A recent success story is about Manny, a single father of four, who entered the Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity program two years ago. The family was living in a high-rent two-bedroom home with various issues creating an unhealthy living environment. Despite working with the same employer for fifteen years, Manny has been unable to improve his living situation. Manny, determined to provide a healthier more stable life for himself and his children, applied and qualified for the Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity homeownership program.
The earth was blessed, and the ground was broken for Manny’s home in July of 2019 to build a home for Manny and his children. With the partnership of Avery Dennison and their financial generosity, Manny and his children will build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable home ownership.
Manny is now the new owner of a home in Painesville, Ohio, thanks to Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity with support from partners like Avery Dennison. On December 1, 2019, Manny accepted the keys and a thirty year no interest mortgage to his new home during a dedication ceremony that included a home blessing and presentation of a check from Avery Dennison to Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity.
Throughout the last several month dozens of Northeast Ohio Avery Dennison employees volunteered to help build the home — caulking walls, installing windows and painting during two build dates coordinated by Jon Sweitzer, application consultant, LPM-NA.
“When the local Habitat for Humanity approached us for support, we organized the two build dates and many employees signed up to help,” Jon said. “The giving spirit inspired by Stan Avery lives on.”
In addition to the volunteer assistance, Avery Dennison provided financial support to the tune of more than $31,000 to be shared for Manny’s home and a home that will be built in Lake County beginning in the Spring of 2020 for an already approved family. The total includes a grant from the Avery Dennison Foundation, proceeds from the LGM-NA Supplier Meeting, and money raised from an employee golf outing.
When accepting the check from Jon Sweitzer, Kathleen Munch, Community Engagement Director for Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity, said, “we would not be able to complete our mission without the generosity of supporters like Avery Dennison. They make community giving a priority and we can’t thank them enough.”
Pictured In Cover Photo: From left to right, Jon Sweitzer and Kathleen Munch, photo courtesy of Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity
