An intergenerational, Ecumenical Event:
Habitat Build Kick-Off
Thursday, July 24 | 7:00 PM
— 2200 E Enterprise Street, Grandview

Since 1994, First Presbyterian Church has joined twelve partnerships to build Habitat for Humanity homes through Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County where low income families purchase homes with no interest mortgages. Three years ago, our church joined with many youth groups in the area to sponsor the first all youth build, involving young people, ages 5 to 25, in both the planning and the construction of a Habitat home.

Last year, a deeply dedicated group of young people planned and built their third beautiful three-bedroom home. This year, young people will be building another three-bedroom home with Brandon and Jessica Williams and their three children, Colton (5), Connor (3), and Sarah (1) in the 2200 block of East Enterprise in Grandview. Many area colleges, high schools, junior high schools, and churches are represented on these builds.

Emma Frederick is once again serving as Coordinator of the Kids Program. If you would like to involve any children in your family between the ages of 5 and 12, contact her (801-3211). Last year, kids in this age range served on the Steering Committee, painted the large on-site sign, made and served food to the volunteers, and created a banner for the Dedication Ceremony. This year, we hope to also involve kids in our ambitious fund-raising activities where the young people have committed to raising at least $10,000. There are still some openings on the Steering Committee for youths between ages 5 and 25. Contact Don Ecklund (787-7810) if you want to sign-up.

Many adults with ties to First Church have also volunteered over the years to help nurture the young people on these builds. Adults involved in the build this year include Jeri Frederick, Duane Slater, Tim Koschmann, Greg Krutsinger, Terry Finney, Jim Enlow, and Don Ecklund. Of course, many many more church members continue to serve in the extremely important supportive roles in Habitat builds such as providing delicious food for the volunteers.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the construction phase of the build, which takes place between July 24 and November 9, is encouraged to pick up a volunteer form at church. After the first two blitz weekends (Friday and Saturday), the rest of the work on this home will be completed on Saturdays. The Kickoff of the build will be Thursday, July 24, 7:00 p.m. and the Dedication and Shower will be Sunday, November 9, 2:00 p.m. Both of these events will be in Grandview (2200 E Enterprise St.) where the home is being built. Anyone interested in getting involved in the planning phase of the build or wishing further information should contact Don Ecklund (217-787-7810).