From STAFF REPORTS
Kayla Jackson has sacrificed so many things for her four children. But now, she is able to give them something that she previously was unable to do — a home.
Jackson became the 148th owner of a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home in a special dedication held Thursday. The home was one of four constructed this year in the Victory Cove subdivision, and was done as a part of the Women Build project.
“Thank God, because without him, none of this would be possible,” Jackson said at the dedication. “I want to give a huge shoutout to everyone involved throughout this process, this whole journey. You guys are amazing."
She added, “My children and I will be forever grateful. We are filled with so much joy and excitement and ready to start our new life and successful future in our new home."
Jackson and her four children have been living in a small duplex and a neighborhood unsafe for the children. Her daughter, NaShyah, was the victim of a car accident when she was a baby and is in a wheelchair. Her current residence’s driveway is slanted, so NaShyah can’t play outside in her wheelchair. It’s also difficult carrying her up and down stairs and getting into the house without a ramp. And, with a family of five, they have quickly outgrown their space.
“I’ve been looking for a house suitable for my daughter, who is handicapped, so I thought I would sign up for a Habitat house,” Jackson said. “I applied and had started the new homeowner and budgeting classes before I was accepted into the program. I was just so happy when I found out, I could have cried! It’s a blessing, because I can fix it to where it’s basically modified for NaShyah.”
NaShyah has two brothers — Tayhvon and Damias, who is only a year old. Her sister is Daionna.
This new home for the Jacksons is giving them a lot of hope for their future. NaShyah will be able to play outside and gain independence. The entire family will experience positive changes and a new freedom they’ve never experienced. They have already developed strong friendships with their neighbors in the Habitat program.
The dedication was held on a special day in the Cleveland and Bradley County community — Veterans Day, and those in attendance were thankful to be there, and to have been a part of helping Jackson into her new home.
“We salute our veterans here today, whether they’re near or far; let’s give them a hand,” said Stephanie Linkous, CEO for United Way of the Ocoee Region. “The United Way of the Ocoee Region has one simple vision and that is to give everyone in our community an opportunity for a better tomorrow. It has been a joy to partner with Habitat for Humanity over the last few months to make that ‘better tomorrow’ come true for the Jackson family.
“We know from observations that affordable housing is an issue in our community,” she added. “That is one of our four focus areas, so when the proposal for funding came through, we were pleased to offer Habitat a grant to make those dreams come true.”
Along with the United Way of the Ocoee Region, there were several other sponsors that made Jackson’s dream come true. They included Bradley Sunrise Rotary Club of Cleveland, Century Park Associates, Chick-fil-A, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Crossroads Church, David and Ellen Smith, Harry S. Truman Club, Jack McKee, Jill Culpepper, Karen Colley, Laura Anderson, Lisa Mantooth, Mark and Beverly Johnson, North Cleveland Church of God, Pat Fuller/Girls in Pearls, Patty Silverman, Southern Heritage Bank/First Citizens National Bank, Tennessee Flash Senior Olympic basketball team, Tommy and Tracey Wright, Wacker Polysilicon, Whirlpool Call Center, Whirlpool Corporation, and William and Marilyn Kearney.
Also at the dedication was the presentation of a Habitat Hero Award to past Habitat Board President Andy Anderson. The award was presented by Lamanda Bowers, Habitat Volunteer Services manager.
“His heart is huge. He is an inspirational leader and he truly displays what it means to be the change in the world,” Bowers said of the recipient. “The love of Christ flows through him and he is truly a Habitat Hero. I’m so thankful to know him. Anybody that meets him, your life is better by knowing him.”
Pastor Bob Zwarych attends each dedication, and presents a Bible to the new homeowner. He also points out that the Bible tells everyone that building such a house for someone in need is a “labor of love.”
“There’s so much to rejoice and be glad about, as Kayla Jackson and her family are getting a brand new home. The Bible tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor, labor in vain. This was a labor of love," Zwarych said. "The Bible also tells us that it’s by wisdom that a house is built. It’s through understanding that it is established and it’s through knowledge that it’s rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
“Kayla, you have four rare and beautiful treasures that are ready to move into this home,” he said.
Jackson said that she and her family are ready to move in, but also wanted to stress how thankful she was for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland helping her make this dream a reality.
“Habitat is a hand up and not a hand out. So with that being said, I accomplished one of my biggest dreams with Habitat,” she said. “I am so grateful and will be forever grateful for that.”
