Volunteer

Happy 90th Birthday, Cliff!

We’re so excited to celebrate long-time volunteer, Cliff Fales, as he turned 90-years young this year! Cliff first began volunteering to do odds and ends for Habitat in 1994 when the organization was very small and heavily relied on volunteers for administrative support. Shortly after starting his volunteer time with Habitat, the affiliate moved to a different office where Cliff was integral in acquiring 10 free computers – which was a huge deal at the time considering the affiliate only had 3 to begin with. Through the years Cliff has worn many hats at Habitat – including IT, software engineer, and data entry. We are so grateful for Cliff’s 28 years of volunteerism that he has devoted to Habitat’s mission.

Here are just a few of the fond sentiments that current and former Habitat staff shared about Cliff during his 90th birthday celebration:

“Cliff and I have worked together for the last three years, and he has been a wonderful volunteer. He is willing to help with whatever task is needed, whether it is data entry, filing paperwork, or sending out letters. He is a joy to work with, and has a huge passion for Habitat and our mission!” – Charlotte Sorum, volunteer manager.

“Cliff is one of those people who everyone naturally gravitates to.  He has lived so many “lives,” from music teacher to antique tool expert to self-taught IT guru, and he’s still learning every day.  But it’s not just his stories.  He’s unwaveringly kind with a wonderfully dry sense of humor and contagious lust for life that just energizes you.  Working with him is definitely one of the highlights of my week!” – Rachel Bailey, database administrator.

“When Cliff started at Habitat we worked on donated computers, none of which were on a network let alone the same brand. He was able to cobble together our sorry computers and finally move us into more productivity with his knowledge and curiosity of computer systems. What he didn’t know he’d ask his computer buddies at their meetings. He also did a ton of research on his own at his home computer lab, all benefitting us. Cliff was indispensable and loved by all the volunteers and staff!” – Lynne Brown, former Director of Administration and Finance

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