The Volunteering Page of Tom Johanning

Thank you for volunteering for this build! Your efforts will help the Jenkins Family with their dream of owning a safe, decent, and affordable home. We look forward to having you out on the work site. We promise your volunteer experience will be fun! Get to know the Jenkins Family. Read their bio below.

FAMILY AND CURRENT HOUSING
Ronita understands and values hard work and perseverance, especially when chasing after a dream like homeownership. Although she had some hurdles to overcome before she was accepted into the Habitat program, her perseverance paid off. As a woman of tremendous faith, she is deeply committed to providing for and leading her family. Currently, the Jenkins family resides in a Stark Metropolitan and Housing Authority (SMHA) apartment in Canton. The greatest concern for Ronita is the high cost of her current rent, and she wants nothing more than to spend her money on a home that belongs to her and can be left as a legacy to her family. Ronita is very proud of her children. Damarco (14) receives good grades in school and responsibly saves any money he earns for the future. Kimier (7) is Ronita’s nephew who has lived with the family for the past six years and is doing well in school. Jamier (5) is described by Ronita as a smart, funny, loving, and well-mannered little boy. Jayla (3) is already proving to be a big help around the house and takes after her mother. Ronita wants to show her children the value of hard work and sets an example to them by completing this homeownership program.

LOOKING AHEAD
Ronita recently selected the lot for her future home and is excited for work to begin. She has been actively participating in the Habitat partnership by completing sweat equity requirements each week, both on other worksites and in homeowner education classes. Ronita’s willingness to share her life experiences and advice was especially valued in a small group class called Foundations where future homeowners discuss ways in which to succeed in every area of life while fostering mental and emotional wellness. In addition to raising her children and completing Habitat’s weekly sweat equity requirements, Ronita works hard to provide for her family. She has been employed as a manager at McDonalds for the past nine years. All of Ronita’s work will soon pay off and her dream of homeownership will become reality. “I am looking forward to becoming a homeowner because it will be the place where my kids grow up,” Ronita said, “and they will grow up in a safe place.”