Students from Bradley Central High School received a sponsorship from Athens Federal Community Bank for the second year in row to participate in Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Women Build initiative on May 6. The sponsorship allowed a group of female students from the high school to serve during Habitat’s annual pay-to-play fundraiser that is building homes for two families in Bradley County. Agnes Colón, Spanish teacher at Bradley Central High School and team chaperone, has been the chaperone for the Bradley team both years they have been a part of the Women Build.

“At Bradley, we believe it is so important to volunteer and give back to our community,” said Colón. “Women Build is an amazing way for our students to see that helping your community is hard work, but that it is one of the best things you can do. The girls are always so excited to build, and we plan to partner with Habitat every year!”

Athens Federal Community Bank is celebrating its 10^th year in Cleveland. The bank was founded in Athens in 1934 with a commitment to treat its customers with dignity, respect, and to meet the needs of its customers. Cleveland City President, Jay Leggett, Jr., joined the Bradley Central team on the construction site at Habitat’s Victory Cove Subdivision for a check presentation.

“Athens Federal Community Bank is so pleased to be able to contribute to our community in this way,” said Leggett. “Habitat has been doing great work in Cleveland for a long time, and it is always nice to see new homeowners move into their homes. The girls from Bradley Central have done such a great job the past two years being a part of the Women Build, and we are proud to be able to support them again.”

Through the support of local businesses and community volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is helping pave the way to a better future for families of Bradley County. The Women Build initiative furthers the efforts to unite Habitat for Humanity with local women to raise money and build homes for two families: Sheila Bell and her granddaughters as well as Jose and Rhina Basora and their two sons. These two families will work alongside volunteers to build their own homes, while also completing classes about homeownership and finances to prepare them for the future.