Chamber Youth Leadership Class Of 2020 Inspires Future Leaders To "Dream And Do"

The 19th year of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership program kicked off with twenty-four young people attending a daylong leadership retreat before the start of their academic school year. The students, selected in an application process, represent Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley High Schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School. 

The Youth Leadership program encompasses eight months and gives the students opportunities to learn about the local economy, heritage and tourism, city and county government and services, and health and human services. They also experience a day in Nashville to learn about state government. 

“It is always exciting to meet the new students and see the possibilities they have as our future leaders,” Sherry Crye, youth leadership coordinator, said about the 2019-20 class. “This program will open their eyes to where their future could be and how they can lead.”

Following a presentation by Gina Allison entitled, “Great Leaders Are…,” the students were involved in activities that focused on getting to know each other, team building, critical thinking, creativity and competition. The young leaders also reviewed different leadership qualities discussed in Ed Gerety’s book "Combinations -Opening the Door to Student Leadership," which was required reading prior to the retreat. The students enjoyed competing in a Jeopardy game with the “answers” relating to the book, facts about Cleveland and current trivia. 

The 2019-20 Youth Leadership class will participate in a service project for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland that will include a challenge for each school to raise funds for the local organization and an investment of “sweat equity” by working on a Habitat house or in the Habitat ReStore. 

Members of 2019-20 Youth Leadership class from Bradley Central High School are Ashtyn Cross, Maggie Fox, Addason Harris, Erica Yates and Angel Zuniga. Representing Cleveland High School are Lily Bradney, Tiffany Harricharran, Ethan Herndon, Sara McKay, Tate O’Bryan and Savannah Pitts. Representing Tennessee Christian Preparatory School are Sean Buckner and Noah Fowler. Youth leaders from Walker Valley High School are Ashlynn Akiona, Taylor Cannon, Ryleigh Green, Liz Hooker, Madison Jaynes, Tre Morris, Michael Moultrie, Bailey Nelson, Megan Salazar, Charlie Swafford and Zachary Wisti.

Habitat Restore offers ‘cycle of blessings’

Posted Saturday, August 3, 2019 9:14 pm

By LARRY C. BOWERS

Cleveland Kiwanis Club members received an update last Thursday on the ongoing operation of Habitat for Humanity's Restore on Grove Avenue.

Dave Williams, a native of New Brunswick, Canada, and a Lee College graduate, was the club's guest speaker. Williams is Habitat's Restore general manager.

Williams was introduced by this month's Program Chairman, Jake Duos.

Williams and his wife came to Cleveland in 1993 to attend Lee College, before the school became Lee University. His wife is currently employed at Lee, handling the affairs of international students.

Williams said he has a wealth of experienced in working with people, which he is called on to do at Habitat. He has been in the restaurant industry for the past 17 years.

He said his son, Donte, 18, is following in the footsteps of his parents with some international intervention. Where they left Canada to become U.S. citizens, the son is traveling  to Switzerland for a year.

"We love this country," said Williams, adding that they still have family in Canada.

Williams went on to explain the operation of the Restore, and Habitat in general. "A lot of people think we give away free homes!" he said. "There is a lot more to it than that. "

He said ownership of the Habitat homes is based on need, and partnership. Potential homeowners are screened prior to approval by the Habitat Board of Directors.

They also must provide 300 sweat equity hours, and a small downpayment based on individual finances. Then, they must maintain regular loan payments. The new homeowners are also required to take a Dave Ramsey financial management course.

Williams said the homes range in value from $75,000 to $80,000, and the Habitat Restores secures available financing for about one-third of each home.

He emphasized Habitat provides a lot to the community.

In discussing the day-to-day operation of the Restore, he said Habitat provides pick-up of donated items on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week.

When asked about the type of items frequently donated, and sold at the Restore, Williams said the leading item for donations and sales, is probably furniture items.

"We have people in the community who give us items, and we place a reasonable price on them for resale. "It's a cycle of blessings," the Restore manager said.

He said the missions of Habitat and the Kiwanis Club are very similar. "We bless people, and you bless children," he pointed out in praise of the Kiwanis Club's many community service projects.

Williams foinished his talk by saying Habitat, including the Restore operation, has only six full-time employees. "We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers," he said, adding that 75 to 80 percent of the activities at Habitat are conducted by volunteers.

