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Family and Current Housing
Amanda returned to the Canton community after living out of state with a partner. When that relationship ended, she decided to move back home to support her mother, and has lived there the past two years. The house, however, is old and in need of significant repairs. Several windows do not open, there are signs of water damage in the bedroom, and the electrical panel is outdated, causing the furnace to trip the breaker frequently. Water leaks into the basement from the outside, and the front porch is visibly sagging. The biggest challenge Amanda faces in her current living situation is the tension it creates with her mother, as she feels a deep calling to foster children. She is currently in the process of adopting Abigail, with the adoption set to be finalized this year.While she eagerly looks forward to building a home and a future with her daughter, affordability remains a major hurdle. As a member of the Leadership Stark County Spotlight Program, Amanda had the opportunity to visit the Habitat East Central Ohio ministry office for a presentation and tour. It was during this visit that she finally saw a clear path to homeownership. Since then, she has worked diligently in the program, completing her sweat equity hours and attending homebuyer education classes focused on financial wellness and home maintenance—valuable skills that will help her transition confidently into owning her own home.

A Bright Future
Amanda is currently the Community Wellness Coordinator at Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital, where she leads the Aultman Ambassador Program, which serves 18 schools across three counties. She finds great joy in educating others and seeing her community benefit from the resources her team provides. Outside of work, Amanda loves spending time with Abigail. They share a passion for sports, enjoy visiting parks, and love baking together. Abigail has been with Amanda since the summer of 2023 and was officially matched with her in early 2024. She is a straight-A student and a competitive gymnast. This home represents more than just a fresh start for Amanda— it’s a chance to provide the stability and security that Abigail has lacked for too many years. But their journey doesn’t stop there. Amanda and Abigail plan to open their home to other children in need through fostering, creating a space filled with love, support, and new beginnings.

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hours pledged

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volunteers
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Location / Venue

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In Support of Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio
As a grassroots Christian housing ministry serving Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio is driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. People partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, visit habitateco.org.