Building futures and a better community

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) partnered with Alliant Energy to build a Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Inc. home that will eventually be in the Village of Oregon.

(Top Picture, NGL and Alliant Energy employees with Elvira and her son, Andres, in front of the finished panel build.)

It was a cloudy, windy day but that didn't stop nearly 80 people from trading in their desk jobs for hard hats and hammers to build a home for Elvira's family. National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) partnered with Alliant Energy to build a Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Inc. home that will eventually be in the Village of Oregon.

Elvira is a single mother who is excited to have a home where her children can run and have a pet. Before she can move into her home, she must learn about house maintenance, finance and put in 325 sweat equity hours, including volunteering at the Habitat store and participating in builds. Her anticipated move in date is April 2017.

Alliant Energy hosted the panel build and took the first shift of the day. NGL arrived for the second shift with the mission to finish building the panels and assemble the walls. Within no time, the walls and picnic tables were constructed. Elvira took pictures of her future home and the messages that people wrote for her family.

The panel build held special meaning for one volunteer who purchased a Habitat home in 2005. Charity MacLeod, NGL customer service specialist, remembers the time of her home build with significant other, David Feldbruegge. Charity said, "Helping with the panel build brought back a lot of good memories. It was a liberating time to be able to provide a better home for my kids. I felt more independent and confident. I still love my home and neighborhood today. I know what Elvira is going through and I wish her and her family all the best during this exciting time."  

Charity MacLeod, NGL customer service specialist, writes her message of hope for Elvira's family on the panel wall. The panel build was special for Charity because she purchased a Habitat home a decade ago.

"As a company, NGL is fortunate to give back to many nonprofits through financial support and volunteer efforts. But this is the first time we have ever built a home for a family. It's a remarkable experience watching and being a part of someone's new home as it takes shape," said Elizabeth Kirchstein, NGL corporate giving administrator.

A focus of Alliant Energy Foundation is to improve the quality of life for people in its communities. "Helping families is one of the big reasons we exist," said Julie Bauer, executive director of the Alliant Energy Foundation. "Our employees were energized working alongside Elvira and her son, and we were happy to partner with National Guardian Life Insurance and Habitat for Humanity on the project."

The house is starting to come together!

Mark Solverud, NGL President and CEO, with Elvira and her son, Andres. Elvira and her children have an anticipated move in date in April 2017.

About Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Inc.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity builds with people in need regardless of race or religion and welcomes all volunteers and supporters.

About Alliant Energy

Alliant Energy serves approximately 950,000 electric customers and 410,000 natural gas customers. The mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service that customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly.

About NGL

Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) has been a mutual insurance company located in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group market specialty insurance products through independent agents. Additional information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company/

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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