In an attrempt to recruit volunteers, Williams told the Kiwanians, "We have a number of chores you would enjoy."

"You need to go to one of our home dedications," Williams added. "They are the heart of Habitat."

In closing, Williams urge the Kiwanis members to "Come shop at the Restore."

• Kiwanians are putting the final touches on plans for this year's fundraising golf tournament.

The tournament will be a select-shot affair at Chatata Valley Golf Course on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019. The entry fee is $350 per team, or $90 for an individual.

Lunch will be at 11:30 a.m., with the start of play at 1:30 p.m. Each participant will receive a golf shirt this year.

Team sponsorships are available for $400, or $150 to be a hole sponsor. There will be closest-to-the-hole awards on each par three, with the chance to win a free automobile with a hole-in-one.

The Don Ledford dealership and Chick fil-Al Restaurant are major partners. For more information, you can call Mike Thomason at 715-9795. 

Wacker firefighters respond for Habitat

Posted Saturday, July 20, 2019 9:29 pm

By DANIEL GUY

Wacker Polysilicon Battalion 3 firefighters are used to putting their lives on the line. On Friday, they became a different type of hero as they worked on Habitat for Humanity home No. 139.

Future homeowner Brenda Walker moved a step closer to her dream of being a first-time homeowner.

“I’m very blessed and thankful that I get the opportunity to do this for me and my family, to have a place to come and have a home,” Walker said. “Because I am the first person in my family to own a new home it is a big deal for me. It really touches my heart that God gave me this opportunity, and coming from a family with veterans I feel so honored to have first responders helping build today.”

Habitat representatives said Walker is  “an incredible woman with a positive spirit that brings joy to those around her. She's a mother, a medical office assistant at Tennova Primary Care in Ooltewah and a hard worker.”

A resident of East Tennessee since age 5, Walker’s family living in the area includes two adult children — Brandon and Megan — and granddaughter Evelyn Brook. She has been living in a duplex, which was a convert from an older home. She said the foundation is sinking, floors are not level, water leaks in the home and there is a huge sinkhole in the neighbor’s yard. Her old house has cracks around the doors and high electric bills. She pays 47% of her monthly income toward shelter.

Friend Delia Meroney, who has had a Habitat home for six years, encouraged Walker to apply. After being accepted into the program, Walker is working to complete her sweat equity requirement. Walker is eagerly anticipating weeks with her children and granddaughter.

Lisa Mantooth, communications and executive coordinator, said the Heroes Build was the “perfect opportunity” for Wacker’s fire department to give back to the community. 

Three Wacker employees, who are all United States military veterans, presented a check from Wacker Polysilicon to Habitat for Humanity’s  Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson at the build on Friday. “We’re thrilled to kick off this year’s Heroes Build,” said Johnson. “Our local heroes serve as military members, first responders and veterans, and to us, our heroes are also Habitat’s future homeowners, like Brenda Walker, who has worked so hard to help make this day happen.”
Wacker has participated in three Women’s Builds for Habitat so far since coming to Bradley County. 

Ten firefighters from Battalion 3 from Wacker’s fire department participated in the Heroes Build Friday, the first half of the day, with an additional 10 coming to work the latter part of the day. There was also a  group of Wacker employees planting flowers at two other homeowners' homes on Friday.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson is passionate about  the organization offering a “hand up, not a handout” to the home applicants, by partnering with the selected future homeowners to “help them change their lives.”

Habitat homeowners aren’t “given” these homes. They pay a zero percent interest rate mortgage, in addition to the 400 hours of sweat equity, for their homes. In the nearly 30 years. Habitat has been in Bradley County and the 139 homes that they have helped build, there have only been two homes foreclosed. 

Walker said it taught her to appreciate ownership and hard work.

Johnson said, “We really work with our families — if they come across health challenges or lose their job — we come alongside them so that they don’t get far behind and end up having to foreclose on the home.” 

Other build teams and sponsors for the Heroes Build include: Lee University’s Delta Zeta Tau (DZT), Tennova, Russell Cellular Verizon and Whirlpool

For more information on how to get involved with the Heroes Build, contact Meta McGuire at 615.598.8824 or mmcguire@habitatofcleveland.org

Habitat turns the key on homes No. 136 and 137

Posted Saturday, June 29, 2019 9:25 pm

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland handed over the house keys Thursday to two grateful families.

