| |
114 N Cottage Grove, Urbana. Map to the site here (in PDF format).
About the Corona Family
About Women Builds
Build Sponsors
Build Schedule and Volunteering
Past Events
Raised in Morelia (a city of 2 million) Maricela Corona learned the value of education and hard work from her parents. Sixth of seven children, Maricela – like her siblings – was told to either get good grades or go to work. She chose chose to study chemistry and upon graduation, earning valedictorian status of her class.
After marrying her college sweetheart, Maricela and her husband moved to the United States to pursue his work in entomology.
What do you like about living in the United States?
I like small cities where people are warm. My daughters and I appreciate simple things where we can learn from. I love diversity and learning from different cultures. That has been my best experience here in the United States.
Just as Maricela was planning to go back to school after being a stay-at-home mom for her two daughters - Frida and Celeste - her marriage fell apart and her plans changed. With Celeste sick with asthma, Maricela decided instead to get a part-time job with the Urbana Adult Education Center, watching the children of GED students and Celeste at the same time. When a full-time Teacher’s Assistant position opened up a year and half later in the Urbana School District, she jumped at the chance to work in the Bilingual Program at Leal, where she would again be close to Celeste.
Why have you made the United States your permanent home?
I came here six years ago, for only one year with many expectations for my family. My children's father was working on his Post-Doctoral studies at U of I and I was at home. I got a Degree in Chemistry and a Master of Biotechnology in Mexico and I left my career behind. After the first year suddenly my life changed because of the break-up of my marriage and by then I had a part time job and my younger daughter sick with asthma. I had to look for a full time job and I got a full time job at Leal School in Urbana, where I have worked for more than four years. I decided to live here because I don't usually run away from bad situations, I face them and working on a second degree will make me feel challenged and gain my daughters' respect. I love to teach and that is what I plan to do in the future. We are permanent, legal residents.
What are the problems with your current living situation?
I currently rent a small apartment in Urbana (two bedrooms). My two daughters (13 and 9 years old) and I live there. They need their own space and privacy to study and rest. The limited space we have right now creates sometimes tension between them. We really need more space.
Frida and Celeste are voracious readers and both say the most important thing to add to their new rooms are bookshelves. Frida has her sights set on becoming a lawyer or earning her MBA at Harvard. The straight-A student is well on her way. Outgoing Celeste says she wants to be a singer, artist, fashion designer, or author. “Or mathematician,” adds her mother.
What would owning your own home mean to you?
It means a lot. I always wanted to get my own house, space and the most important reason a sense of stability.
What would owning your own home mean to your girls?
They are very happy. They truly believe that life will be better, they will have their privacy and will study harder.
What would owning your own home mean to your family's future?
It means the beginning of a new stage, a sense of freedom and the possibility of a better life.
Why did you choose to get more education?
I decided to get involved in the bilingual education program and as a requirement all teachers working for the program should be certified. There is a quick way to get certification (6 months-1 year) and also the long way through the College of Education. I decided to get the second and serve families, students, and Leal better.
People might wonder why you can't afford a home when you are currently in school. Please tell us more about how Leal School is sponsoring your education.
The USD 116 and U of I have a program that provides limited fee waivers every semester to employees (about five). The USD committee decides who is going to get the fee waivers. I got one of the fee waivers this semester. I am very happy.
How do balance being a mom, working and going to school?
It has been a little complicated, but I always find a time of the day to communicate with my children about anything they want to tell me. I usually study at night when they sleep and I focus better. At school I teach and try to do my best. I try to find 15 minutes a day to relax and go on.
Why do you value education?
I value education because that is something that nobody can take away from you. Education is a heritage.
How is your church supporting you?
People are supportive and warm. All my friends pray for me.
How has your faith helped you in your experience?
I have very strong faith. I believe now that things happen for any reason and I had to learn and accept that my life changed. I move forward with high expectations for my kids and for me and God will lead our way.
Back to top.
 Why? video
Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Nearly 1,000 Habitat houses have been built by women crews around the world. Each year 150 or more homes are added as affiliates, donors and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources.
How?
Make a financial contribution to help us reach our goal of $64,500. Join hands with dedicated women to raise money and be involved. Involve your group, club or friends with a build day. ($5,400 donation). Celebrate your birthday or other special event with us – ask friends and family to donate in your honor to the Women Build House. Organize a “Workplace Giving Program”. Ask your workplace to match your donation. Volunteer on the build site. We hope to being in the spring of 2008. To be notified of the schedule as it emerges, contact Ellen Willcox (house@cuhabitat.org, 217-359-0507 x110). To make a donation, click here.
