Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County’s “Building Hopes & Dreams Together” gala, held on Friday, June 24, at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club, was a resounding success, celebrating the impactful career of E. George Rusaw, the organization’s first paid CEO/President since 2011. The event also introduced Justin Leech as the incoming successor, marking a pivotal moment for the nonprofit.

Under Rusaw’s invaluable leadership, HFHCC has experienced unprecedented growth, profoundly impacting countless lives in Citrus County. His tenure saw the construction of over 200 homes, providing safe, affordable housing to families in need. His visionary leadership also spearheaded the development of significant communities such as Southern Pines and Habitat at Citrus Springs – the largest single-family home development undertaken by a Habitat affiliate across the United States. Both endeavors have dramatically expanded the organization’s reach and capacity to serve.

Born on October 21, 1952, Mr. Rusaw is a distinguished figure with a long and storied career in the building and development industry. He holds active licenses as a Residential Contractor, Pool and Spa Contractor, and Real Estate Sales Associate, showcasing his comprehensive expertise. Before joining HFHCC, Rusaw contributed significantly to his family’s firm, which was responsible for building an impressive 3,200 homes between 1956 and 1976. In 1976, he founded BGRusaw, Inc./Rusaw Homes, where he successfully completed approximately 2,200 projects and developed multiple residential communities before 2008.

Rusaw’s commitment to community and industry leadership extends far beyond his direct building endeavors. His extensive service includes being recognized as the 1993 Florida Builder of the Year by the Florida Home Builder Association. He also co-founded and served three terms as President of the Citrus County Builders Association, and for a decade, he chaired the Citrus County Builders Association Governmental Affairs Committee. Nationally, he chaired the Florida Home Builders Association Legal Action Committee and dedicated 10 years to serving on the Citrus County Planning and Development Review Board.

“George Rusaw’s dedication and transformative leadership have laid an incredible foundation for Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County,” said Ron Daly, HFHCC Board Chairman. “His vision has not only provided homes but has built stronger families and a more vibrant community. While we will deeply miss his daily presence as CEO, we are excited to welcome Justin Leech, who will undoubtedly continue this vital work with passion and dedication.”

The gala served as a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Rusaw’s extraordinary contributions and a moment to look forward to the future under Justin Leech’s leadership. We extend our sincere gratitude to Bailey Vaughn, our newest Habitat homeowner, for serving as the keynote speaker and sharing her inspiring story. We also want to recognize Julie Mancini Photography for expertly capturing the evening as our official event photographer and DJ Trae for keeping our crowd entertained and dancing to the beat of his tunes.

The resounding spirit of collaboration and the rhythmic beat of hammers defined Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County’s Women Build 2025, a powerful two-day event that showcased an inspiring display of unity and skill.

The event kicked off on Saturday, April 26th, with 40 dedicated women volunteers pouring their energy into building brighter futures, collectively contributing over 160 hours of invaluable labor across four distinct home build sites. These remarkable women, a mix of community leaders, civic champions, and everyday individuals, tackled crucial construction tasks with enthusiasm and precision. From the foundational installation of sturdy ox board to the meticulous application of durable vinyl siding, and the completion of other essential steps on stick-frame houses, their combined efforts laid a tangible foundation for safe, stable, and affordable housing for Citrus County families. The focus extended beyond construction, fostering an atmosphere of empowerment and camaraderie as women supported women in a collective mission to empower local families on their journey to homeownership.

Building on the strong momentum of the first day, Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County (HFHCC) had another successful Women Build on Saturday, May 3rd, with an additional 23 volunteers contributing 90 hours of sweat equity toward the completion of four future Habitat homes.

Justin Leech, Chief Operating Officer for HFHCC, echoed the sentiment, “The energy and commitment we witnessed over both Saturdays were truly remarkable. These incredible women came together with a shared purpose, not just to build houses, but to build hope and opportunity within our community. Their hard work and dedication are a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.”

The resounding theme of this year’s build, “We Nailed It!”, has proven to be more than just a spirited slogan – it’s a tangible reality brought to life through the sweat, skill, and unwavering dedication of these inspiring women.

Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County extends its deepest gratitude to all the women who generously volunteered their time and talent, as well as the sponsors and supporters who made this impactful event possible. Their collective efforts are not just constructing houses; they are building stronger, more resilient families and a more vibrant Citrus County for all.

Women Build was sponsored by Wells Business Solutions. Meals for Saturday, April 26, were provided by Wawa, while meals for the Saturday, May 3, event were provided by Habitat ReStore employees and volunteers.

The organization encourages the community to stay informed about future Women Build events and other volunteer opportunities by visiting their website at www.habitatcc.org and following their Facebook page Citrus County Habitat for Humanity.

