Our employees have been building homes for Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity since 2011.  As new construction kicks off each September we welcome and embrace a new family as part of our own.   Bonds are created with the homeowners throughout the construction process and in the end we are fortunate to celebrate when the keys are turned over and the moving trucks pull up. 

In August we celebrated the dedication of Candice’s home. Construction started on the home in September 2015 and Candice was working alongside our employees every day. She would come to the worksite from 8-noon and head to her second shift job where she works as a Finishing Operator.   While at the build site, Candice jumped right in and showed no fear in participating in the construction of her home. 

At the home dedication Candice officially received the keys to her new home, becoming a first-time homeowner and role model for her children. Candice’s two children cut the ribbon to their home and afterwards her daughter turned to the crowd and exclaimed, “Come into our new house!!!” 

Our Surface President, John Koetz, and Global Community Relations Manager, Cathy Stagmer, were present for the home dedication. Both John and Candice worked alongside each other installing windows in her home. 

Candice was excited to be part of building her “forever home” but admits she’s a bit nervous.  She’s thankful however that she has the Habitat family, our company family and her family of neighbors there to help her out. She believes participating in the Habitat process showed her kids how hard work makes a difference and shared, “I was excited to help build the home that I plan on living in forever. It will mean so much to my family.”

We were  honored to be present at the home dedication to congratulate Candice and wish her success in her efforts to be a positive influence in her neighborhood. Since Habitat’s founding in Milwaukee over 30 years ago there are over 200 homeowners in Candice’s neighborhood, Washington Park. Habitat homeowners are serving as role models not only for their family members but for their neighbors, inspiring others to take pride in where they live.

Employees are gearing up for another Blitz Build set to kick off in September, eager to meet the new families who are ready to make a difference in their community.