Skills?
Don’t worry! Many women come to Women Build sites with no construction skills at all and still make a great impact. Training will be provided. This is empowerment at its best: women joining hands with other women, raising money, building a home, achieving a dream with another woman.
Back to top.
Thank you to those organizations in our community that have contributed their services and funds to make this historic new beginning possible. (Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the list. Please notify us of any errors or omissions.)
Full listing of corporate and individual donors here (will open in PDF). July 31, 2008
92.5 The Chief, ABC Sanitary*, Advanced Filtration Systems, Alto Vineyards, Altrusa Foundation, Amasong: Champaign-Urbana's Premier Lesbian/Feminist Chorus, Armstrong Lumber*, Beaumont Alignment Plus, Bella Bambini, Bella Mia, BridalU.net
Cabinetland*, Champaign Cycle, Chambana Roofing, Champaign Co. Association of Realtors, Champaign Telephone Company*, Champaign-Urbana's Junior Woman's Club, Chef Benjamin Graves, Christ Unity Church, Circles, City of Champaign*, City of Urbana*, Cooper's Hawk Winery, Corkscrew, CU DIVAS, C-U Storyteller's Guild
El Toro II, English Hedgerow, Esquire Lounge, F & R Roofing*, First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, Friar Tuck*, Furrow Vineyard
Great Harvest Bread Company, Green View Garden Center, Hair Design & Day Spa at Knollwood, HDC Engineering*, Herriott's Rentals*, Hessel Park Christian Reformed Church*, Hickory Point Bank & Trust*, Hidden Acres Nursery, Human Kinetics*
IBEW Local 601*, Illiana Insulation*, Infant-Parent Institute, Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, Kickapoo Creek Winery, Kleiss Nursery
|
Ladies Auxiliary of Eagles #3075, Lanz Plumbing*, Leal School, Lone Pine Electric*, Lowe's*, Lynfred Winery, Inc.
MacDonald Machinery Co., Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, McGladrey & Pullen, Michelle's Bridal, National Council of Negro Women, Champaign County Section, Next Generation School
O'Brien Auto Park, Parkland College, Pride Clinic, Printec, RATIO Architects*, Rawles, O’Byrne, Stanko, Kepley & Jefferson, P.C.*, Rose Heating & Air Conditioning*, Rotary Club of Champaign*
Sam’s Drywall*, Schoonover Sewer Service*, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, Smoothie King, Stephens Excavating*, Storage Options & Solutions*, Traveling Vineyard, Unitarian-Universalist Church, United Rentals, UpClose Marketing & Printing*
Wilkie & McMahon, Wells Fargo Foundation on behalf of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Women of Grace Community Church, Z Entertainment
*denotes ongoing build partners
|
Back to top.
| Week 1 |
A beautiful day in the neighborhood
Friday, May 30, 2008 & Saturday, May 31, 2008
 Did you grow up watching "Mister Roger's Neighborhood"? His was full of friendly people, all of whom had great stories to tell. Our Women Build with the Corona Family is set in a very special neighborhood. On Friday, May 30, before all of the other volunteers crawled from their beds, Mike Perry (to the south of the lot) and Rick Deck (to the north of the lot) were on site to help build a home for their new neighbor.
Most of the homes on this stretch of Cottage Grove have been in the same family for generations. Carol Deck, Rick's mom, and her husband raised their son and 89 foster children in a house just down the street. When we go off site to eat lunch at Christ Unity Church, Harold Ervin, who lives directly across from the new home, watches over the site.
Last Friday and Saturday, volunteers came from the county at large as well as Amasong, Caterpillar, Christ Unity Church, Community United Church of Christ, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Illinois' Campus Chapter of HfH, King School, and Parkland College:
Anne Robin, Annie Coddington, Ayda Parra, Bob Coverdill, Charles Blatti, Cheryl Kennedy, Courtney Cuthbertson, Diane Washington, Dixie Thornhill, Don Block, Don Hoftmeister, Drew Coverdill, Eric Sheu, Henry Gerlach, "Jan 3" Petee, Jenelle Griffin, John Humlicek, Jon Gunderson, Josh Paschedag, Kim Clark, Kim French, Laura Stevens, Lynn Kincaid, Maricela Corona, Marli Bardell, Mary Jo Skrobul, Matt Harris, Meagan Smith, Nancy Anderson, Nancy Brazas, Nancy Melin, Pam Crews, Paul Kordick, Roger Eagin, Sean Campbell, Serena Wee, Sue Searing, Susan Potter, Terry Moreau, Tracy Gunderson, Wendy Edwards and Yan Liu.
