PRESIDENT'S CORNER

In our HabiChat banner is Habitat's new logo. A brand value study conducted in 2002 found that in the United States the name "Habitat for Humanity" was recognized by more than 90 percent of the public. Our logo, on the other hand, was identified by less than 10 percent of the public. Habitat hopes the new logo will improve the public's recognition of not only our name but also our logo. In St. Johns County, Habitat is also concerned about the public's perception of who we are and what we do. Most believe that all we do is build houses. That is certainly our most visible activity, but just as important, we build up families and prepare them for home ownership with a number of workshops. Our scholarship program and Prep Club provide tangible incentives for Habitat children to be the best they can be in school. Some people believe they have no skills that we could use, so there is no point in volunteering. However, we welcome any and all volunteers and train them as needed. Many are amazed at what they can do when given a chance and a little training. Karen Hunsicker, our Volunteer Coordinator, will assist you in determining how you can help. We are blessed with many supporters who believe we are engaged in worthy work and are managing our resources responsibly. I can assure you that our Board of Directors, who have the ultimate responsibility for who we are, what we do and how we do it, takes their governing role very seriously.

Eliot Smith, Board President