The new homeowners included Dale Ware, as well as Erica Nelson and her two teenage daughters, Nataziona and Tatyana.

Ware was injured in a car accident in 1990 that led to her being disabled and unable to work. She was living with her sister when she heard of Habitat, and decided to apply for a home. Her sister passed away shortly after she submitted her application.

Nelson is the single mom of Nataziona and Tatyana. Prior to getting their Habitat home, they were living in an overcrowded apartment that’s been previously flooded and in need of constant repair.

The homes were the Legacy and Women’s Builds, each taking 12 weeks to complete.

“We are here to hand them the keys to the home, to pray over them and to celebrate with them for accomplishing so much as first-time homeowners,” stated Janice Wilson, title sponsor with the George R. Johnson Family Foundation.

The two presenting sponsors for the evening included the George R. Johnson Family Foundation and Easy Auto, who sponsored Ware’s and Nelson’s homes, respectively.

Ware’s home was the Legacy build, while the Nelsons’ home was the Women’s Build.

Tammy Johnson, Habitat executive director, expressed her overwhelming excitement for the families.

“Dale and Erica have worked so hard to earn their new homes, and we’re proud to have come alongside them each step of the way,” Johnson said.

The homes mark the 136th and 137th homes completed by Habitat of Cleveland. Groundbreakings have already been held for the other two homes being built this year, which should be completed in September.

Wilson praised Habitat for its meticulous planning, experienced team and various steps required for homeowners to earn their homes.

“They have to complete sweat equity, work in the Restore and various other things to truly earn their home. It’s just a great program that helps a lot of people,” Wilson said.

True to their word, both Ware and the Nelson worked in the Restore, helped at Habitat events, attended classes and contributed sweat equity work hours on their homes.

Both Ware and the Nelsons were elated to be receiving their homes, if a bit anxious to finally see all their hard work come to fruition.

Nelson said her new home will brighten her family’s future, and is a testament to the power of God in their lives.

“I’d recommend everyone to look into Habitat. It’s a phenomenal organization to get involved with, and you’ll know that you’re genuinely helping people through your work with it,” Nelson said.

Ware said she was nervous, but in a good way, as she was excited to finally move into her Habitat home.

She added that having her home boosts her self-esteem, and since it was built with love, she looks forward to sharing this love with her new neighbors by telling them about Christ.

“Learn about the organization. Get your LED for Habitat, which stands for Learning about it, Educating yourself about it and then Donating to it,” Ware said.

Other sponsors for the Legacy Build include: Alba Foundation, Bank of Cleveland, Broad Street Memorial Designations, Broad Street United Methodist Church, Don Rollens Legacy Fund, David and Ellen Smith, Harry S. Truman Club and Youth Leadership Cleveland.

Other sponsors for the Women’s Build include Andy Anderson, Bradley Sunrise Rotary, Beverly Johnson, Southern Heritage Bank and more than 20 build teams.

“Our community never ceases to show support by helping our neighborhoods get better and stronger. Our sponsors and volunteers have once again gone above and beyond to demonstrate Christian love!” Johnson exclaimed.

Anyone interested in volunteering at Habitat can contact its staff at 423-473-4610. Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is located at 300 Grove Avenue. 

Leadership Cleveland celebrates 2018-19 graduates

Posted Saturday, June 15, 2019 9:37 pm

The Leadership Cleveland Alumni Association celebrated the 2018-19 class graduates on June 13, which included a keynote address by Ron Harris, vice president Diversity and Inclusion with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The annual luncheon benefits the Alumni Association Scholarship fund. 

Leadership Cleveland is a nine-month community development initiative that brings professionals throughout the region together to cultivate leadership, exposure to volunteer opportunities and positive community growth. 

“We had a great group of emerging leaders representing our community this year,” expressed Bernadette Douglas, executive vice president at the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. “We are confident they will make significant contributions in the years ahead.” 

