Volunteer Recognition
About Volunteer Spotlight
What makes Habitat for Humanity amazing? The volunteers do! Volunteers are essential to our mission and existence in our mission to eliminate poverty housing from the community. Volunteers lead with their hearts serving Habitat through committee membership, construction work, fundraising efforts, office projects, as a board member and so much more. As staff we have tales of many unsung heroes: Here is the story of one of them.
The January 2012 Outstanding Leadership Award is presented to:
Steve Rentz
Habitat for Humanity is honored to name the second recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award, Steve Rentz. In the 21 years Habitat for Humanity has built in the South Central Minnesota community, Steve has offered an enormous amount of support and help to the organization in a variety of ways. Steve began his journey with Habitat as the concrete provider for the basements of homes. As the president for Superior Concrete Block, Steve says he was interested in combining his profession with the worthwhile cause of Habitat for Humanity. Two years ago, Steve and his company expanded their involvement with Habitat by aiding in the construction of homes.
Steve not only provides concrete for homes but also his valuable time to Habitat for Humanity. For six years, Steve served on the affiliate board of Habitat. His assistance helped make Habitat grow within the community. Steve says one of his favorite parts of working with Habitat was to watch the organization grow and touch the lives of families in the area.Steve sites the completion of first insulated concrete house on Roger Street in Mankato as his proudest moment with Habitat. Today, Roger Street boasts several charming homes that Steve and his company helped build.
While Steve loved seeing the end result of the homes, it was the relationships he gained with the staff and the families of Habitat for Humanity he treasures most. Those connections gave him the motivation to continue working with Habitat. Steve says he loved watching the organization grow in the community and benefit the lives of many grateful families. “When it comes down to it, I enjoyed working with the people. It kept me going and gave me a great sense of accomplishment.”
Steve encourages others to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity of South Central MN is honored to work with such a wonderful person. If you are interested in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of South Central MN, like Steve, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Kelli Hanson at 507-388-2081 or habitatsc@hickorytech.net.
The January 2012 Spotlight is on…
Don Glimsdal
Don Glimsdal is the epitome of the term “go-getter.” This proud husband and loving grandfather retired several years ago from a long, fruitful career in the agricultural seed industry and upon receiving newfound free-time he set out to give back to the community. When one ponders the work conducted by the St. Peter Partnering Community, constructing twenty homes, one cannot do so without visualizing Don Glimsdal. He is a staple and figurehead regularly volunteering his time as the St. Peter Construction Crew Leader and Site Supervisor. Habitat is beyond grateful for all the help Don has provided for our organization, words do not serve our appreciation for him justice.
When asked what drew Don to volunteering at Habitat he commented, “I always appreciated what was being done at Habitat.” In reflecting upon his long career of volunteering for Habitat, his most rewarding and proud moment is always the same. “My proudest moment is seeing tears of joy on people’s faces once they see the house. They have no way of visualizing they would become a homeowner before this program.”
Don’s motivated attitude keeps him giving back to the community. As a St. Peter resident for about 25 years, Don likes staying active. Habitat for Humanity is just one of many organizations Don lends his time to. In addition to volunteering for Habitat for Humanity Don volunteers for Nicollet Nursing Services as a cab driver. He also used to deliver for Meals on Wheels. Don says he is “always doing something.” “I’m not a person who can sit in a rocking chair. Woodworking has been my hobby all my life and I want to put my carpentry skills to good use.”
Don encourages other people to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He says it’s an extremely rewarding experience. Habitat for Humanity of South Central MN is honored to have worked and continue to work with such an amazing and inspiring person. If you are interested in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of South Central MN, like Don, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Kelli Hanson at 507-388-2081 or habitatsc@hickorytech.net.