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Gulf Coast Update Archive
March 2010
- Volunteer spotlight
- Partner Family Spotlight
- Get involved: PGA Tour
- Lead a trip. Build an entire community and life-long relationships
- Make an Even Bigger Impact – Donate Today
- Send us Your Story
- Gulf Coast Update Archive
Volunteer spotlight
John Standley and Wayne Grant (collectively referred to as "John Wayne") led two groups totaling 16 volunteers to help build homes in South Mississippi. With them, the group brought a very generous donation of $3,332.00 to help in the affiliate's efforts. On the teams' last day on the Gulf Coast, it snowed in South Mississippi for the first time in several years. Schools were shut down, locals were excited/ panicked, and HFHMGC had to close down their jobsites. In the end, it snowed for approximately 10 minutes, and it didn't even stick to the ground. Nonetheless, South Mississippians were overjoyed to see snow in their very own back yard.
Because of the snow day, the TBWGCC volunteers were able to cook up a special treat for the AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers as well as other volunteers staying at Camp Victor. Wayne (a former chef) served up a first class dining experience at Camp Victor on the final night of their trip. The menu included: Caesar salad, garlic bread, blackened chicken and grilled shrimp. It was truly a treat for all who were lucky enough to experience it. After their 5-star dinner, the volunteers were able to walk out of the front doors at Camp Victor to experience a real, live Mardi Gras parade.
According to Wayne Grant, "Sixteen Thrivent Financial members and volunteers traveled from New Jersey to the Gulf Coast to help build homes. Imagine our surprise when we left the snowy North East to be greeted by snow in Gulfport! Despite the weather, team members had fun working on two HFH build sites culminating with a house blessing and the presentation of $3,332.00 in donations from congregations located in the area of the Southeast Jersey Shore Chapter of Thrivent Financial. On the worst day of weather, with the worksites closed, these sixteen volunteers purchased food and prepared a gourmet meal for other workers at Camp Victor to 'serve those who serve.'"
Partner Family Spotlight
HFHMGC to benefit from PGA Tour Stop – GET INVOLVED
Lead a trip. Build an entire community and life-long relationships.
Thrivent Financial has committed millions of dollars to help rebuild entire neighborhoods in Gulf CoastOn behalf of its members, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans committed $2.5 million to Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2008 to build up to 40 homes-nearly all in the Trace Lane community-and contribute to the affiliate's ability to serve more families. In 2009, Thrivent Financial built a new Community in Gulfport, Mississippi where it is committing an additional $1.7 million. And the work will continue in 2010!
Your enthusiasm and leadership skills are the catalyst to help your congregation, Lutheran group or local chapter of Thrivent Financial experience a life-changing trip. Take the lead and help build a home with a partner family in need of simple, decent, affordable housing.
- Learn more about becoming a team leader.
- Take advantage of the benefits of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans membership.
Make an Even Bigger Impact – Donate Today
Through the Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community program, Thrivent Financial members are helping families to rebuild their homes – and their lives – in the Missisippi Gulf Coast. But the need is still great:
- Only 15% of the homes along the Gulf Coast destroyed by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina have been rebuilt.
- Thousands of families are still living in unsafe, temporary housing.
- More than 100 families are in the pipeline, waiting for homes with Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Send us Your Story
Have you been part of a Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community trip? Do you have stories or photos you'd like to share with others? Send them to Nicole Doebert for consideration in future issues of the Gulf Coast Update. We want YOU to share the experience and inspire others to help!
Gulf Coast Update Archive
If you would like to read previous issues of the Gulf Coast Update, simply access the Gulf Coast Update Archive from this link or from the left navigation bar.