Rarely does one individual have the power to bring an impacting change to multiple groups of people. But PPHFH has found that source of impacting change in Pauleta Terven. Pauleta has been a driving force behind Thrivent Builds for Lutherans for five years - meaning FIVE Habitat homes are a direct result of Pauleta’s hard work, tenacity, and patience in organizing and rallying area Lutheran congregants. Pauleta first began working with Habitat on a joint house build between Lutherans and Episcopalians. The “hand-up” aspect of Habitat’s program made a lasting impression on her. As a Food Service manager at Memorial Hospital, she worked with extremely hard workers who just couldn't make ends meet so she decided to do something about it. As the Thrivent coordinator for five houses, she loves helping families in the margins and loves hearing that volunteers get just as much out of their experience serving others as the partner families. The confidence-boosting aspect of volunteering on a Habitat home is another draw for Pauleta. She often hears people say, "I didn't know I could do that!" 

Pauleta has helped mobilize hundreds of volunteers over the years at Habitat resulting in significant life-changes for low-income families. By presenting this award we hope to show our appreciation of her hard work and dedication.

Linda Fuller Award- Sandy Duvall

Sandy Duvall is an invaluable part of our Family Services Program and has been for several years. She initially became involved as a member of the Family Selection Committee, helping process the hundreds of applications we receive from families in need and conducting interviews with prospective families. Later, when it became important to have better communication between the Family Selection and Family Partnership committees, she stepped forward to act as liaison, ensuring a smooth transition for families accepted into the Habitat program. She is always ready to lend a hand with whatever is needed and her consistency and reliability have proved a strong asset to Habitat.

To reach all of the families who apply for Habitat homes, it requires the help of fantastic and committed volunteers like Sandy. 

Journeyman Award- Leroy Springer

Leroy Springer and his company, Springer Electric, have been a part of the Habitat family for almost a decade. Leroy has done the electrical work in countless Habitat homes in El Paso County. He has worked behind the scenes to help Habitat run smoothly and safely, and has never sought any recognition throughout his dedicated years of service. Leroy continues to be warm and friendly to the entire staff and the volunteers while he works near them at the construction site and remains a significant asset to the organization.

Leroy plays a huge part in helping Pikes Peak Habitat provide safe, decent, affordable housing for almost one hundred families in need!

Volunteer Group of the Year- Colorado Springs Utilities

Colorado Springs Utilities groups volunteer once every quarter. They work hard at the Habitat construction site throughout every season and are always wonderful to work with (even in the cold winter months). They have been involved in every phase of construction and have excelled. They frame, they paint, they lay roof tiles, and they even build fences. Our site supervisors and regular volunteers especially love working with them because they always bring great attitudes and a tasty lunch to share with everyone – and smoothies too! In addition to their continuous support and participation in Habitat’s mission, this year CSU took part in our annual Hike for Habitat. Not only did they sponsor the Hike, they also provided the water buffalo truck for water bottle refills.

CSU is a company full of wonderful people and we are proud to have them volunteer with us anytime!

Golden Hammer Award- Mike Matkin

Mike Matkin came to us as a volunteer in the ReSTORE a few years ago. From there, he became even more involved as a Board Member, and now is currently serving as the President of the PPHFH Board of Directors. He is involved in as many inner workings at Habitat as is possible for one person. Mike also attends as many committee meetings as he can so that he has an understanding and involvement in every part of the organization. He is always in attendance at Habitat events; from home dedications to the Annual Hike for Habitat he is a steadfast and faithful Habitat champion. 

Even on vacations, Mike and his wife, Karen (with whom he shares his award), chose to work with out-of-state Habitat affiliates. In 2008, their summer vacation was spent in New Orleans building a home for a Hurricane Katrina victim. This past summer, they built with the Habitat affiliate in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Mike is a wonderful person and valuable volunteer. We are blessed to have him as a part of this organization. We hope this award shows Mike how thankful we are for everything he does for Habitat.