Fax:
(330) 263-2958
email:
habitat@sssnet.com
1451 Spruce St. Ext.
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Telephone:
(330) 263-1713
Wayne County Partner Families
You are what we are all about!
Partner Family Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 1
Spring 2009
Welcome to, what we hope is, the first Partner Family Newsletter from your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
The purpose of the newsletter is to keep you informed about topics and resources that may benefit you and your family. We hope to provide you with money-saving tips and ideas; information about maintaining the home you worked so hard to own; resources to help with you children’s learning; and so much more.
The newsletter is designed with you in mind, and you can make it better each time by sharing ideas or suggestions that may be helpful to other partner families. If you have a yummy recipe – share it! If you have a decorating tip that won’t cost a dime – share it! If you have a tip for canning vegetables – share it! Your feedback is important to us.
In the coming weeks our webpage (www.waynehabitat.org) will be expanded so you can view some of these tips from the comfort of your home. If you don’t have a computer, don’t worry, we can still send you a newsletter the good old fashioned way. If you would like to receive the newsletter in your email simply let us know by emailing habitat@sssnet.com.
The staff at Habitat for Humanity is always willing to answer questions or provide you with information, and we’re eager to hear how you are doing. Please feel free to stop in the office at 1451 Spruce Street Ext., Wooster (in the very south end of Wooster); or call us at 330-263-1713 or email us. We’d love to hear from you!
You are one of nearly 70 families that have realized home ownership through the Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County program. There are so many success stories; many life-altering moments and many dreams fulfilled. Together, you can help others achieve their dreams, too.
Tips to Get More Bang for your Buck!
Food Budget - Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days. One way to put a little extra money in your piggy bank is to think “outside the box”. That’s outside the packaged food box! On average, prepackaged food costs more than items made from scratch. So many of us grew up with boxed mac and cheese, or canned soups and vegetables. The fact is, by cooking from scratch you end up with more food that costs less per serving than prepackaged food. If you stick with buying fruits and vegetables that are in season you’ll save even more money. Another bonus to cooking from scratch is less fat, sodium and preservatives in our diets. Herbs add zip and spice to dishes at a pretty cheap price, too.
Home Repair Projects – If you have a repair project at home, check out the Habitat ReStore! The ReStore carries new and used building-related materials, the prices are already 50% - 75% below the original retail price, and you get an additional 20% off your total purchase. The ReStore is filled with lots of “good stuff that changes daily”. Remember to bring your discount card and picture I.D. when shopping at the ReStore. Can’t find your discount card? Let us know and we’ll send you a replacement.
We as Homeowners are Habitat’s greatest Ambassador. ALL of our actions as a neighbor and homeowner reflect back on this ministry. All of us who work at Habitat’s office appreciate the positive feedback we receive from the community concerning you as neighbors, it helps the ministry to grow in respect and donations. Please continue to be mindful of our responsibility to this ministry and to future Partner Families. God bless you all! Beth
Choices of Natural Gas Suppliers – It used to be you knew your telephone company, gas company, electric company and cable company. That’s because there was no choice. Now, there are endless choices for almost all of your utilities. Natural gas supply has been deregulated, which means you can choose who supplies your natural gas. To learn who can supply natural gas to you at the lowest possible rate contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) at 1-800-686-7826 or by going to www.puco.ohio.gov/puco/applestoapples/index.cfm then click on your current natural gas supplier (such as Dominion East Ohio). You’ll be able to see the rates of natural gas suppliers along the rate of your current supplier.
What’s Good on the Web?
There are countless websites and links on the internet, that sometimes it makes it hard to find what you’re really looking for.
We’ve found some websites that provide sound, useful information with you in mind.
If you’re interested in improving or taking control of your finances Habitat for Humanity International has a great online toolkit. To access it you’ll need to go to www.habitat.org; then click on “Try these recipes for financial fitness” on the left side of the opening page. From there click on the “Recipes for Financial Fitness Toolkit”. You’ll be able to test your financial knowledge, learn more about creating a budget, check cashing businesses and so much more.
If you’re looking for some information about home maintenance, repair or have general questions then check out www.home-smart.org. This website has videos of basic home repairs; tips to save on utilities; understanding how your home works, a monthly to-do list for your home and so much more.
For information on unemployment benefits, finding a better job, help with homework, healthy living, help with child support then you should go to www.beehive.org. This website is chock full of tips, information, step by step help and so much more. You’ll have to sign up on the website, but there is no cost to be a member, and the resources on the website are extremely helpful.
Another resource that isn’t on the internet is Bridges of Hope, which is a new volunteer-based organization here in Wayne County. The purpose of Bridges of Hope is to provide people working to get out of poverty with new skills, help getting off government assistance and the chance to make lasting friendships. If you’re interested in Bridges of Hope contact Carolyn Basista of United Way at 330-264-5576.
Do you know us? Do we Know you?
Have we met? Do you know us? Those may sound like silly questions, but the truth is, some partner families have been a part of Habitat longer than most of us who work here.
Please know that you are always welcome to call us if you need help or have questions. You also can stop in anytime just to visit, you are what we are all about.
Who we are:
Iva Byler - Assistant ReStore Manager
Jane DalPra - Director
Larry Hughes - Construction Manager
Joanne Leaman - Family Support and Volunteer Coordinator
Ron Scherzinger - ReStore Manager
Jessie Smith - Customer Service and Driver for the ReStore
Jeff Vincent - Accounting
Beth Weaver - Faith Relations and Office Coordinator
Our latest house was purchased by the Simmerman Family on Gasche Street in Wooster. Welcome Simmermans!
Never hesitate to come on site. Meet our newest Partner Families and work with the best volunteers in the nation!
"YOU ALSO CAN STOP IN ANYTIME JUST TO VISIT, YOU ARE WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT.”
