A legacy of giving

Brian Schoen attended his first Carter Work Project in 2018 with a mission. He traveled the 150 miles from his home in Indianapolis to the build site in Mishawaka, Indiana, to honor his late father, Ronald Schoen, a consistent and deeply dedicated volunteer of Habitat Greater Indy. Inspired by the community that unfurled during the five-day event, Brian traveled twice as far to attend this year’s project — this time with his son, Josh, who came all the way from Olympia, Washington.

Together, father and son are continuing the cycle of giving and of Habitat service that Ronald began all those years ago. Thanks to his grandfather, “a part of me always feels a little more whole when I’m on a Habitat build site,” says Josh. “In every cut I make, in every nail I put into this house, I feel like he’s part of this build. It feels good to be carrying on his legacy.”

Brenda understands the importance of a tightknit family circle and those bonds that refuse to break. With the constant encouragement of her daughter, Tifphany, Brenda applied — and was later accepted — to the Habitat homeownership program. “It’s not my first time owning a home, “ she says, “but it’s my dream home — because it’s one I never thought I’d have again.”

“I am so excited for her,” Tifphany says. “I’m extremely proud of her.” There’s a lot to be proud of. Brenda’s been free from drugs for six years, having found help and now employment through a two-year program for survivors of addiction. At 65, she has been designated the “Neighborhood Granny,” a title she wears proudly. She’s also very proud of the families she will call neighbors. “They are setting such good example for their children,” Brenda says.

During the Carter Work Project, Tifphany rolled up her sleeves, moving from room to room alongside her mom, painting the interior of her new home. It’s exactly this type of support, the tangible acts of redeeming love from her family and her God that Brenda credits to progress. “I have the greatest support system in the world,” she says. “We done been some places and seen some things, but my son and my daughter are always encouraging me to excel, always helping me find my way back to life.”