The Michelle Edwards Family

After Michelle Edwards went through her divorce a few years back she set three goals for herself to better her family: she made a commitment to go back to college and graduate, to buy a new car, and to buy her own home. Now her three goals are complete; Michelle graduated with an Applied Science Degree from Kirkwood Community College – all the while raising three kids – and bought a new car. Her third goal, owning a home of her own once again, was completed last fall.

Michelle has partnered with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity to build a home for herself and her three girls, 15-year-old Jocelyn, 10-year-old Alyssa, and Hannah, who’s seven. “The girls are really excited I’ve reach all my goals,” said Michelle. “They keep saying, ‘Mom! You did it!’ and congratulating me. They’re proud!”

Michelle, who said she’s not afraid to work in life to get what she deserves, thinks it’s important to set an example for her girls. The single mother of three said she’s excited to set down roots in Williamsburg and create stability for her family by owning a home.

“I’ve had a taste of homeownership [before when I was married],” she said. “I want a home to call our own to make memories in. I want my girls to be able to paint their rooms purple if they want to. I’d like to plant flowers and paint the bathroom if I feel like it.”

At one point this all seemed impossible, however thanks to Nicole Baker – a past partner family with Iowa Valley Habitat – Michelle was inspired to apply to Habitat herself. The patient service representative from Revenue Cycle Partner is now proud owner of a new energy-efficient, safe, and decent home in Williamsburg. She worked hard to complete her volunteer “sweat equity” hours and received the keys to her new home in less than a year after she first applied to Habitat.