Recipients
Women Build 2019
The Krumfolz Family
For the past two years, the Krumfolz family has called a dilapidated, modified workshop behind a trailer, “home.” With only a curtain to separate the single bedroom from the rest of the living quarters and a single, decade-old window A/C unit, it was what the Krumfolz’s could afford. Both native Floridians, Michael and Sissy met as high school sweethearts and reconnected again in college. They married in February 2016 and welcomed their son, William, one year later.
Michael has worked as a Bio-Diesel Technician for Genuine Bio-Fuel in Indiantown for three years. Sissy is working in her dream field of marine biology as a Saltwater Aquarist at Fintastic Aquariums in Jensen Beach for more than five years. Michael and Sissy stagger their work schedules to make sure one of them is always home with 2-year-old William. With an exponentially increasing vocabulary and a love of the outdoors, William keeps his mom and dad on their toes!
As strong believers in hard work and not accepting handouts, Michael and Sissy are greatly appreciative of the hand-up they are receiving.
“We love working hard, getting physical and getting our hands dirty, being part of the community, and making a real difference in the lives of those around us,” Michael said.
The Krumfolz’s are hard at work on their required 300 hours of sweat equity and attending classes before purchasing their home in Stuart.
“Becoming a homeowner will change our story for the better. This will improve daily life inconceivably in the smallest ways. We will not be infested with mold and giant mosquitos, my son can have his own room, and we will not be fighting the heat with a 10-year-old window air conditioning unit,” Sissy said about the opportunity to own their own home. “It will allow us to divert our money to important things such as health care, insurance, etc. that we cannot afford at the time. It is a guarantee that we can stay in the place that our hearts love for the rest of our lives. We look forward to being lifelong partners of Habitat for Humanity. We are so grateful for the sponsors, donors, and volunteers that made this all possible.”
After purchasing their Habitat home, Sissy plans to run for Stuart City Commissioner and move up from there.
“Being a part of local and environmental legislation has always been a dream of mine and I feel that we could be an excellent, caring voice for our neighborhood and nearby cities,” she said.
Women Build 2018
The Farias Family
Alma Farias has worked with the Martin County School District Head Start Program in Indiantown for 12 years. Her daughters Katelyn, 16, and Kimberly, 12, are active in their schools, play sports and enjoy hanging out with their cousins and friends.
Now, for the first time, they are on the road to homeownership.
That “someday” they have dreamed about when they can leave the days of government subsidized rental housing behind them is almost here. For the Farias’ the dream of becoming self-sufficient is coming true right before her eyes.
“We are super excited to be home owners. It means so much to us because we will finally have a home to call our own,” Alma said. “I thought Habitat for Humanity would be a great opportunity for us because it could be something I could afford on my own.”
“We are very family oriented. As a family we try to be there to support each other at any our special events,” Alma said. “My girls are my everything. I want to give them everything that I didn’t have growing up. I want them to do better than what I did.”
That’s why when Janet Rosado, who purchased a previous Women Build home, suggested Alma apply at Habitat for Humanity of Martin County, Alma jumped at the opportunity.
As she works her way through the process of becoming a homeowner, accruing the sweat equity hours and attending classes, she has begun to dream about the possibility her future holds. Decorating a house of her own is one of the goals that keeps her motivated.
“Owning our own home will make a huge difference,” she said. “I feel like I finally have something to pass down to my children.”
Women Build 2017
The McKnight Family
“Ecstatic” is the word Korrine McKnight uses when she describes her and children’s thoughts about becoming Habitat for Humanity of Martin County homeowners. It has been a long, sometimes hard, road for McKnight and her children, but the payoff is well worth the setbacks she said.
Korrine, 28, a Martin County native grew up in a home with eight brothers and sisters. She will be the first of those siblings to own her own home.
Korrine went to school and has been working at the Florida Health Community Center as a Registered Medical Assistant. Currently, she and her two children, Adriana, 10, and Adrian, 7, are living in a three-bedroom home, with six other occupants.
“I am ecstatic to become a Habitat homeowner,” she said. “Nothing in the world could compare to me providing a firm foundation for my children.”
Those children love to have movie nights with their mom and play at the local park. Adriana has a wide variety of interests, including track and field, computer club, art club and music class. Adrian likes cars, airplanes and Legos – “Mommy’s little architect,” as Korrine calls him.
“The one thing they have is common is they both share Mommy’s heart,” she said.
Korrine first heard about Habitat for Humanity of Martin County from people in her community. When she first applied, she did not get approved. Nor did she get discouraged.
She reapplied and was approved, kicking off one of the most exciting chapters in her life.
“My heart races from the thought that when my children look at me they see Mommy the super hero. It means the world to me,” Korrine said. “For me, nothing is taken for granted. I give thanks always. Being a Habitat homeowner will make an enormous difference in my and my children’s lives. We are looking forward to the first step in our new beginning.”
