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January 24 was a special day for four families. Surrounded by family, friends, co-workers, new neighbors, community members, and Habitat staff, the families of Charity Purfeerst, Sara Stephens, Vanessa Simonet, and Kathy Lane were welcomed into their new Eco Village (EV) homes during a home dedication ceremony.
The dedication was kicked off by our executive director, Dave Engstrom, welcoming everyone to the ceremony before introducing the homeowners. The homeowners each took an opportunity to share how grateful and appreciative they are to every person who had a role in making their dream of becoming homeowners a reality.
Pastor Chris Myers of First Congregational Church - River Falls, led the attendees in a prayer before four teachers from Westside Elementary, the school where the EV families' children will attend. The baskets were filled with love, cards handmade by Westside Elementary students, a tie-blanket, and other home decor items.
After the baskets were presented, Pastor Myers asked everyone to reach out a touch a part of the home while he led a prayer in consecrating the homes. "As we recall the love that raised the money, the gifts, and the talents offered by many volunteers, and a new future awaiting the family, we consecrate and bless this home. May these families be filled with the grace and love of God in all they do."
Each family was then presented with a Bible and a set of keys to their home. Debbie Murtha, SCV Habitat office manager, presented Charity Purfeerst her Bible and keys, which was followed by SCV Habitat volunteer of the year, Fred Benson, presenting a Bible and keys to Michelle Smith, an Eco Village homeowner who accepted the items for Sara Stephens because Sara could not be at the dedication. The presentations were wrapped up by longtime volunteer Jim Miller presenting to Vanessa Simonet and board member Roger Pavlis to Kathy Lane.
Once the presentations were done, everyone was invited to stay around, tour the homes, socialize, and enjoy some refreshments.
Martha Quilters of St. Bridget's Church - River Falls were not able to be at the home dedication ceremony but had made each family a quilt, which were given to the families afterward.
We are so grateful to be able to partner with such wonderful families, volunteers, community members, and donors throughout the year, and being able to share this touching event with them was truly a blessing.
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