A Chance to Give Back for One Family Gives 2^nd Chance to Another 

Lebanon, Tenn. (November 16, 2009)—Hot tears of joy streamed down her face as Faye Donnell stood on the front deck of her new home, squinting through the warm sunshine to see all the people who had come out to support her. For Faye and Leroy Donnell, Saturday marked the end of a triumphant journey of becoming Habitat Homeowners. Over 70 volunteers and family members were present for Habitat for Humanity’s 48^th home dedication ceremony in Wilson County on Saturday to share hugs, wipe away tears, and rejoice with Faye and Leroy. For the Donnells, this is more than just a new home- this is a new way of life.

Faye Donnell has worked hard for everything in her life, and this home is no exception. After Faye and Leroy completed over 500 hours of sweat equity and their homeowner education course, they were eager to complete construction on their home. Habitat Board member Bob Black hugged her neck and told Faye, “We are proud of you, and you all deserve every bit of it.” Faye grew up as one of 17 children hoping to one day live on her own, but she has never lived in a home owned by anyone in her family until now.

“I just can’t say thank you enough. Thank you to all my family, my Habitat family, and the Leftwiches- you all are a very, very special family. All I can do is thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Faye. The Leftwich family belongs to First United Methodist church, sponsor of the home. J.B. and Jo Doris Leftwich have four children and nine grandchildren that decided to honor them and their 70 years of marriage by building a Habitat House. “We’ve wanted to do something like this to honor their service to our community, and this ended up being the perfect opportunity,” said son-in-law, Glyn Newton. “What a great example to continue to set,” said Tory Tredway. “First United Methodist Church and the Leftwich family have provided such a life-changing blessing for the Donnells.”

J.B. and Jo Doris both know what it means to live a life of servant leadership. J.B. spent over 40 years at Castle Heights Military Academy, is a former Lebanon Chamber of Commerce President, and was a frequent writer for the Tennessean and the Lebanon Democrat. Jo Doris has a special way with young people and spent many years as a teacher and a librarian.  “Without the generosity of this extraordinary family and the support of First United Methodist Church, we would not have been able to provide this opportunity to Faye and Leroy,” said Leah McCrady, Habitat’s Director of Development. .