Women Build 2016
Courtney is a full time mom, living with her two children in a small apartment in South Stuart. Her son Harlon, is six and in kindergarten at Seawind Elementary School. Her daughter Haylen, is four and in preschool at Gertrude Walden Childcare Center.
Courtney works as a bookkeeper for a small impact window and door company located in Stuart. She has been with the company for three years. Prior to this she worked eight years for Ruby Tuesday in Palm City. She continues to pursue a degree in social work.
For hobbies, the family prefers to be outdoors and especially near the water. They spend their summer weekends at the pool or the beach. Harlon does judo and plays T-ball while Haylen loves gymnastics.
Courtney heard about the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program through Daniel Boring, a Habitat employee. She researched what Daniel told her, found out about other families that Habitat had helped and talked with her children’s grandmother to ask her advice. She was surprised to find that her children’s grandmother had obtained her home through the Habitat Homeownership Program.
She knew that as her children grew they would need more living space and, with rent prices climbing, her options were limited. After looking into the program and hearing about other successful Habitat homeowners she was willing to take all the necessary steps to try to get a home for her family. She felt this might solve many of her problems and be a perfect fit for her. Courtney filled out the application to see what would happen and months later, she was approved for a home.
Courtney wants to give back to her community for all that she has received by volunteering her services and teaching her children the importance of hard work and how it can help them achieve their personal goals.
Courtney says, “I feel very grateful to be approved for a home. It means that I can give my children a sense of stability and a home big enough to grow up in and to make many wonderful memories. For myself, it means having a sense of independence and something I can call my own. I am looking forward to a time when we won’t have to move anymore. Our home will be something to build on and my children will finally have a place they can call home.”
Women Build 2015
Maria and a coworker volunteer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. They act as mentors for girls who face adversity. They support their little sisters with whatever their needs are.
On March 22, 2007 Abraham and Maria married and they have four children, Diana 13, J.R. 8, Luis 6, and Leonardo 5. Diana attends Indiantown Middle School. Her siblings attend Warfield Elementary where Diana volunteers in the extended day program.
Maria has worked for the Martin County School District in Indiantown for nine years. For the last five years she has worked for the Parent Resource Center as a member of the support staff. Abraham has worked for Terracon Landscaping Services for the past four years.
Maria and Marcos say “Having volunteers to help build our home is such a warm feeling to know there are still people who are willing to lend a hand to other even for people they do not know. Our family feels blessed to have a home built with kindness and we are very happy to have a house to call our home. THANK YOU to all who made it possible”.
Women Build 2014
She graduated from South Fork High School and has been pursuing advanced education ever since. She obtained an Associate’s Degree from Indian River State College (IRSC) in Early Childhood Education in 2011. That same year she continued her education by attending Florida Gulf Coast University in St. Petersburg Department of Social Work and graduated with her Family Development Credential. But she didn’t stop there; she is now enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree program at IRSC in Human Services.
Regina works at the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project as the Family Service Coordinator. She also speaks some Spanish, which helps her communicate with the families. Regina enjoys working with the families helping them to become advocates for themselves and their children.
Regina found out about Habitat through two of our homeowners, Samika Jackson and Janet Rosado. Janet encouraged her to complete the application process.
She is excited about becoming a Habitat partner family and becoming a homeowner. She is ecstatic to be taking part in helping to build her own home and the home of others, as well as becoming a lifetime partner with Habitat’s volunteers and staff.
“Becoming a homeowner is absolutely a dream come true,” said Regina. “It means everything to me and my three boys to have a place called HOME. It means stability, a safe space and new beginnings. It will be our safe haven and a place to enjoy each other and build lifetime memories together.”
Regina believes the love a mother has for her sons is unconditional. She would like to give special thanks to Sonia Snyder for her constant motivation and encouragement during times when she felt a little overwhelmed and wanted just to give up due to her busy schedule at home, school and work.
Women Build 2013
Samika has been a service representative for Sunoco for six years. When she is not working, her family is her priority. They like spending time together, going to the movies or out to eat.
A friend picked up a flier advertising “How to Become a Habitat Homeowner” and suggested that Samika might try to qualify for a home. It took her two years to complete the process and be approved for a home. She has been chosen to receive the 2013 Women Build Home, which will be the third built in Indiantown’s new Carter Park community. Samika will be the first member of her family to own a home.
Samika looks forward to meeting the volunteers who will help her build her home. She finds it remarkable that women that have never met her are willing to give freely of their time and labor to help her family and she is very appreciative.
Women Build 2012
In 2002, Juan and Brenda decided to move to Indiantown to make a change in their lives and to be near Brenda’s relatives. Juan has worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator for several years. Brenda stays at home to care for their five beautiful children: Nevaeh, 9; Aracely, 8; Juan III, 7; Jerius, 5; and Jasiah, 2. The school-aged children attend Warfield Elementary in Indiantown and the two youngest are home with their mother.
