'A bittersweet moment': After 25 years, Fox Valley Habitat chief set to retire
After 25 years, the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity executive director who has led 71 affordable housing projects will retire from his position on Friday, Aug. 30.
The Rev. Jeffrey Barrett serves as pastor at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery, site of Habitat offices. He was saluted Saturday, Aug. 24, at a groundbreaking ceremony for Habitat's 75th project in a field at 1920 Jericho Road in Aurora. The field is Habitat's future home for a 17-home Green Freedom subdivision.
Barrett announced his retirement in an Aug. 23 email to Habitat friends. It was co-signed by Mark Knox, Habitat board vice chair, who will become interim executive director.
The pastor said Sunday his resignation is effective Friday, Aug. 30. “What remains unchanged is our unwavering commitment to Habitat for Humanity's mission, to our community, and to the families we serve” said the pastor and Knox.
In remarks Saturday, Knox said “This (Rev. Barrett's retirement) is very sad news. This is a bittersweet moment. We are happy for Jeff. The Habitat board of directors wish Jeff nothing but the best.”
U.S. Congressman Bill Foster and Kane County board chairman Corinne Pierog joined Knox in commending Rev. Barrett for his service.
Rick Loufek, Habitat board chair, emceed the ceremony. Maritza Velazquez, youth leader at Fresh Start City Church in Aurora, gave an opening prayer.
U.S. Congressman Bill Foster and Corinne Pierog, Kane County board chair, brought words from the community. Loufek introduced partners in the Faith Build, a collaboration of local faith communities providing monetary and volunteer support.
Partners commenting were the Rev. Duane Mevis, Naperville, Habitat founding father in 1988; Rev. Tammy Scott, lead pastor, Wesley United Methodist Church, Aurora; Rev. Eric Blachford, pastor, Grace UMC Naperville; and Lisa Farley, owner, Accurate Door, Aurora.
Future Habitat homeowner Mireya Augilera read a statement expressing appreciation for Habitat's partnership. She was accompanied by husband Humberto and children Remi, Itzak and Christian.
A closing prayer was given by Minister Bernard Marrow, founder and president of By Faith We Good Ministry, Inc., in Aurora. Rev. Barrett led group singing of “Holy Ground” and “Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow.” Alex Dewane of Genesis Community Church provided guitar accompaniment.
Donations of cash, construction materials and licensed labor are sought for the Aguilera home. It is part of Habitat Green Freedom, a 17-home Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood.
Founded in 1988 and based at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery, Fox Valley Habitat is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International of Americus, Ga., a grass-roots effort launched in 1976. The Christian housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries.
Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home.
Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, Habitat believes everyone can help families in need of affordable shelter to achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.
To learn more, call (630) 859-3333 or visit www.foxvalleyhabitat.org.