State Farm grant to Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County

As Bailey Vaughn swings a hammer, she can’t help but talk about what lays ahead for her and her family.

“Homeownership.”

As a single mother of two boys, ages 3 and 1, as well as a small business owner, being a part of the Partner Family program with Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County gives Vaughn “hope.”

“Professionally, as an entrepreneur, I can continue to positively impact my community through my business,” said the 28-year-old who owns and operates Art in Motion Conservatory of Dance in the city of Dunnellon. “Personally, as a future homeowner, I get to meet my neighbors while we work together to build our neighborhood. As a family, for my two sons who are 3 and 1, it means they will have a safe and consistent home to grow up in.”

Vaughn admits that she never thought homeownership was possible, especially while raising two children and having just opened her own business two-and-half years ago. She said she was aware of Habitat for Humanity’s presence and footprint in Citrus County.

“It had not occurred to me that my little family would be a candidate to participate in the program until I spoke to a homeowner who had gone through the partner family program and I realized that it is families like mine that this organization exists to help,” she said, adding the homeowner offered words of encouragement and guidance to successfully navigate the program to becoming a homeowner.

But it’s not just the advice and encouragement of current HFHCC homeowners, it’s partnership with State Farm®, which provided a grant of $10,000, that help purchase materials and supplies to build her family’s new home.

Together, State Farm® and Habitat are making that dream come one step closer to reality.

“State Farm has been a long-time steadfast supporter of HFHCC,” said COO Justin Leech. “It’s because of partnerships with companies such as State Farm that we are able to play a role in helping families achieve the American dream that is homeownership.”

“State Farm is proud to support Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County efforts to build affordable homes in our community” said Jose Soto, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “This grant, along with State Farm associates volunteering with Habitat, reflects our commitment to helping families achieve their dream of homeownership.”

Bailey Vaughn shares a laugh with volunteers as she grabs a handful of additional nails to finish installing ox board sheathing on a future Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County house in its development in Citrus Springs.

The Insight Credit Union Community Foundation recently awarded Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County a $1,000 grant, believing HFHCC’s and Insight Community Foundation’s visions align with each other.

“Thank you for allowing Insight Community Foundation the opportunity to support such a worthy cause,” exclaimed Cyndi Jones, chairman of Insight Community Foundation Inc.

The grant funding provided by the Insight Community Foundation will be used toward its Vital Community Housing and Stability Initiatives, which includes homeowner education and financial literacy classes for successful homeownership after family partners complete the HFHCC Home Ownership program.

Additional classes available to them include mental health awareness, how to be a good neighbor, security and safety protocols.

“Homebuyer education is a very intricate part of our program and we couldn’t do it without community partners like Insight Community Foundation,” said Christine Erick, HFHCC’s Family Services Director.

Habitat for Humanity offers a “hand up,” not a “hand out” to income-qualified families who are unable to secure conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives.

Key initiatives include empowering these partner families through education, resources and support to successfully achieve their personal, academic and professional goals; teaching partner families the skills and attitudes needed to make positive life choices.

For more information about HFHCC or its homeownership program, visit www.habitatcc.org/programs/.

The Capital City Bank Group Foundation recently awarded Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County a $5,000 grant, believing HFHCC’s vision aligns with the goals of Capital City Bank’s

Bart Bennett, right, Vice President Business Banker for Capital City Bank Inverness, presents Christine Erick, left, Director of Family Services for HFHCC, with the $5,000 check from Capital City Bank Group Foundation.

Group Foundation.

“At Capital City Bank, we proudly support organizations that build strong communities by enhancing the quality of life where we live and do business,” said Brooke Hallock, Chief Brand Officer with Capital City Bank, noting since 1885 Capital City Bank has invested in “initiatives that contribute to building a strong community. Today, we are still striving to be a catalyst in engaging and supporting associate volunteerism and involvement.”

The grant funding provided by the Capital City Bank Group Foundation will be used toward its Vital Community Housing and Stability Initiatives, which includes homeowner education and financial literacy classes for successful homeownership after family partners complete the HFHCC Home Ownership program.

Additional classes available to them include mental health awareness, how to be a good neighbor, security and safety protocols.

“Homebuyer education is a very intricate part of our program and we couldn’t do it without community partners like Capital City Bank,” said Christine Erick, HFHCC’s Family Services Director.

Habitat for Humanity offers a “hand up,” not a “hand out” to income-qualified families who are unable to secure conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives.

Key initiatives include empowering these partner families through education, resources and support to successfully achieve their personal, academic and professional goals; teaching the youth of future homeowner families the skills and attitudes needed to make positive life choices.

For more information about HFHCC or its homeownership program, visit www.habitatcc.org.