Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity attended their annual state conference in July, where they were awarded two top honors for outstanding volunteer participation – Outstanding Community Partner of the Year and Outstanding Leadership Volunteer of the Year – at the State Impact Awards Dinner. The awards honor the commitment of Volunteers from TCAT and local Pastor, Tim Chesson.
Outstanding Community Partner of the Year was awarded to TCAT Upper Cumberland. CCHFH has had the pleasure and good fortune of working alongside the students enrolled in the Building Construction Technology courses through their volunteer efforts to assist with various aspects of the affiliate home building process. For over three years, the students at TCAT have volunteered their time to our buildings doing everything from roofing to subfloors.
Under the leadership of an instructor from TCAT and the guidance of CCHFH Director of Construction, Brian Sohl, the students have learned on the job how to rough frame, set trusses, and sheath roofs. They also do everything in between. The CCHFH team of volunteers is comprised largely of retirees who find it difficult to complete many of these tasks. “When TCAT shows up, it is known there will be quality work done efficiently and safely,” said Brian Sohl.
Community partnerships are so important to CCHFH, and they have one of the best with TCAT. Aside from on-the-job training, the students have an opportunity to help build homes in their own communities and see the impact volunteering with Habitat can have, even in the smallest of ways.
Outstanding Leadership Volunteer was presented to Pastor Tim Chesson. When Pastor Tim isn’t traveling as part of his work leading Faith Worship Center in Crossville, he is dropping by the office to see if affiliate staff needs anything. He kindly and considerately takes lunch orders from those who have project deadlines or just can’t leave the office for lunch that day. He enthusiastically attends our community events to share the mission of Habitat with as many folks as possible. He assists with event set ups and take downs like it’s no big deal, even though we know it’s not always easy.
Without fail, Pastor Tim and his congregation are always the first to step up as event sponsors and participants for Habitat. The times he has spoken up to help offset an event expense or asked how he and his congregation can help are too many to count.
When individuals or families in the homeownership program are preparing for home blessings or dedications and need additional support from a church family or pastor, Pastor Tim is always delighted to lend his faith, wisdom, and love of Habitat to the occasion to make sure that the event is heartfelt, meaningful and one of the most special days of the family’s lives. Most importantly, he gives praise and glory to God for the impact made, provisions, and the body of Christ that CCHFH gets to be as a housing ministry. CCHFH Executive Director, Vanessa Petty added, “We are thrilled to honor Pastor Tim Chesson as the Outstanding Leadership Volunteer of the Year in Tennessee. His selfless service and inspirational leadership remind us of the incredible power of community and faith in action. Congratulations and thank you for showing us the true meaning of dedication and compassion.”
CCHFH is blessed with the most devoted and loyal volunteers around. If you would like more information about volunteering with CCHFH contact them directly at 931-484-4565.