Members of the class include LaManda Bowers, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland; Rebecca Brnik, Bradley County Schools; Chandler Burke, McIntire & Associates Insurance; Ginger Carter, Bowater Credit Union; Payten Holcombe, Direct Primary Care Associates; Wendy Hughes, Hughes Retirement Group; Tennille Jobe, Cleveland Utilities; Lindsey Hughes Kiker, Hughes Retirement Group; Adam Osborne, Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough PLLC; Kelly Roberts, First Tennessee Bank; Arlette Robinson, Bradley County Schools; Andrew Rogers, Companion Funeral Home & Cremation Service; Ede Scannapiego, Tennova Healthcare—Cleveland; Kristy Snider, Cleveland Family YMCA; Kelsey South, Life Bridges; Nicholas Townsend, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union; Joseph White, Cleveland Utilities; and Logan Young, Capstar Ban.k 

Recruitment for the 2019-20 class will begin this summer. 

Members of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce interested in participating may call the Chamber office at 423-472-6587 or email Douglas, at BDouglas@clevelandchamber.com.

VECustomers Share Awards $5,250 in local grants

Posted Saturday, June 8, 2019 9:30 pm

Volunteer Energy Cooperative’s (VEC) VECustomers Share program awarded $5,250 in grants to Bradley County organizations during April and May.

Local groups receiving grants include White Oak Mountain Long Beards ($500), Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Inc. ($500), New Life Community Kitchen ($1,500), Cleveland Ballers ($800), Family Promise of Bradley County ($800), and the McDonald Community Center ($1,150). 
The program, founded in October 2001, has donated more than $6.6 million to various community-service organizations across VEC’s 17-county service area.

VECustomers Share is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization covering VEC’s 17-county service area.

The foundation’s funds come from VEC members who have opted to allow VEC to round their electric bills up to the next whole dollar.

VECustomers Share contributions average 50 cents per month per customer. The extra change is pooled with that of other members and distributed by the foundation’s board of directors, whom all serve as volunteers.

Grant applications are available at any Volunteer Energy Cooperative Customer Service center, by calling (423) 334-7051, or at www.vec.org.

VEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Leaders Build — Takes leaders 'out of the boardroom'

Posted Saturday, June 8, 2019 8:57 pm

By COLBY DENTON

Cleveland’s leaders and celebrities came out together to help build a home during Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Leaders’ Build on Thursday, May 30.

The day marks Habitat’s first Leaders’ Build. In addition to the leaders, numerous sponsors included the Leaders’ Build Foundation sponsors, Leaders’ Build Framing sponsors and Leaders’ Build Tool Belt sponsors.

Leaders at the event included state Sen. Mike Bell, Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis, Mary Beth Canida of Cleveland Chick-Fil-A, Amanda Capatillo of Dynamic Group Management, the Rev. Jennifer Newell of First Cumberland Presbyterian, Bill Martin of First Tennessee Foundation, David Blevins of Life Care Centers of America and Dr. Mike Hayes of Lee University.

Leaders also included Jim Logan of Logan-Thompson, P.C., Andrew Morgan of the Law Offices of Andrew B. Morgan, Denise Rice of Peak Performance, Janay Roberson of Sodexo and Brad Emendorfer and Orlando Gonzalez of Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe.

The build ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Habitat’s Southgate Hills Subdivision. The first group of 10 leaders worked from 8 a.m. to noon and the second group of 10 worked from noon to 4 p.m.

Habitat donor engagement manager Meta McGuire stated, “The Leaders’ Build is bringing people together from many different areas of the community for a common goal. Relationships are built around what people are passionate about, and we are very blessed to team up with leaders that believe in the mission of Habitat.”

The purpose of the day is to have our community leaders “step out of the boardroom” and onto the construction site to sponsor and help build a home. Each leader donated $1,000 in addition to their sweat equity for the day.

Habitat of Cleveland executive director Tammy Johnson said, “We are thrilled to have our local leaders working alongside our future homeowner, Victor Headrick, to help raise the walls of his new home. The best leaders lead by example, and that’s just what everyone is doing today.”

Johnson described the community as “blessed to have such dedicated and giving leaders, modeling leadership through action.”

State Sen. Mike Bell said the work they’re doing helps “support one of the best ministries in the country.”

“Habitat for Humanity’s been around for decades. It is a great way for people to own a home who might not be able to own a home under normal circumstances. This is the first one I’ve helped frame, but I’ve been to a number of groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings and helped roof some homes in Athens with the McMinn County Habitat,” Bell said.

 Habitat Home No. 138  is going to the family of Victor Headrick, along with his son, Ethan.

“As a single parent of a 10-year-old boy, we’ve been trying to make ends meet. I never imagined I’d be that single parent, but I’ve been trying to hold everything togethe. This Habitat home is beyond a blessing for us,” Headrick said.

Headrick was crowning 2x4s, cutting boards and helping raise the walls of his home on the site along with community leaders. The home should be finished toward the end of August.

The first team of 10 leaders raised two walls within the first few hours, and work continued throughout the day.

Habitat’s core volunteers, like Dave Flower, come out to work on the homes every Tuesday and Thursday, and also lead crews on days like the Leaders’ Build.

As a retiree of Bowater, Flower has been with Habitat since 2006, and worked on all homes but one since joining.

“When I retired, I wanted to make an impact. My tombstone, if I died right now, I’d want to say, ‘He helped 87 families have a better life.’ I’m very happy about that,” Flower said.

He also praised the structure of Habitat, which sees its home recipients putting in sweat equity hours, putting a down payment on the house and attending fiscal responsibility courses.

Enjoying being around “special people,” Flower said he adores his team, and despite their differences, are incredibly productive as a unit and get a significant amount done on the job site.

Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis said a person only has to take a look around one of Habitat’s neighborhoods to understand how important the work they do is.

The first time he’s worked on a Habitat site, Davis said the decision to pick up a hammer and come work was an easy choice. He is thankful for the opportunity to help Habitat.

“It’s hot today, but it’s a lot of fun. I love being outside and doing this sort of thing. Plus, we’re making a big difference in a family’s life,” Davis said.

All of the leaders, volunteers, staff and media came together for lunch on the construction site at noon, with food provided by Sodexo.

Johnson also conducted a short program at 12:15 along with Headrick and president of Habitat’s board of directors, Jeff Morelock.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is located at 300 Grove Avenue. It can be reached at 423-473-4610 or by going to https://habitatofcleveland.org. 

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Legacy Builders

Posted Wednesday, May 22, 2019 10:15 am

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has a large, diverse mixture of volunteers who come year after year to help provide affordable housing. However, none of these people are as long-serving as the members of its Legacy Build crew.

The crew which is comprised of some volunteers who have served since the organization was formed 33 years ago.

Habitat executive director Tammy Johnson described the Legacy Build as being made up of “core volunteers.”

“This is the first build of 2019. We’ve got a second, third and fourth home going up this year as well,” Johnson said.

On a typical build for a Habitat home, Mondays and Wednesdays are the days for subcontractors to come work on the site. Tuesdays and Thursdays are when core volunteers come out and Fridays and Saturdays are when sponsor groups come out to work.

Depending on what the sponsor groups complete, their skill level and whether they are impeded by weather or not, the core volunteers will speed up or slow down the process to ensure the work is completed  on time. The building process takes right at 12 weeks.

Johnson said the Habitat ReStore volunteers help with each build through their work in the ReStore as well. They do this by sorting and pricing items every week, which in turn promotes profitability for the ReStore, which helps build more homes.

Using volunteer work helps keep the construction costs low for Habitat, thus allowing them to continue building more affordable houses.

Chuck Haney and Ed McCartney are two Habitat Legacy volunteers who are happy to return because of the good they’ve seen their work do.

Haney has worked with Habitat for 26 years. McCartney has worked with it for 20 years. While Haney is more involved with the construction aspect of Habitat, McCartney works in the ReStore predominantly.

McCartney is credited with starting Habitat of Cleveland’s silent auction, which has raised over $140,000 in its seven years of operation. The silent auction selects 24 items out of pieces donated to Habitat, and after research is conducted on them, the items are added to the auction for two weeks. The items can be viewed at the ReStore or on Habitat of Cleveland’s Facebook page.

“We’ve gotten to where people will ask that their donated items go into the silent auction because they don’t wanna see one of their favorite antiques sell for less than it’s worth,” McCartney said. “It not only raises money, but also generates traffic into the store to see what’s there.”

Both men said keeping busy and active is an integral reason they return every year, but the more important factor is seeing the good results generated through Habitat.

Haney encourages people who wonder what kind of impact they’ll have by supporting Habitat to take a drive through a Habitat community and see the beautiful difference made in these families’ lives.

Don Rollins was another Legacy builder whose large impact can still be felt today. After Rollins had to hang up his tool belt due to health reasons, Habitat of Cleveland established the Don Rollins Legacy Fund in his honor, which collects donations  distributed among each home  built that year. That way, Rollins is continuing to “build” on the homes.

Other organizations also support Habitat. One  is the George R. Johnson Foundation, whose funding alone helps build half a home.

Johnson made it a point to also praise the fervent and continued support of Broad Street United Methodist Church, which is where Habitat of Cleveland first originated. Having supported Habitat’s mission from the first house’s inception, Broad Street continues to support the organization as it builds its 136th home.

“Broad Street puts Christian love into action, which is what we need for the strength and stability of our organization,” Johnson said.

This year, the four future Habitat homeowners are all first-time homeowners. Contrary to popular belief, however, first-time homeowners can come in a variety of forms, ranging from young couples to seniors who’ve never bought a home to people who are on fixed incomes. The Legacy build's future owner is   Dale Ware.

“These are good, hardworking people, they just can’t afford a typical mortgage,” Johnson added.

“The thing you’ll always remember about a home dedication is how a little kid will be so excited about his new room, something he’s never had before, and that shows you why it’s all worth it,” McCartney said.

For more information on the variety of builds taking place this year and for years to come, check out Habitat of Cleveland’s website at https://habitatofcleveland.org/ or go to its Facebook page.

Habitat of Cleveland is located at 300 Grove Avenue and can be reached at 423-473-4610. 

Tammy Johnson: 'When you hear the 'C-word' it is hard to process'

Posted Thursday, May 9, 2019 5:00 pm

By GWEN SWIGER

“I was married in September 2008 to Michael Johnson,” Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, noted.

“The next April, I went for my yearly checkup. I had my first ever negative results. I got a call from my doctor. She said to come in, we have a problem,” Johnson said.

Johnson went in for more evasive procedures. When the results came in, the doctor again contacted her.

“So, I took my husband with me. It can’t be good or they would not be calling me back again,” she said.

The doctor explained there was an abnormal result. She wanted to do a biopsy.

“Within the next couple of weeks, I had a biopsy on my cervix. I found out I had something called adenocarcinoma, which is a very aggressive form of cancer that hides in the intestines and spreads,” she said.

When she went back to the doctor’s office, she was asked “how do you feel about having children?”
Johnson told the doctor, “the fact you are asking me that question makes me think it is not good.”

The doctor said it was not. The doctor had gotten a second and third opinion from doctor colleagues, who told her the growth needed to come out immediately.

“When you hear the ‘C’ word, it is hard to process,” Johnson said.  However, she had a decision to make.

“I had a friend who was a chemo nurse in Knoxville. I called her and asked her to look at the results,” Johnson said. “She had two doctors she worked with look at them.”

They concurred with Johnson’s doctor and friends — it needed to come out immediately.

"I had gone from a biopsy to having to have a hysterectomy within six weeks. We had been married less than a year. We are faced with having cancer and we won’t be able to have children. It was not until a year later, that I learned how dangerous it (the cancer) was,” Johnson said.

Fortunately, the cervical cancer was found early and removed. Johnson has not had to have chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

“For me, I feel like I was blessed. I could have been pregnant with cancer. I could have had a baby and died with cancer and left my husband with a new baby.

“Cancer is one of the worst diagnosis you can get. It is hard and you immediately think you are going to die from it, but I found out I had cancer and could not have children,” Johnson said.

“Thankfully we caught it (the cancer) early. The interesting part of my stories is when I was born, I was a breach baby. My hips were dislocated,” she said.

It was her mother who realized something was wrong with her hips. She was put into traction, but it did not work.

“I ended up having eight different body casts. I had to wear braces. Nothing made my hips heal.

"At about a year and half, my parent took me to an old-fashioned tent revival and I was healed,” she said.

Even though her hips are fine now, Johnson had wondered if she would be able to deliver a baby. As labor progressives, the hips realign to let the baby emerge.

“God really knows what is best for us,” she said. “We look for blessings in the middle of sorrow.

