- November 18, 2024
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Flagler Habitat for Humanity partners and volunteers were joined by Thrivent Financial partners and community members Saturday, July 26 as they surrounded the perimeter of what will soon be Jennifer Sorrentino’s home.
Four stakes to represent the four partners in the venture were hammered into the ground by John Knox, of Habitat, Ken Klinkenberg, of Thrivent, Sorrentino and her children, and Trent Schake, pastor of Epic Church, representing the 10 community churches that will be working to build the home. Afterwards, everyone surrounding the property raised their arms to symbolize the raising of the walls and roof.
“It’s indescribable,” Sorrentino said fighting back happy tears. “It means everything to me. Without Habitat, I would never own my home, ever. It means everything to me, and my family and my kids.”
The Buttonbush Lane home, which is sponsored by and partially funded by Thrivent Financial is Flagler Habitat for Humanity’s 88th home.
Thrivent is a membership organization of Christians that believe everything they have is a gift from God, especially money. The heart of the organization is about generosity and what members can do with that not just financially, but as volunteers also.
“Being able to help provide a family with a home means so much to Thrivent members,” said Bob Northrup, the local Thrivent Financial representative. “Volunteering is important to them, and this gives them a great way to personally support our community by helping families achieve financial security.”
Ten area churches have already signed up to supply volunteers on build days and Sorrentino will be right there alongside them, putting in her sweat equity hours.
“No job too dirty for her,” Habitat volunteer George Dahl said of Sorrentino recalling when she worked on previous homes. “She was right down there with her hands, came out covered in dirt. There was nothing that she wouldn’t do – and this was on other people’s homes. This is really going to be a special build for us, with her.”
Having been going through the process for about two years, the future homeowner said she can’t wait to start building.
“What these people do is amazing,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot of stuff in my life, so to have this opportunity for my family is amazing. These people are awesome and they really do help a lot of families.”
