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VOL. 29 NO. 7
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JULY 2026
Tequesta Profile
Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Palm Beach County Brings Women Build Community Back Together Following Severe Storm And Flooding Disruptions Modified Women Build Day Celebrates Resilience, Collaboration, And The Power Of Community In West Palm Beach Even severe storms and flooding could not stop the spirit behind Women Build 2026. After unexpected weather disruptions impacted Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s original March construction schedule, volunteers, sponsors, committee members, community partners, and Habitat homeowners came back together on May 1 for a special modified Women Build Day that reignited the energy, purpose, and community connection that defines the initiative each year. What could have been viewed as a setback instead Victorious Hawthorne-Charles became a powerful reflection of what Women Build truly and Nicole Rose (Women Build represents: resilience, collaboration, and women showing Partner Families)
up for one another and for local families working toward safe and affordable homeownership. Held in West Palm Beach, the same community where the combined affiliate built its very first Habitat home, the event also served as a meaningful reminder of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s lasting impact and continued investment in strengthening neighborhoods across the city. As the organization celebrates its 40th anniversary year, returning to West Palm Beach carried special significance, honoring both Habitat’s roots and its future vision for the community. Tequesta Profile on page 4
Christy Maasbach and Rana Levy (Women Build Co-Chairs)
Tequesta Spotlight
Pet Matters
Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Palm Beach And Martin Counties Honors
The Pet Cottage Post
Mentors, Scholars, And Community Partners At Annual Mentorship Award Ceremony Ceremony At Morton’s The Steakhouse In West Palm Beach Celebrates Transformative Relationships And Awards $4.2 Million In College Scholarships Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties gathered friends, supporters, mentors, and young scholars on Sunday, May 31, at Morton’s The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach for its annual Mentorship Award Ceremony, a morning dedicated to honoring the life-changing Tequesta Spotlight on page 6
A Forever Promise, Kept When a 13-year-old dog showed what lifelong guardianship really means, The Pet Cottage’s mission came alive in one quiet, extraordinary moment. By Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director, The Pet Cottage The Pet Cottage exists to keep a Forever Promise to pets and the people who love them when life changes. That promise is built through thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and a community of people who choose to invest in lifelong care. Every pet entrusted to The Pet Cottage receives the same commitment: belonging, protection, and lifelong care. Every family receives the peace of mind that comes from knowing that promise will be kept. And every now and then, one of our pets shows us exactly what that promise looks like when it matters most. In September 2024, two dogs came to The Pet Cottage after their beloved person passed away. Shamus, a 13-yearold terrier mix, and his Shih Tzu companion Fiona had spent their lives together and suddenly faced an uncertain future. Pet Matters on page 8
Shamus
Shamus and Susan