This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Chapter! After reviewing over 150 applications of families hoping for a new start to life with a warm home, five families were chosen. They will built in the Red River Valley area, including Barnseville for the first time. One of the houses will be a "Women's Build" in West Fargo. I can't wait to work on that house surrounded by strong, independent women!
Adair Grommesh, the recipient of the Extreme Makeover house in Moorhead, was going to speak at the breakfast, but her son, Garrett, had an unexpected trip to Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul for surgery. If you remember, Garrett is paralyzed from his waist down and had trouble maneuvering around in his own house. This kid is so remarkable. Despite the fact that he has had 25+ surgeries, numerous stays in the hospital and physical therapy sessions, the one wish he asked for was a new home for his classmate. His idea was to "Pay it Forward" by giving his classmate's family his old home since it was live-able, just not wheelchair friendly.
Tekeema Shields, a 2010 LAHFH home recipient, told us her story and what this new house has meant to them. Before receiving the house, Tekeema, her husband, and their five children rented a cramped, three bedroom town home. She described one room as being the size of a normal closet that was shared by their two youngest girls. The basement walls had cracks that lead outside, windows were broken, and they were short a banister to protect their young children from falling. Everything was a safety hazard that had not been fixed by the landlord as promised. They applied for a home two days before the deadline with little hope of receiving it since so many families had already applied. Now they live in a comfortable home in West Fargo. Tekeema is planning to start an at home daycare and her husband, Paul wishes to start a new business from home as well. The future is bright for this young family and they could not be more thankful.
After hearing another inspiring story, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have lived in a home my whole life and how grateful I am to make more and more families' dreams come true of living the same life I did by being a part of this worthy organization.
Shirley Dykshoorn, Executive Director of LAHFH
Tekeema Shields, 2010 Habitat Homeowner
On a side note:
Tuesday night we had our last NDSU Habitat meeting of the year. We bowled, ate pizza, and voted for the new officers of the 2011-2012 school year. I am proud to say, I am the new President of the North Dakota State University Chapter! I am so excited for this opportunity and the chance to make change where it needs it. I pray God will lead me and my officers will support me throughout the year.
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment