Don and Kasey Roatch of Menomonie are one of our current Habitat families building in Spring Valley. This is their story: Don is a graduate of Elmwood High School and Kasey is a graduate of St. Croix Central. They met in 2002 and married in 2004, joining two families. They have 4 children. Their youngest son had serious health problems when he was born. Currently they reside in Menomonie and rent a trailer house in the country. It is old and needs repairs, one thing after another needs fixing. The worst has been finding mold in their youngest child’s room, not once but twice. "This opportunity is a chance we have been looking for. To have a home to work on that is ours will be a dream come true. We wouldn’t have this opportunity without Habitat for Humanity. We will be able to sleep at night without worrying about whether the old fire alarm system will work, about the pipes giving out on our water heater and having water run on the electrical cord that heats the pipes. Not only will a safe and healthy home be there for us to come home to, we will have a lot less driving to do." Don works in Roberts and Kasey in Hudson. "It will be a wonderful thing to have more time with our family when we each have 20 miles less of a drive to and from work each day. We are so lucky and grateful for this opportunity"

"First, I should tell you a little bit about my family. I am a single parent of two beautiful daughters, Alexis and Macie. Alexis is my oldest daughter and has cerebral palsy. Macie is my youngest and full of energy. I have always dreamed of owning a home, but never really thought it was possible. Raising two children on my own has been a challenge, of course one that I love. I came in contact with Habitat for Humanity last summer and decided to try to apply for a home. When I received the phone call that I was selected to receive a home, I couldn’t believe it. It was something positive happening to my family. Something we needed so badly. The place we were living at before was not accommodating to our family situation. It was not a healthy and safe place to live. It was so exciting to work on my new house. I really feel like my heart is in that house. The day we were able to move into our house was so rewarding. Knowing that I was part of making it happen meant so much to me. My children and I enjoy our home each and everyday. We are truly grateful for the opportunity that was given to us. Life is much easier having a home that meets my daughter’s needs. God has truly answered our prayers. I will never be able to thank St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity and all the wonderful volunteers that came to help enough. Words could not express my appreciation for what they did for me. I am proud to be a part of the Habitat family."

My name is Terri Hartung and I am a single mom of 7 children. In the beginning of this year, our family was selected to build a house with St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity. This was one of the most proudest moments for me. I have always had a dream of having a place to call our own and Habitat for Humanity has made this a reality for us. Knowing that people in Habitat and my community have been so supportive of me has boosted my self-esteem. I am proud to know that I will be moving into a house that my children and me will be able to call home for a long time. Without this program, I know that this dream would still be a dream. My children are very happy and we are looking forward to having our family and friends visit. We are definitely blessed. Another blessing, of having been selected, is the people that I have met. I started working on Molly Cunningham’s house in Prescott in May, and began working on my own in August. My site supervisor, Keith Larson, has been such a great person to work with. We are learning so much. The people that work on these houses have such big hearts and when you meet them it’s like you’ve known them for so long. They make you feel so welcome and have been so supportive of my family on our journey to home. In such a short time, we have made so many new friends. The people in my own community have also been so supportive and are genuinely happy for us too. We are making so many great memories through this experience. Thank you Habitat for an experience of a lifetime!

"God sends us special people to help us on our way, and through them we’re reminded of His loving care each day." THANK YOU! "Words cannot express how thankful we are for the opportunity that you have given us to own such a beautiful home. My children and I are in such awe when we sit around at the table and look around and say "this is ours". This is such a dream come true for us. As I look back on the year, it is with great joy, when I think of all the people that I have met and that have been so kind to me. I feel so blessed to have met and gotten to know each and every one of you. I thank God each night that he has brought such wonderful people into my life". As my Aunt Sister Mona wrote to me, I am in the "springtime of my life". Four years ago, I would have never thought that I would be moving into a new home, a place where my children can now call home. The other day, when my son Corey came home from college he said, "Look what you have given us mom. You built us a home." I felt so proud at that moment. Again, thank you for giving me this huge opportunity. What a great experience this has been. We look forward to helping others build their homes. Through this we feel that we have extended our family. You are all welcome to our home at anytime and look forward to the same. Thank you and God Bless each and every one of you. I truly believe that you are all angels that were sent to me and my family."