Lunches were provided by youngsters Emilio Valverde, Ema Valverde, Isabella Norato and Paula Norato with help from moms Ayda Parra and Stacy Harwood. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the house from a bare foundation to a skeletal structure with walls - inside and out - in just two days. Thank you also to Dave Johnson, our photographer, and the three dogs who dropped by to check on our progress.
|
| Week 2 |
What if we scheduled a build day and nobody came?
Friday, June 6, 2008 & Saturday, June 7, 2008
I feared that last weekend was going to be the weekend no one came to build. Through the circumstances that life throws at us all, 90% of those registered canceled. As I was fairly certain that our construction manager, Paul Zindars, would notice if we were the only two on site in the morning, I looked for substitutes. And I found them. Some were volunteers I e-mailed or called, some were innocently walking down the street (thank you, Scott).
You all give of yourselves with great joy. We are blessed by every one of you: Charles Blatti, Scott Gerard, Dave Johnson (who put down his camera to put up rafters), Lynn Kincaid, Kathleen Robbins, Eric Sheu, Mary Jo Skrobul, Dacia Stemle, Michael Stemle Jr., Dixie Thornhill, Diane Washington, Serena Wee and Kellee Weinhold. On Friday, June 6, you completed sheeting the walls and put up the roof rafters – using teamwork instead of a crane.
 
A very special thank you to Community United Church of Christ. When our lunch volunteers needed to cancel, Kellee Weinhold and the CUCC family provided us with sustenance and more.
Maricela holds the first truss while it is being attachedThank you to everyone who tried to volunteer on Saturday, June 7. We had to cancel the work day because of the thunderstorms: Katie Brown, Valerie Burton, Stephanie Cobb, Brenda Foster, Scott Gerard, Jody Hanger, Jim Hannum, Sandy Hannum, Gail Heuting, Dave Johnson, Cindy Loui, Yan Liu, Joe Love, Ursula Reuter-Carlson, Kathleen Robbins, David Sharpe, Eric Sheu and Kellee Weinhold.
VOLUNTEER SLOTS FILLED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
|
| Week 3 |
A loving family
Friday, June 13, 2008 & Saturday, June 14, 2008
We had a wonderful time on the build site June 13 and 14. The sun was shining, the house was growing by leaps and bounds and two little girls were looking at each change in their home with huge grins and growing excitement. Little Celeste was thrilled when her room had an enclosed roof. Frida diligently wrote thank you notes for the volunteers, smiling and shyly saying "thank you" to each one that approached her chair.
The Corona girls' eyes focused on their mom as she hammered 2 x 4s, climbed ladders, scaled the roof, and worked tirelessly along side of the volunteers. Maricela came over to check on the girls, giving them sweaty hugs. The girls hugged her back, glowing with the pride and the respect they have for their mother.
By the end of the weekend, our volunteers had finished sheeting the roof, begun the shingles, and almost completed the siding. Thank you to our friends from the county at large, AMDOCS, Junior League, Leal School, Parkland College, Unity High School and the University of Illinois:
 Kaamilah Abdullah-Span, Melissa Applebee, Cassie Arner, Ruth Aydt, Kelly Bails, Andra Bez, Charles Blatti, Patti Brown-Barnes, Carlene Coddington, Shari Clapp, Betsey Cronan, Jack Cunningham, Lisa Davis, Natalie Davis, Chad "Siding Chad" Elliott, Sarah Elliott, Lori Frost, Scott Gerard, Doug Graham, Stewart Graham, Stacey Harwood, Maribeth Holhubner, Samantha King, Spencer Landsman, Cherilyn Larsen, Pete Larsen, Yan "Lou" Liu, Kelly McClure, Kristin Megenhardt, Samantha Redes, Nancy Roth, Eric "The" Sheu, Debra Short, Rebecca Smalley, Lauren Stites, Carolyn Surowka, Stephanie Sutton, Joni Utnage, Melissa Welch, Danielle Wilberg and Valerie Williams.
