of DOW shares his personal experience...

This is my second Jimmy Carter Work Project, my first being last year at Lonlavala, India. India was an inspiring experience, an extraordinary experience and a motivating experience. While vastly different in many ways there is an underlying similarity to this year's build- "people helping deserving people with a hand up, not a hand out." And I am even more inspired this year, as the Greater LA Habitat build is featuring a number of "green" initiatives into the project, and Dow technology and products, particularly in energy efficient materials such as Weathermate house wrap and Styrofoam brand insulation readily fit into this theme. So in addition to financial support, product donation and the volunteerism of Dow people there will be a lasting contribution to the homeowners of reduced utility bills and an improved environmental footprint of their homes.

On a personal level- we had the opportunity to host our home owner, Barbara Wallace at dinner the other evening with her children, it was a great opportunity to get to know them better and learn of their hopes and aspirations. Seeing her at the job site this week- climbing scaffolding, painting and fully participating with pride in the construction of her home confirmed the fundamental need and benefit of what Habitat for Humanity and all of its volunteers provide individuals and communities worldwide. In the midst of all the activity, while Barbara was taking a much deserved rest break and I asked her how she was doing- she looked at all the people scurrying about and said simply "how could I be better?" Exchanges like these make habitat for humanity real for me.

The Party always ends up in the Kitchen!

We wandered into the kitchen of a house on the Vermont site where we met Kevin Blackburn(Right) a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.

Kevin: This is my First JCWP, but I’ve built with other Habitat affiliates. I’m really excited to be here. We have 15 employees participating from San Francisco and another 18 from Citi National which is our partner. Together we have donated $300,000 to this project. This is such a blessing, it’s great to be able to do this, We are volunteers, but this is better than working for a living!

Then Kevin’s friend and collegue Dwight Alexander(Left) joined in. This is Dwights 12th Habitat Build and his first time volunteering at a Jimmy Carter Work Project. Dwight was eager to share his thoughts about volunteering with Habitat.

Dwight: 1 out of 4 Habitat homes has been built with the help of Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco! I think Key Day is the Best!

The two agreed that watching a family get the keys to their new home is always the best part!

Kevin: We have done a lot of openings, I’m a softy, I always cry!

Dwight and Kevin both suggested reasons to volunteer and how they plan to remain involved with Habitat For Humanity after the JCWP.

Dwight: We both have kids that are almost teenagers, and we were just talking about how when they’re old enough we want to involve them, make it a family event!

Kevin: I would suggest anybody do this, if you take a week of your vacation time, or another week, this is an opportunity that will change your life!

Shomari Davis is electrified by his JCWP experience

This is Shomari Davis’ first JCWP and his first time building with Habitat for Humanity. “I always wanted to get involved before, but I was always late!” he said. “This is a ground-breaking project, I’m proud to be here.”

Shomari works at IBEW, and his team has been putting all of the electricity and solar panels throughout the new homes. “The teamwork is phenomenal,” he said. “The volunteers are helping so much, putting the solar panels together so when we install them, everything is ready to go.”

Installing the electricity has allowed Shomari to meet quite a few of the Partner families. “I’ve talked to one family about the process and she was really excited, scared, but knew that she was headed in the right direction. I want to meet more of them.”

Shomari is surprised at the good feeling and the energy that everybody is bringing out. “The Collaborations are awesome. Knowing that you are doing something for people is awesome! Seeing the President come out as well as other people is so exciting.” Shomari was most surprised at his own feelings of gratification. “You are helping people, but you are also helping yourself.”

L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn shares personal story with Carter Family

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn has been instrumental in bringing the Jimmy Carter Work Project here. "When I heard that they were looking for a site for this year's JCWP, I wrote a letter reminding the Carters of their long history with the Hahn family, and how honored we would be to have them in Los Angeles," Hahn Said.

Hahn has spent the week building side by side with people from all over the world as well as with new members of her council district. She spent Monday building with new homeowner Cassandra Torres, and shared how she was inspired by all of the women she met that day. Hahn has been a Habitat for Humanity volunteer since 1983, and this is her first Jimmy Carter Work Project. When the JCWP came to Los Angeles the first time, her father held her council seat and he was there.

"My father was the LA county campaign chair when he [Carter] ran for office. My dad and he became good friends after he was elected. When he was running, my Dad showed him around Watts." Hahn Shared a very personal family story that brought tears to our eyes when we heard it.

"After they became friends, he invited my dad to come onto AirForceOne. It's every politicians dream to be fly on AirForceOne. He asked my dad, 'Why don't you fly with me from Kansas City to D.C.' and my dad looked at the date and it was my parents 31st wedding anniversary. My dad had his secretary call back and politely decline with the information that it was his anniversary. Jimmy Carter's office immediately called back and said 'Bring your wife.' And when they boarded AirForceOne President Carter gave my mom Roses."

"Tuesday Night we had dinner in San Pedro and sat at a table beside the Carters, and we went over to take a quick picture with them, and he said on one condition that I get to have a picture alone with your mother. And he said to my mom I want you to know how much your family has meant to ours throughout the years. It was really nice for him to say that to my mom, he is a wonderful man."

Hahn's amazing stories of the relationship her family has with the Carter's only makes her involvement with the JCWP 2007 more special for her. She is constantly telling everybody how grateful she is for their hard work, and her final note was, "This is not a burden or a chore, this is going to change your life!"

A Brush With Kindness Gives a Home a Facelift

Donna Russell is a hard working mother of three, who moved into her house in 1978. She raised her family there, and all now attend college. One recently graduated from California State University, another is at UCLA and her son is in school to be a computer engineer. Donna is proud of her children, and is now eager to devote some time to her house.

Her house is 77 years old, and when she heard at a local neighborhood meeting that she could give her house some much needed repair, she jumped at the opportunity. She hoped that she had a chance to receive some help from A Brush With Kindness, and she seemed thrilled to have everybody there working on her home.

“Everything is wrong with it. There were at least 20 things wrong with the house from the plumbing on up. I had no back door, and they replaced it, they’ve replaced broken windows, I have an old furnace that hasn’t worked in at least 15 years, and they are even looking at that to see if they can get it working!” she said. Donna can’t wait to give back to Habitat for Humanity and help those like her. “The time that the volunteers put in is really heartwarming,” she said, “I wish I was retired so I could do this more often!”