Alison Specter, development director, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Specter
Alison Specter recently joined Habitat for Humanity after working for Partnership for a Heart-Healthy, Stroke-Free Massachusetts. In this WBJ Q&A she talks about how her new job includes elements of being both a writer and a missionary.
Vital Stats:
- Age: 49
- Residence: Sutton
- Family: Husband Larry and children Annalisa and Joel
- Education: M.A. in human services management, Worcester State College; B.A. in English/sociology, State University of New York at Potsdam; graduate of Blackstone Valley Leadership Program
- Previous job: Fund Development Consultant, Partnership for a Heart-Healthy, Stroke-Free Massachusetts
- Start date at new job: February 2, 2009
Q. How are you settling in at your new office?
A. The staff here is great! Very generous with their time and enthusiastic about the organization's mission. They've welcomed me warmly and I feel very much at home in my new office, which is located in the MassInnovation Center in Fitchburg. Formerly the Anwelt Shoe Company, the 1880s mill building maintains elements of its historic past. I like the feel of the building very much.
Q. What's the biggest surprise you've had in starting the job?
A. I was familiar with Habitat International as a mission-based organization. I didn't know about the partnerships that are formed through the Habitat for Humanity experience. The houses that are built are constructed in partnership with the homeowner who must invest sweat equity in the build - between 300 to 500 hours, based on whether it will be a single- or dual-adult household. The homeowner purchases his or her house with the help of Habitat's no-interest loan. Volunteers from every walk of life work on the project side by side with the family under the supervision of a Habitat construction manager. The end result is a deepening of connectedness to those with whom we share the experience and the feeling that we are here to do good together. It can be a very spiritual experience.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. Many people think of Habitat for Humanity as a service organization that operates primarily down south or in foreign lands. We serve 25 towns right here in North Central Massachusetts. My goal is to become acquainted with people throughout the region and to educate others as to the impact Habitat has had locally. Last year our office facilitated the construction of four homes in North Central Mass. and we have another four prospects this year - each in a different community within the region.
Q. How different is this job from your previous position?
A. I've been involved with fund development for 15 years now. I work for nonprofit organizations that have missions that I believe are important. Working as a consultant, I worked from home. With Habitat, I share an office with others and enjoy the stimulation that in-person collaboration provides.
Q. How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A. In high school, I wanted to be a writer. A big part of my job is written communication - grant proposals, letters, articles - to convey the significance of the work performed. I also wanted to be a missionary for a period of my life. I guess in a way, this position is a realization of both dreams.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A. Mill No. 3 Farmstand - a great little deli in Fitchburg.
Q. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
A. Celebrating the construction of Habitat for Humanity's house number 100 in North Central Massachusetts. As of today, there are 19 homes built - each of which stands because of the dedicated effort of those who raised the money, contributed materials, and volunteered their labor. Each house is a testament to the very best in what we and our community can be.
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