Thank you to Christ Unity Church for allowing us to lunch in luxury at their beautiful church and Dave Johnson for his photography.
VOLUNTEER SLOTS FILLED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AMDOCS, CLR SOFTWARE AND ILLINOIS CAMPUS CHAPTER AND JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHAMPAIGN URBANA |
| Week 4 |
The First Supper
Saturday June 21, 2008
 The sandwiches were perfect, the lemonade was chilled, the dinnerware was paper and plastic, as we gathered together to eat the first meal served in the Corona Family's new home. There may not have been counters, or doors, or even completed walls, but there was a roof to shelter and prayers of joy to share.
We had hoped to finish the roof and the siding, but Mother Nature had other plans and rain sent us scurrying to the shelter of the front porch.
Saturday, June 21st's volunteers from the community at large, IBEW Local 601, Illinois' Campus Chapter, and the Unitarian Universalist Church. Thank you to Marli Bardel, John Coppess, Catherine and Jeff Cunningham, Paul Duncum, Robert and Sandy Finley, Kim French, Henry Gerlach, Jim and Sandy Hannum, Cindy Ingold, Holly Jordan, Geoffrey Levin, Yan Liu, Virginia McArthur, Sunni Nam, Eric Sheu, Larry Stapleton, Ryan Thomas and Charles Wisseman.
|
| Week 5 |
Siding & a fitting
Saturday, June 28, 2008
On Saturday, June 28th volunteers split into three groups. A group on the front of the house completing the siding on the gables, a group on the back of the house completing the gable siding and a group digging post holes and building the side porch.
 One volunteer commented that she has been very frustrated watching how long it has taken her neighbor to complete the siding on his home. After she spent several hours cutting and recutting siding for the gable (too short, too long, angle wrong) she had an appreciation and sympathy for how hard the job is to complete.
Bride-to-be Kim was excited to meet Michelle Schweighart of Michelle's Bridal. “I have an appointment at your bridal shop – Monday at 10!” I believe it is the first discussion of wedding gowns, colors (how many shades of white are there), I have ever heard on the build site. Who knows what the next build day will bring?
Thank you to Jan Causey, Kelly Buhnerkemper, Kim French, Matt Harris, Rita Jackson, Cathy Joyce, Maureen Juodis, Brenda Logsden, Samantha Redes, Michelle Schweighart, Eric Sheu, Deb Short, and Christina Wall. VOLUNTEER SLOTS FILLED BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS, MCGLADREY & PULLEN AND MICHELLE'S BRIDAL |
| Week 6 |
How much paint can you get one one volunteer?
Friday, July 11, 2008 & Saturday, July 12, 2008
 Please stop by the Women Build Homes with the Corona Family site to see what last weekend's volunteers accomplished. The walls are painted and the laminate floors are down. A special thank you to the volunteers from Caterpillar who volunteered after working and all-night shift. Neighbor Janice Revelle graciously gave us a tour of her beautiful gardens. We gave her a caterpillar.
Construction Manager Paul Zindars learned he needs to be very specific when giving instructions to sleepy volunteers. He was using a light to show the volunteers where they needed to touch up the paint. Paul said, "Touch up the funny places". Unfortunately, they thought the funniest places were on each other. They also shared their singing talents with the group. Energetic renditions of the "Rawhide" theme (rolling, rolling, rolling) seemed the perfect accompaniment to their painting, as were Christmas carols and show tunes.
 Saturday the exuberant and joyous CU DIVAS showed they, too, enjoy singing along with the radio. Did you know "Good Humor" ice cream trucks still roamed the streets? When the DIVAS heard the music they ran for their wallets and chased it down, looking an awful lot like excited 6 year olds. A treat on many levels!
Speaking of treats, our meal volunteers treat us very well. Two of the coveted recipes from this month are:
Cherry Fruit Salad
1 large can of cherry pie filling
1 can crushed pineapple (drained)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 large cool whip
1 bag of little marshmallows
Optional: chopped nuts
Mix and serve... SO easy! 
|
Pasta Salad
2 Boxes Spinach & Tomato Pasta Noodles (Cook as Directed)
Chop the following into chunks:
1 Green Pepper
1 Yellow Pepper
1 Medium Red Onion
1 Small Pkg. Sliced Pepperoni (I stacked and cut into 1/2 and 1/2 again)
1 Block Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 Small Can of Sliced Black Olives
1/2 Jar of Bacon Bits
3/4 Container Feta Cheese
Dressing of Choice |
The highlight of Saturday, for me, was watching volunteers learn to use the table saw. Their looks of terror quickly turned into looks of triumph as they all learned to use the saw with ease. Thank you to Circles, the Esquire, O'Brien Auto Park and Smoothie King for sponsoring DIVA Day.
