Guest Post: Local Habitats reflect on facilitated collaboration

Editor's Note: Mike Mansfield is the CEO of Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. The five Habitat for Humanity affiliates in our Southwest-Florida region are collaborating with the help of a facilitator. 

As the leader of Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity, I have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to work more closely with my habitat colleagues from DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota and South Sarasota.

This opportunity came about through The Patterson Foundation (TFP). Nearly two years ago, TPF invited the five Habitat affiliates to a presentation at their offices. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since the invitation included my board chair and board treasurer.

I was pleasantly surprised to see all of the local Habitat affiliates in attendance. Like me, I’m sure they were wondering about the foundation’s motives.

Fast forward.

Collaborating can be a difficult undertaking but with the help of Jerry Wilterding, a facilitator provided by the foundation, this was a very manageable process. Jerry’s professionalism and expertise helped us stay on task and make great strides as a group. Without his help I feel we would have all strayed in our own directions.

Our efforts have led to best practices being shared, affiliates increasing benefits to their employees as well as saving money on building supplies. All of these actions help us do what we do best: build homes for families.

We are extremely grateful to The Patterson Foundation for the opportunity to continue forging partnerships and to be able to work with someone like Jerry. We are now exploring future partnership opportunities and I look forward to sharing our progress with other Habitat affiliates and donors.