A place to have stability, security, healthy environment; a place to have family gatherings, make memories and family trees, these are some of what a parent wants to give to their children. My brother asked "me why am I so lucky". I told him it’s not luck. I've been a very hard worker since 13yrs old.  Yes I became a young mother, and I have to say children need more than just a physical home. Inside the home needs to be spirituality as the foundation, love, nurturing, smart working habits and dedication. Being a role model of these qualities is a tough but rewarding job. From the first time I heard of habitat for humanity I knew the dedication of volunteers and sweat equity of our family would add to the humbleness in our lives. To my lil brother and others this is not luck it's "A Blessing".

This home is our "White Rose"

(new beginning).

Since my divorce we have moved five times. Three of the homes were foreclosed on due to the fraudulent mortgages these past few years. Then I tried private management. One home had squirrels in the walls and mice. Our current home is clean but difficult to regulate the temperature. Some of these issues have caused my sons asthma attacks.  Also restrictions as to where the children can play.

Buying a home is my responsibility and gift to my children to put their welfare first.

I am a mother of five. Four are minors and live at home.  My career is in health care, I love it because it’s my nature to care for peoples well being. Kendra is a senior at NFA. She is interested in web design and video production after high school.  Vivica is 10, a fashionista, dancer and all around girly girl.  Dante is 9, loves soccer, cars, and video games and would love to have a dog.  Destiny is 61/2, the baby; she's also a dancer and great reader.

We look forward to being good neighbors.

My name is Michelle Cudzilo. I am 27 years old and was born in Buffalo, New York. I grew up in a military setting my entire life due to my Father being in the Navy. That means I lived in many different places and experienced a lot of different things, some good and some bad. The one thing I would have changed about my life was to be able to have a home where my brother, sister and I could have grown up in. I know first hand how hard it is to adjust to  new environments, make new friends, new teachers and a new schedule. It’s a lot for a child to go through. I have two boys of my own; Jarrod my oldest who is 7. He loves to play baseball and be involved with after school activities. Joshua is my baby who is 5 and can’t wait to follow in his big brother footsteps.  Unfortunately I have already moved twice with them and was worried about having to move more in the future, until I found out that I was accepted for a Habitat house. I can’t express the gratitude and excitement I have for my family and myself. My boys are already telling their classmates and teachers about our new HOUSE!

I truly never believed I would be announcing to friends and family I was going to be a home owner. The stress and anxiety feels as though it has been lifted off my shoulders, even though I have a lot to do in next couple of months it doesn't compare to the thought of my children not having a home. I cannot express how grateful and deeply thankful I am for this opportunity, to be involved with Habitat for Humanity. I am looking forward to being involved with this program for years to come, to be able to help another deserving family as they helped me.

Thank You

Sincerely Michelle, Jarrod and Joshua

My name is Maritza Ramirez. I am a mother of three. My daughters are Estrella, who is 14 years old, Elisa, who is 12 years old, and my son Elic, who is 5 years old. The reason why I am so happy to get a Habitat home is because my kids need a better and safe place to call home. Being a mother with low income makes it impossible to purchase a home because no one will give you a mortgage. So getting a Habitat home is the only way I could purchase a home for my children and myself. We have lived in the projects for eleven years because it is all that I could afford. It has been a struggle because it’s not a safe or healthy environment for my children. Getting this house means that where there is a will, there is a way. - Written at the beginning of the process with Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut

My name is Jennifer and I have been a mother since I was 16 1/2 yrs. old. I have 5 amazing children. Three girls and twin boys. Alixzandra is 21, Miriaha is 18, Jonathan & Giovanni are 10 and Gabriayla is 8. I am employed the the State of Ct. in the dept. of Developmental Services. I have been employed by them for, four years.

I was born and raised in Massachusetts and moved to New London in 1999 and have lived here ever since. My children attend N.L schools and my three younger children attend an awesome after school program, where they perform in plays and participate in sports programs and girl scouts. Alix is set to graduate from college in spring of 11' and Miriaha will be graduating from H.S as well.

I heard about Habitat for humanity thru an article in the New London Day. I went to a Saturday meeting in Groton. I listened and took an application, filled it out and passed it in by the deadline. Then I started to pray. I received a letter stating Habitat wanted to look further into my family’s situation. I cried, and filled out an even bigger application and gathered all the needed documents. Once all my T's were crossed and my I's were dotted, I felt that on paper my family would never qualify. So I prayed a lot and passed it in anyways. Every time Habitat popped onto my head I prayed that God would bless my family with this wonderful gift, and he did.

Realizing for the first time in my life my children and I would have a place of our own. That meant enough space for everyone. No overcrowding, no mold, plumbing and electrical problems no rodents and screens in our windows so air can flow through the house. And most of all no longer having to deal with a landlord or giving them 75% of my income while living in substandard housing. Not to mention the possibility of having our own basketball hoop in the backyard.

I cried and cried and cried. Finally a place to really call home. My friends and family are very excited to embark on this new journey in our lives and look forward to all the things we will learn to maintain our home. The O'Neil-Lopez family home. Many thanks to God and Habitat for Humanity for this wonderful opportunity to better our lives and others.

"My son, Isaiah who is 19 months old and I currently live with family where living space is extremely light. We are very limited to the space we have. My room is used as a bedroom, toy room, living room and a dining room. As my son gets older I notice the space getting smaller and smaller. I knew that I would need to find a place to settle down with more living space and a place that we could call home. I wanted a place for my son to be able to grow and explore. I didn't want him to always have that feeling of being limited to where he could. go.

I hear about Habitat for Humanity from one of my co-workers. I was extremely excited and found out when the next information seminar was. At the seminar I met some of the people from Habitat who were willing to help and support me through my journey.

I am very thankful to be a part of the Habitat family. They haven given me so much hope far a better future. I look forward to working with them for many more years to come as they are now part of my family."

- Stacy Rivard.