New board members are Barb Becker, Jim Culpepper, Joe Ford, Ivet Guzman, Kendra Lesiak, and Brook Sautter. Board members serve three-year terms and may serve two consecutive terms.

Habitat's working board members serve on committees that include Building, Family Selection, Family Support, Church Relations, Finance, Fund Raising and Public Relations. Each committee has responsibilities and oversight pertaining to Habitat's overall housing ministry.

Officers elected for 2008 are Daryl Kelley, president; Lachelle Beltz, vice president; Holly Theis, treasurer; Justin Graybill, assistant treasurer; and Cheri Fierstein, secretary.

Board members retiring after fulfilling their terms were Mary Chmelka and Mike McDonald. Each was thanked for their service to the board and Habitat's mission.

Habitat for Humanity works to make safe, affordable housing available to low-income families. Through this partnership program, selected families help build homes that they will one day own.

"Partner Families" repay Habitat the cost to build the homes with a no-interest loan. Currently, this "Fund for Humanity" can pay for one home construction a year.

Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity serves all or part of four counties. Current board and committee members come from several communities, including Grand Island, Aurora, Boelus, Cairo, Central City, Chapman, Doniphan, Phillips, Wood River and Farwell.

Anyone interested in serving in a leadership position with Habitat for Humanity, should contact Dana Jelinek at the Habitat for Humanity office, 385-5510.

During the affiliate's annual planning, board and committee members of Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity meet to evaluate the overall ministry, brainstorm ideas for improvement and expansion, and coordinate projects.

Projects for the upcoming building season include the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Build, the Home Builders Blitz, and the sixth annual All Church Build.