Thank you to volunteers Marli Bardell, Brooks Bennett-Milloz, Karen Bilbo, Marilyn Blanzy, Liz Buckley, Karen Carter, Mary Cory, Kit Donahue, Marci Dorrits, Kristin Duffy, Susan Elmore, Cindy Faullin, Teresa Gable, Tim Gilles, Megan Gillette, Monika Hart, Tami Haubner, Cheryl Kennedy, Brenda Koester, Yan Liu, Mindy Manolakes, Danielle Matthews, Kim Matthis, Teri McCarthy, Amanda McWilliams, Janey Morton, Josh Paschedag, Nicole Philyan, Lynn Randall, Kim Robeson, Sharon Shelby, Eric Sheu, Deb Short, Lee Ann Thals, Amy Thompson, Nancy Walker, Melissa Welch, and Laci Werner. Photos by David Johnson.
Don't forget: On Saturday, August 2 at 10am we will dedicate the completion of this home (114 N Cottage Grove, Urbana). This is our affiliate's 50th home: help us celebrate!
-Ellen Willcox, Build Volunteer Manager
VOLUNTEER SLOTS FILLED BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS, CATERPILLAR, THE CU DIVAS and MCGLADREY & PULLEN.
|
| Week 7 |
Food, glorious food
Friday, July 18, 2008 & Saturday, July 19, 2008
There are many things that are very important on a build site: motivated volunteers;  Paul's expert direction; the right tools and supplies. These are the necessities. Then there are the things that make the build site special: good conversation; laughter; and amazing food. Friday the 18th, the group from Parkland College had it all.
On Saturday the 19th it rained. It rained just enough during the day to make us continually wet and the site unbelievably muddy. Our volunteers came from the community, the Unitarian Universalist Church and our longtime partners, the electricians of IBEW Local 601. Everyone was in good spirits and worked well. Lunch was Jimmy John's, eaten while we all were sitting in a circle around the kitchen floor. A lively discussion of elder hostels, travel, children and shows on the food channel with elaborate cakes (ones that you would like to look at but probably not eat) ensued.
 Thank you to Marli Bardel, Mike Benner, Kathy Bruce, Ruthie Counter, Mary Catherine Denmark, Robin Dodson, Raeann Dossett, Amy Fleshne, Kim French, Stacy James, Laura Jamison, Heidi Leuszler, Geoff Levin, Jodie Littleton, Cindi Loui, Connie Macedo, Molly Murphy, Marva Nelson, Josh Pasadequa, Mary Severinghaus, Jennifer Smith, Cathy Statler, Mary Ann Tiedmann, Karen Tillman, Anna Maria Watkin, Lori Wendt, Lynn Wiley, Romonna Williams, Kris Young, and, as always, Christ Unity Church. They have made their facility available to us whenever we have the need.
ALL VOLUNTEER SLOTS FILLED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND PARKLAND COLLEGE, THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH AND LEAL SCHOOL. |
| Week 8 |
178 Hearts, 1 Home
Friday, July 25, 2008 & Saturday, July 26, 2008
I think Altrusa must translate as "fun" because we sure had that with this group on the 26th. By popular vote, Donna was renamed Adonnamous; we chipped debris into useful mulch; a ramp was built; trim was painted while windows were cleaned; there's now a front porch. Our crews always look forward to relaxing together for a snack, mid morning. I am definitely going to crash any event where Altrusa is the host. Our snacks included such things as mini-bagels and cheese spreads and the most luscious strawberries I have seen with rich, chocolate to dip them in. Yes, it is a rough life we lead.
Thank you to Marli Bardell, Katy Brown, Donna Chapel, Pat Chapel, Kim Clark, Erin Flynn, Kim French, Bev Herzog, Kathryn Hires, Carol Ann Hunter, Dave Johnson, Tina Johnson, Carol Larson, Yan Liu, Josh Paschedag, Pat Phillips, Eric Sheu, Debbi Short, Jean Shreeves, Shelley Silch, and Marge Stillwell. Our volunteers came from Altrusa, AMDOCS, Illinois' Campus Chapter, and our community.
