FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathy Christensen
Beaches Habitat for Humanity
904-241-1222
kchristensenbh@bellsouth.net
BEACHES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S EDUCATION PROGRAM WINS NATIONAL AWARD
ATLANTIC BEACH – Beaches Habitat for Humanity has received the Clarence Jordan award from Habitat for Humanity International for its innovative education programs. The award is presented to Habitat affiliates that demonstrate creativity or innovation in affiliate operational areas including home design, fund-raising, and volunteer recruitment.
Beaches Habitat offers a variety of education programs. Thanks to the generous commitment of the Scheidel Foundation, 22 homeowners and youth have entered post-secondary programs, and more than 60 children participate in Beaches Habitat’s after-school activities each year. In partnership with the City of Atlantic Beach and supported by the Jaguar Foundation, Legacy Trust Company, BB&T, Comcast, Ponte Vedra Woman’s Club and others, Beaches Habitat for Humanity also provides tutoring in math and reading, physical fitness programs, and other opportunities for youth to participate in community events.
“Habitat for Humanity affiliates look for innovative ways to make life better for the families we serve,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “The ‘Clarence Jordan’ awards allow us to recognize vision and compassion and enable us to thank those who so faithfully carry out our mission.”
The Clarence Jordan award honors the legacy of Clarence Jordan, the founder of Koinonia Farm, a religious community in southwest Georgia. Known as the spiritual father of Habitat for Humanity, Jordan believed in helping the poor.
“At Beaches Habitat, we understand the role of education in creating economic opportunity and defeating poverty housing,” said Ralph Marcello. “Receiving the Clarence Jordan Award acknowledges the hard work and commitment of the volunteers, community partners and sponsors who make our education programs possible.”
About Beaches Habitat for Humanity
Beaches Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in the Jacksonville Beaches. As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we work in partnership with local families and volunteers to build simple, decent homes for qualified families in need. Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, we also offer college scholarships, after-school tutoring and rewards for academic excellence for our partner families. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.beacheshabitat.org.
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.
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