Habitat, Rainbow Network construct homes in Nicaragua

Members of University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S. National, were in Nicaragua Jan. 20-26 to participate in new home construction in a joint venture between Habitat For Humanity-Nicaragua and the Springfield-based Rainbow Network.

The University Heights group was led by Ramona Baker, a retired teacher who is a member of the Rainbow Network board of directors. Also on the trip were Tom and Kathryn Boone, Greg Davis, Mary Langston, Alice Grogan, Anita Hunter and Jerry Mackey. Cheryl Kreider of Springfield and Mary Jo Carlisle of Gilbert, Ariz., accompanied the group.

The volunteers worked side by side with Nicaraguan families at a site where 20 new homes are being built through the Habitat/Rainbow partnership.

Gerald and Betty Baldner, cofounders of Wisconsin-based Kitchen Solvers Inc., announced that the firm's franchise division has partnered with the Rainbow Network.

Kitchen Solvers Inc. is a cabinet refacing company. Participating franchisees will donate $5 for every kitchen sale, and the corporation will match each donation.

The Baldners also solicited help for Rainbow Network from one of its major suppliers, The Cabinet Factory, which will donate $5 to the Rainbow Network for every kitchen sold.

The Rainbow Network, a nondenominational Christian ministry, was founded by Keith and Karen Jaspers.