A few short weeks ago, 114 N. Cottage Grove was an empty lot. Where there was nothing, a house now stands. It was built with 178 hearts, 356 hands, hundreds of sore muscles, 22 bandages, 13 bruised thumbs, 1 ice pack, love, tears, laughter, really bad singing, and many prayers. It now waits for Maricela, Frida and Celeste to walk through the door and make it their home. I hope to see you this Saturday, August 2, at 10 a.m. for the dedication this home, Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County's 50th. Thank you to all of you who worked together to make this happen.
|
| |
 We did it! The Corona home stands ready to welcome the family home. A special thanks to Rita Jackson, Linda Rund, and Larry Stapleton for their beautiful 11th-hour landscaping. Thank you to Charles Blatti and Eric Sheu for always being willing to run out to the site at a moment's notice to help. Thank you – every one of you!
Kaamilyah Abdullah-Span, Nancy Anderson, Melissa Applebee,
April Applegate, Cassie Arner, Yelda Aydin-Mullen, Ruth Aydt
Kelly Bails, Marli Bardell, Mike Benner, Andra Bez, Marilyn Blanzy, Charles Blatti, Don Block, Nancy Brazas, Katie Brown, Patti Brown-Barnes, Kathy Bruce, Kelly Buhner-Kemper, Tristan Bullinton, Cathy Burge, Debbie Burr, Valerie Burton
Sean Campbell, Karen Carter, Kevin Cash, Jan Causey, Kim Chambers, Donna Chapel, Pat Chapel, Shari Clapp, Kim Clark, Stephanie Cobb, Anne Coddington-Rast, Carlene Coddington, Caren Cohen-Heath, John Coppess, Jeff Cunningham, Courtney Cuthbertson, Mary Cory, Ruthie Counter, Bob Coverdill, Drew Coverdill, Pam Crews, Betsey Cronan, Cathy Cunningham, Jeff Cunningham, Timothy Custon, Courtney Cuthbertson
 Lisa Davis, Natalie Davis, Rick Deck, Mary Catherine Denmark, Mary S. Dodds, Robin Dodson, Kit Donahue, Marci Dorrts, Raeann Dossett, Paul Duncum, Roger Eagin, Wendy Edwards, Sarah Elliott, Susan Elmore, Cynthia Faullin, Rob Finley, Amy Fleshner, Erin Flynn, Brenda Foster, Kim French, Lori Frost
Katy Galli, Scott Gerard, Henry Gerlach, Tim Gilles, Doug
Graham, Stuart Graham, Janelle Griffin, Jennifer Griffin, Jon Gunderson, Tracy Gunderson, James Hack, Jody Hanger, Jim Hannum, Sandy Hannum, Matt Harris, Monika Hart, Stacy Harwood, Tami Haubner, Bev Herzog, Gail Heuting, Kathryn Hires, Mari Beth Holhubner, Cynthia Hoyle, John Humlicek, Carol Ann Hunter
Cindy Ingold, Rita Jackson, Stacy James, Laura Jamison, David Johnson, Tina Johnson, Holly Jordan, Cathy Joyce, Maureen Juodis, Karen Kelsky, Cheryl Kennedy, Lynn Kincaid, Samantha King, Brenda Koester, Paul Kordick
 Spence Landsman, Cherilyn Larsen, Pete Larsen, Carol Larson, Heidi Leuszler, Geoff Levin, Jodie Littleton, Yan "Lou" Liu, Brenda Logsdon, Cindy Loui, Joe Love
Connie Macedo, Ginny Mc Arthur, Kelly McClure, Will McFall, Amanda McWilliams, Kristin Megenhardt, Nancy Melin, Terry Moreau, Frankie Mossberg, Molly Murphy
Erin Sun Nam, Marva Nelson, Ayda Parra, Josh Paschedag, Michael Perry, Jan Petee, Pat Phillips, Nicole Philyan, Susan Potter, Lin Randall, Tonya Randall, Samantha Redes, Ursula
Reuter-Carlson, Kathleen Robbins, Kim Robeson, Anne Robin, Nancy Roth, Amber Ruldolphi
Michelle Schweighart, Sue Searing, Lisa Sechler, Ellery
Sedgwick, Mary Severinghaus, Anne Sharpe, David Sharpe, Sharon Shelly,nnum Eric Sheu, Debbi Short, Jean Shreeves, Shelley Silch, Mary Jo Skobul, Rebecca Smalley, Meagan Smith, Larry Stapleton, Cathy Stalter, Dacia Stemle, Mike Stemle Jr, Vanessa Stephens, Laura Stevens, Marge Stillwell, Lauren Stites, Eun Sun Nam, Carolyn Surowka, Stephanie Sutton
 Lee Ann Thals, Ryan Thomas, Amy Thompson, Dixie Thornhill,
Karen Tillman, Joni Utnage, Nancy Walker, Christina Wall, Diane Washington, Anna Marie Watkin, Elizabeth Watkins, Serena Wee, Kellee Weinhold, Melissa Welch, Lori Wendt, Danielle Wilberg, Jill Wilberg, Lynn Wiley, Valerie Williams, Carole Amann Wilson, Charles Wisseman and Kris Young.
