Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has not wavered throughout its 27 years in making a difference in the lives of Greenville County families. On May 1, Tiffany Fowler and her two children received keys to a home with great significance. The keys unlocked more than just the house that Fowler helped construct – they opened the door to a 300th home build milestone for Habitat Greenville.
To celebrate the not-for-profit’s monumental home build, Habitat Greenville hosted a 300th Celebration Dinner and Fundraiser last night at Embassy Suites in Greenville. The energy in the room was palpable when keynote speaker Retired Chairman of Michelin North America and Habitat Supporter Dick Wilkerson addressed more than 450 attendees.
“Habitat Greenville is proud of our community’s efforts in helping us reach this great milestone,” said Monroe Free, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. “Tonight’s celebration speaks to the commitment of Habitat as a game changer for our community’s working poor families as well as to the dedication of countless volunteers and donors.”
“The fundraiser was a starting point for our next 300 families to be helped,” continued Free. “Funds were raised that will lay the foundation for growth in the future. Habitat and the families we serve are truly grateful. In addition, I would like to extend our gratitude to Habitat Greenville’s sponsors because without them this 300th celebration would not have been possible.”
Our 2012 Spring families have been hard at work all winter preparing for the first hammer to swing and raise the walls that will be their new homes. We are proud to
share with you five families ready to realize the opportunity of homeownership and the blessings that come when a community of volunteers and donors makes that happen.
Brenda Pennie is the proud mother of two, ages 23 and 18. While working and raising her family, she attended Rutledge College where she earned her CNA. She worked as a school bus driver for 14 years and a city bus driver for 5 years. She decided to use her skills as a Certified Nursing Assistant and went to work for the Greenville Hospital System from 2005-2009. Due to a debilitating injury she had to discontinue working. She is proud of the accomplishments her children have achieved and looks forward to her daughter’s graduation from high school this year.
Tiffany Kelley is a single mother with one daughter and has been employed by Grainger since 2008. She came to Habitat in 2009 for an opportunity to become a homeowner. Because her new home is so affordable, she plans to pursue an education to become a Medical Assistant. One of the reasons for coming to Habitat was to provide a safe environment for her and her daughter. Her parents are eager to help with building her home in order to show their support.
Tiffany Fowler came to Habitat in the summer of 2009 and hasn’t failed to impress us. She not only completed the required sweat equity hours and classes for
Habitat, but she did so while attending school, working full time and raising two small children. Born and raised in Laurens, SC, Tiffany has been employed with Grainger since 2006 and is currently attending Piedmont Technical College where is she training to be a Surgical Tech. She is thrilled to be working alongside GHS employees and getting the chance to meet people who work in her dream field.
Jamie Thompson is a single mom of two boys and is currently attending Brown Mackie College, where she is enrolled in Business Management and maintains a 3.7 GPA. She enjoys being a part of her boys active lives in academics, football and now track. Having an affordable home will make it easier for Jamie to provide a better lifestyle for her children. As a single parent, she knows how important it is for her sons to see that you can be successful with hard work.
Originally from Greenville County, Willie and Dietra Clement met on the job and will be celebrating their 10th Wedding Anniversary in their brand new home
this year. Willie is employed as a Maintenance Man, assisting local elderly families throughout Greenville County with home repairs but his first love is working on cars. With those skills under his belt, he may be quite popular among his new neighbors. Dietra has been a Certified Nursing/Rehab assistant in Mauldin for the last 13 years. Willie and Dietra have nine children and five grandchildren.
Thanks to Fairway Outdoor Billboards for their support as we start building our 300th house with Greenville Hospital System this weekend!
This weekend, keep your eye out for our digital billboards around Greenville County:
State Park Rd. Greenville, SC 29060
3044 Wade Hampton Blvd Taylors, SC 29687
3315 Augusta Rd. Greenville, SC 29605
1518 Woodruff Rd Greenville, SC 29607
2405 E North St Greenville, SC 29615
3906 Pelham Rd. Greenville, SC 29615 (both sides)
Originally from California and a product of a Military family moved to Greenville County at the age of 8 with her parents and 6 siblings. Brenda remained in
Greenville County and eventually started her family. She is the proud mother of two ages 23 and 18. While working and raising her family, she attended Rutledge College where she earned her CNA. She worked by driving a school bus for 14 years and a city bus for 5 yrs. She decided to use her skills as a Certified Nursing Assistant and went to work for the Greenville Hospital System from 2005-2009. Due to a debilitating injury she had to discontinue working which was a temporary setback for her.
Brenda came to Habitat initially in 2008 in hopes of becoming a homeowner; she worked really hard to maintain her dream of what she calls breaking the cycle. She is proud of the accomplishments her children have achieved and look forward to her daughter’s graduation from High School this year and interest in attending Clark Atlanta University in Georgia. Brenda attends Antioch Baptist Church in West Greenville where she is an active member. Brenda wants us to know that this home means everything to her, it is a dream she is blessed to be able to see come true. Having a safe and affordable place to live is all she ever wanted for her family. When asked what will be special to her about this house; she feels it would be making it a home and creating special memories with family and friends as well as having something to leave for her children.
Even though Brenda is looking forward to having a yard she is knows her limitations of being able to care for blooming flowers so she hopes to be able to look outside her windows and see green grass, shrubs and trees.
Brenda would like to thank God for this unbelievable blessing, The Family Services Department for their motivation and encouragement while in the program, Habitat Program and staff for the opportunity and a special thank you to her house Partners for their financial contributions and all of the volunteers that help Habitat for Humanity make her dream come true. Thank you will never be enough to express my gratitude!
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has not wavered throughout its 27 years in making a difference in the lives of Greenville County families. On May 1, Tiffany Fowler and her two children received keys to a home with great significance. The keys unlocked more than just the house that Fowler helped construct – they opened the door to a 300th home build milestone for Habitat Greenville.
