Most people choose their careers based on potential pride, satisfaction of life goals, and how much money it will accrue. La Porte County Life in the Spotlight Bob Long has a job that makes him feel good about himself. He has mastered the art of raising funds- but he does it for other people.
Bob grew up in Western Pennsylvania. He came to Indiana for a degree in Radio and TV, (now referred to as Mass Communication). After Indiana University, he attended Ohio University for his Master’s Degree, bringing his wife with him. They moved back when he graduated, in 1975. Mrs. Long was born and raised in Michigan City.
“I love it here,” says Bob. “This is a great county and a great community to raise a family in. I like the Midwest in general, there are nice people here.”
The community has continued to grow and improve since Bob first moved here. That is due, in large part, to the hard work of local non-profits.
Bob wanted a career in broadcasting because of his penchant for working with people and an affinity for talking, but when he was introduced to the inner workings of a non-profit organization, it was those same traits that got him hooked into the non-profit world. He took a job writing newsletters for St. Anthony’s Hospital in Michigan City.
For the next thirty years, he stayed in the business of charity.
As Director of Development and Community Relations for the Cass County Council on Aging, he has met a lot of unique clients and heard their stories. The organization provided day-time services for the elderly, like tax preparation, lifelong learning, and leisure activities. Bob learned how to secure funds for the program’s budget. He attracted more donors to their cause, and ran campaigns that kept annual funding at $1.5 million.
He took this knowledge and applied it in the same role for the Meals on Wheels branch of the Visiting Nurse Association. Bob had previously worked for the VNA, under the same title, and acquired the foundation of his financial finesse. Bob watched hospice develop into a mainstream practice. He discovered an appreciation for the care they provide and made sure it stayed funded.
Bob now helps raise funds for the La Porte County Habitat for Humanity.
Successful fundraising happens, Bob says, when it’s local. "When someone can say, I donated money that helped build that house on Main Street. They can actually see the tangible benefit they were for the community,” explained Bob.
Habitat for Humanity is as "hands-on" as it gets. Donations are appreciated but if you want to get more involved, you can grab a hammer and build a wall.
Much of their labor is volunteered by neighbors and professionals alike. They require that the recipients of the house put in so many hours. They receive building supply donations and grants. Mortgages from previously built homes create a steady stream of income to be put back into more homes.
Contrary to popular belief, families who receive a Habitat for Humanity home do pay for it. The organization finances the homes themselves, so that they are able to grant ownership to people who may not have been able to get a traditional mortgage. They can also keep interest rates at zero percent.
“This is a winning strategy on so many levels. Families work hand in hand with volunteers that support them. If you see how your house is put together, you are better prepared for home repairs. It is also pride of ownership.”
Habitat for Humanity is a housing solution for people with a low income. Anyone, single or married, old, young, or disabled, with a need can apply.
The La Porte County branch is small but determined to grow.
Right now they are trying to raise $35,000 for a challenge match, to be contributed by an anonymous donor.
They run the La Porte County Habitat for Humanity Restore, which sells donated furniture and appliances at reduced prices to the people who need them. The money goes to Habitat for Humanity. Three groups benefit from the Restore: the organization gets much-needed donations, consumers get the products they desperately need to furnish their homes, and the people who donated get the relief of helping others instead of sending their unwanted items to a landfill.
On Saturday, October 15th, Habitat for Humanity will be increasing their public visibility with a concert hosted at 1st United Methodist Church in La Porte. Ken Medema, a blind performer, will turn scripture into stories and songs on the spot.
Bob Long is the web that ties each project together.
“I prefer to be behind the scenes and let the work speak for itself. There is so much need in the community, there is always work to be done," said Bob. "It’s important to get involved. You get an appreciation for what other families are going through. The first key to making a better world for everyone is to understand each other.”