The full list of sponsors is here (will open in PDF).
My favorite memories from this build:
Celeste Corona as she was showing me where her room would be: "I am not sure where my bed will be, but my bookshelf will be right next to it."
A women yelling, "Quick, take a picture, I am on the roof - no one will ever believe I came up here unless I have proof."
Another who looked at the chop saw and asked, "Is there a smaller saw I can start out with?"
A hungry volunteer, "Hey, look, that is a 'Good Humor Truck' – this is an amazing neighborhood!"
To a volunteer who was painting, "Just touch up the funny places."
And from another volunteer as dusk was settling over the build site, "We can't stop now, we have not finished the roof."
 We talked about EVERYTHING, the funny directions life takes you, elaborate cakes shown on the food network, divorce, depression, friendship, travel, GOD, wedding dresses, ugly bridesmaid dresses, politics, dreams, black history, gardening, recipes, the strangest job we ever had, the highest heels we ever wore for a whole evening, children, pets, fears, favorite fruits, how we challenge ourselves, how we are weak, how we are strong, and how we need each other to help us balance our lives.
We built, we counseled each other, we laughed, we cried, we encouraged each other to try new things and cheered each other on as we conquered new skills.
I cannot wait to do it again.
-Ellen Willcox, Build Volunteer Manager |
Back to top.
United Rentals Helps Women Build Homes: On March 28th, 2008, United Rentals will be having a customer appreciation day complete with lunch (11 am - 2pm) and sales on equipment and supplies. United Rentals (3501 N. Countryview Rd., Urbana, 351-5820) will encourage shoppers that day to join them in making a donation to the Women Build Homes partnership with the Maricela Corona family. Thank you, United Rentals, for helping to build community and relationships through new construction with low-income families!
 The C-U Storytellers Guild is proud to present "There's No Place Like Home," a fund raiser on behalf of the Women Build Homes partnership with the Maricela Corona Family (now at $32,000 of the $64,500 needed to start the build).
On Sunday, March 2, from 2 - 4pm, at Grace Community Church (2901 Watterson Court, Champaign), storytellers Kathy Brinkmann, Kim Sheahan, Camille Born, Lynn Randall and Elizabeth Simpson will tell lots of stories from around the world about people and the place they call home.
This is a family-friendly event with a $5 donation at the door. Tasty treats will be provided by Pekara Bakery.
Amasong presents She, My Heart's Friend
on Saturday, December 8 at 730pm
and Sunday, December 9 at 4pm.
Both will be at McKinley Presbyterian, 809 S Fifth St, Champaign. A portion of proceeds from both concerts will be donated to the 2008 Women Build with the Corona Family.
Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman: Come together to benefit the Maricela Corona Family and Women Build 2008 with a cocktail party! Meet fellow Habiteers and future home owner Maricela Corona on Friday, November 16, 5-7pm at Michelle's Bridal, 2210 North Willow Road, Urbana, 61802 (complimentary food and wine). Space is limited. Reserve your space with your Women Build pledge by contacting Eileen Gebbie (director@cuhabitat.org, 359-0507 x111) today. There is no minimum pledge.
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors: Michelle's Bridal, English Hedgerow, Z Entertainment, Herriott's Rentals, Printec and BridalU.net.
Back to top. |
Contact Info