The Sanchez Family is very close and they enjoy spending quality time together. They like bicycle riding, spending time with their pets, going to the beach, family dinners, playing on the trampoline, picnics and grilling out with family and friends. Most important to this closely bonded family is showing love and support for one another.
They are very thankful to everyone who has contributed to making their dreams come true and they would like to give a special thanks to Sonia Snyder for never giving up or doubting that their dream of owning a home would become a reality.
Women Build 2011
Shameeka is a hardworking mother of two 4-year-old boys, Jermari and Jerbari. Shameeka has worked as a clerk at the Martin County Tax Collectors office since July 2007. She is also pursuing a degree in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. Although she has a busy schedule, Shameeka is working diligently to complete her 300 hours of sweat equity.
Shameeka has lived in Hobe Sound for 22 years. Her mother owns a home in Hobe Sound and she will be the first of her siblings to own a home. Shameeka heard about Habitat for Humanity through a Habitat homeowner.
“Owning a home means everything to me. I’ll be setting up a great foundation for my children and they’ll have a place to call home,” says Shameeka. “It’s also a great achievement for me to reach one of my life-long goals.”
Women Build 2010
This is Amanda’s story:
My name is Amanda Gonzalez and I was born and raised in Long Island New York. I have lived in Florida for 11 years now. I have two beautiful children: Amya, age 5 and Alijah, age 3. I am one of six brothers and sisters. I currently work at CVS Pharmacy in Hobe Sound as a pharmacy technician. I have been employed there for almost three years now. I really enjoy working in the pharmacy; it has been a great experience. I love interacting with my customers and helping them lead a healthy life. The people I work with are so awesome and encourage me to do well.
When my mom showed me the application for Habitat for Humanity I had never heard of it. I was so amazed that there was an organization like this. I see on the TV shows, when they help families fix and redesign their homes. I would never think that an opportunity like that would ever happen to me. I filled out the application and prayed that something as wonderful as having “my own home” for my family.
Right now I am in the process of getting my Habitat homeowner classes completed as “my home” is in the beginning stages of being built. “I am so excited!!” I also have been chosen for the annual Habitat “Women Build.” I am so grateful that all these wonderful people are here for me.
Women Build 2009
This is Janet’s story:
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I have lived in the Indiantown area since 1994. I attended school in the Martin County area. I’m a proud mother of three beautiful children, Aracelis, age 11, and a set of 2-year-old twins, a boy, Jan Luis, and a girl Janelis age 2. I have a younger brother and sister who live in Providence, RI. My mother passed away May of 2007 due to health complications.
The first Habitat application I turned in was during the 2005 hurricane season. There were two gentlemen from Project Hope helping people in Indiantown. They encouraged me to fill out a Habitat application. Later, Habitat called and told me that my application looked good but I needed to work on my credit.
During these four years I have been through some rough times but here I am still trying to make a difference. After my mother passed away at such a young age I realized I really needed to get a move on the paper work that was necessary for the Habitat house. I’ve been waiting for this since I don’t know when but all I know is that I’m not only doing it for myself now, I’m doing it for my children so they may have a better place to live.
I have prayed all these days for everything to be ok. And when Habitat called me and told me I was going to have people coming over for an interview I got on my knees and asked God for everything to be ok. Two days after the interview I got a call that I was being approved and being considered for the Women Build family. I am truly honored to be considered.
I still remembered what Susan, a member of the interview team, told me after making sure all my paper work was completed, “God has something special in store for you.”
Women Build 2008
While she has always longed for a permanent residence to raise her 7th grader, she thought that owning a home would be way beyond her means and couldn’t begin to imagine qualifying for any program’s help since she works and earns a steady income. In fact, her daughter’s desire to paint her own room any color was a motivating factor to have a place of their own, along with her dream of getting to landscape her own yard.
It was the persistence of co-worker Patricia Vacca, known as Tish, whom helped make the dream a reality. Trish had qualified for a Habitat home after losing her residence in a recent hurricane. She kept telling Patricia that Habitat for Humanity would begin taking applications in January and to apply. One day Trish was on the phone with Habitat for Humanity’s Peggy Bennett when she forwarded the call to Patricia to find out more information. All matters fell into order after that. Patricia even went to work on the job site of her friend’s home joining other families in the Habitat program as it was being built in Indiantown, which also increased her enthusiasm and excitement of the possibility.
Malone completed the paperwork and submitted the application on February 23, 2007. Patricia and Ciara learned on May 21 that they could begin picking out paint colors and planning for plants in their own yard. It was then decided that when that Patricia would be a perfect fit for the Habitat program.
“I prayed over the paperwork before mailing it in,” said Malone. “There’s no doubt in my mind that it was God’s divine intervention that put this whole plan together. And to think that WOMEN BUILD is funded and built strictly by women is a great example and encouragement for my daughter.”