Thoughts of “home”, a view of HFH Hungary at this stage, and my thanks to KC HFH…

Though theoretically a ways away as yet, I look forward to returning home to connect live with stateside family and friends, on site class attendance at OCC, building at New Hope, and much, much more.

Kudos and thanks to the Kitsap County affiliate staff and “family” for sending templates, encouragement, and keeping me in the loop. I am looking to apply what we do there as a template for building something that may go a long way towards lifting up the programs here... and that's really what this kind of appointment is about… and as I wrote for electronic “helps” from the office, also freely acknowledge that it beats totally reinventing the wheel [laughing]

Gabi, HFH Szarvas project manager, and I have talked at length about how we do things in Kitsap County… those conversations led to a first meeting with a portion of the local HFH board and their family selection committee to introduce possibilities here. If we can successfully pilot one or more of the things talked about here in Szarvas, perhaps it will provide inspiration/ acceptance nationally as well. As I understand it, the Hungarian national office once operated more similarly to my experience of the HFH “template” in the states. Changes in staff and international status from a “focus” country (with substantial outside support) to “standard” designation (where the country maintains its programs primarily on its own) may have impacted on how programs are currently initiated, developed and maintained. Beginning and/or reinstating educational processes may prove beneficial to a smooth move forward (at least from my singular vantage point) in creating a volunteer base and increasing community understanding/investment/involvement. The strength of HFH programs lies in a healthy, balanced and holistic approach to growing/maintaining a volunteer base and creating/sustaining a win-win relationship with family recipients, volunteers and staff alike. All good, all challenging, all doable.