“There are so many blessings.   We look around to see who we can help. We love on our nieces and nephews. We have time and money we can focus on others.

“I am being healthy. I am able to do this work for Habitat. We give love and are super passionate about the people around us,” Johnson said.

Habitat overcomes donation obstacles

Posted Saturday, May 4, 2019 9:30 pm

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, in its mission to bring affordable housing to our community, was recently gifted a large amount of items, which it is now able to sell through its ReStore.

The donated item was a massive quantity of backer board and tiles given by the disaster relief organization Operation Compassion.

Contractors use backer board as a foundation for ceramic tile. Unlike wood-based materials like plywood or products that contain wood, backer board lacks the organic matter that will promote rot, mold, shrink  or decomposition. Since backer board is porous, grout, mortar and thinset adhere well to it.

With all these construction benefits, the ReStore being able to sell the backer board would offer a cheaper alternative for local contractors. The issue, however, was the sheer number of pallets of the product, which each weigh a significant amount, and their necessary storage.

There were 170 pallets of backer board and 150 pallets of tile.

“Obviously, since we’re a donation-driven organization, we’re happy to take all donations,” stated Dave Williams, ReStore manager. “The issue with this is  we just don’t have room for all these pallets at our ReStore.”

While it may not have the space, Habitat certainly has connections through its staff and board of directors, and shortly after hearing of the issue, Habitat financial director Rick Smith reached out to  Lynn Jones, who owns several warehouses in the area. Despite the growing economy and resulting lack of warehouse space due to increased usage, Jones was kind enough to donate 5,000-6,000 square feet for Habitat to use to store the backer board and tiles.

After nailing down a storage location, Williams said they breathed a sigh of relief, until  they realized the next challenge would be figuring out how to move hundreds of heavy pallets.

Seeking someone with a tractor trailer they could borrow, Habitat also reached out to Bailey Co. Inc, which supplies forklifts, to load the pallets onto the still-needed truck. The company generously gave Habitat half off its normal rate, and even delivered the forklift for free.

Habitat receiving manager Tommy Stovall was tasked to move the pallets on Wednesday and Thursday, so getting a truck was the store’s top priority.

Meta McGuire, Habitat donor engagement manager, knew a former coworker named A.J., who used to be a truck driver and knew of a trucking company called Direct Transportation that might be able to help them.

Sure enough, Paul Bowen with Direct Transportation contacted her and said he could spare a truck on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

A Direct Transportation trucker named Trapper and his wife showed up Wednesday morning and transported three full loads of pallets to the warehouse for Habitat. He stated he was happy to help and called it his “tithe.”

Following three hours of work on Trapper’s part, Williams received a call from Randall Bailey with Operation Compassion. Bailey told him he had several volunteers ready to load up a tractor trailer they’d acquired to transport even more of the pallets for Habitat.

“So because of this, we had three full tractor trailers going back to back to back all day on Wednesday,” Williams happily stated.

He added how this occasion goes to show how much can be done when a small team — like at Habitat — puts their heads together.

“It’s amazing the amount of generosity we’ve seen during this time,” Williams added. “Lynn Jones is sacrificing income to give us a space to store this. Operation Compassion donated it all in the first place, and Trapper and his wife donated their time to come help us move it all along with Operation Compassion.”

The backer board and tiles will be highly useful for contractors. At $5 per sheet, it’s also being sold much cheaper than standard pricing around $10-12 per sheet. The ReStore has quarter-inch and half-inch sheets, and has already attracted the attention of the Ocoee Region Builders Association.

ORBA member Dennis Epperson posted photos of himself purchasing the backer board on Facebook, thus spreading awareness further.

Williams said the backer board is going to be a significantly helpful resource for ORBA especially.

If all pallets sell, Habitat stands to make approximately $75,000. The pallets are one of various construction-related items the ReStore sells, others being flooring, cabinets, furniture and now even paint. Of these items, most are donated, so supplies are limited; however, Habitat has the budget to purchase three items, including laminate flooring, paint and paint supplies.

Due to the growing size of the ReStore, Williams and the Habitat team are in need of more volunteers. Everyone is encouraged to come out, introduce yourself and volunteer your time to help make Cleveland even greater.

For more information, go to www.habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat is located at 300 Grove Avenue and may be reached at 423-473-4610. 

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