Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Vann Ferber

Inspired by President Obama’s call to service, Vann Ferber decided to answer that call at Habitat for Humanity East Bay. Serving beyond her office volunteer role, Vann Ferber recently stepped up to a greater challenge. When Habitat East Bay’s Donor Development Officer, Sue Howell, was looking for a volunteer to help her with our annual Build the Dream fundraiser, she needed someone with great telephone skills, who was persistent but pleasant, and who could coordinate all of the details that were necessary to communicate to our 25 table captains. This, according to Sue Howell, is not an easy task.

Vann not only worked with table captains but joined the planning committee so she could lend her creative skills wherever needed. Sue Howell was really impressed with Vann’s ‘can do’ spirit and believed that this was a dream event to coordinate, thanks to Vann’s amazing organizational skills. Sue says, “Van has a smile that lights up the room, and we are very grateful that she has chosen to spend every Wednesday with Habitat East Bay.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself? Besides volunteering with Habitat for Humanity East Bay what other things do you do with your time?

Besides volunteering with Habitat, I am President of the Co-op where I live. As a Co-op, the Board manages the apartment building, so we have to deal with all manner of things from finding a good painter to paint the building, overseeing the work of the gardener, settling disputes between tenants, to name a few of the tasks we deal with.

The other part of my life is a great deal more fun. I am lucky enough to have lived in various parts of the U. S. and in Japan, which translates into having friends and family in many parts of the country and the world. And that leads me to the best part of my life… Traveling! I do it as often as possible, which of course, is never quite enough. And then in my spare time I am taking a class in Chi Gong and knit tiny caps for premature babies.

How did you first get involved with Habitat East Bay?

President Obama is my reason for getting involved in Habitat. I’ve been thinking about Habitat since around 1976 when, while working in TV, we did a show with Jimmy Carter in which he discussed Habitat. It sounded like such a worthwhile project that I thought I’d like to volunteer, but then life kind of got in the way. More recently, I had worked in the Obama campaign and it was after he won that he sent out emails to everyone who had worked for him suggesting they stay involved in their respective communities. I finally said, “OK, the time has come for me to volunteer with Habitat,” and so I did.

What is your current role and level of involvement with us?

My current role is whatever is requested of me. My ego doesn’t get involved in what I do. My feeling is that whatever furthers the cause, from licking stamps, filing, to whatever, I don’t mind doing it.

What motivates you to continue with Habitat East Bay?

What motivates me? What about the organization doesn’t? I am very impressed with the well thought out organization, the commitment of the people who work here and well, the quality of the end product. I’m delighted to be a part of it.

 What have been your most memorable experiences?

I think working on the Build-A-Thon was my most memorable experience. To see that number of people committed to helping others on a sweltering hot day was something to behold. And then to see the joy of the families who work so hard to become homeowners, that’s the icing on the cake.
 What are your future projects or goals at Habitat East Bay?
 Whatever comes my way. Helping in any way that I can!

What is it like working with office staff? With office AmeriCorps members?

The office staff is ever and always helpful, cheerful and a delight to work with. I’ve been so impressed with AmeriCorps, I’ve asked them whether or not I’m too old to join!!!!

(Answer: You’re never too old to join AmeriCorps!)

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kcgobqowtek
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Reply #2 on : Sat December 31, 2011, 03:26:23

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Donyell
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Reply #1 on : Fri December 30, 2011, 07:38:32

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