Welcome Home, Stephanie!

In the heart of Berkeley County, our community thrives on resilience, hope, and collaboration. Through our latest project on Hutchinson Lane, we are not just building houses; we are creating opportunities for individuals to achieve stability and independence. Today, we celebrate a significant milestone—welcoming Stephanie into her new home!

A Journey of Determination

Stephanie's story is one of perseverance and unwavering determination. Adopted at a young age, she grew up in a large, loving family with 18 siblings. From an early age, she learned the value of hard work and resilience from her parents, who instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. For the past 14 years, Stephanie has lived in a supported residential program for individuals with disabilities. Her first major goal was to gain independence by obtaining her driver’s license and purchasing a car, a challenge she tackled head-on and accomplished in 2017.

With that success behind her, Stephanie set her sights on an even bigger dream—homeownership. However, financial barriers made this goal seem out of reach. Determined not to let obstacles stand in her way, she reached out to Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County for assistance.

A Dream Realized

Stephanie’s application was met with excitement and support from our team. Through our homeownership program and the generosity of our community, she was able to begin her journey toward owning a safe, stable home. As the Hutchinson Lane Project took shape, so did Stephanie’s dream of independence and security. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of affordable housing initiatives.

Dedication and Thanks

Stephanie’s journey to homeownership was celebrated with a heartfelt Home Dedication Ceremony, bringing together community members, supporters, and local leaders to mark this joyous occasion. The event began with a warm welcome from George Druyos, President & CEO, followed by an inspiring invocation led by Felicia Walker of Unity Bay. April Elswick, Construction Project Manager, took a moment to recognize the dedicated individuals and community partners who played a vital role in bringing this project to life. Attendees were honored to hear from Thomas Hamilton Jr., Mayor of Moncks Corner, who spoke about the significance of affordable housing and the positive impact it has on the community. Brian Davis, Family Services Manager, presented Stephanie with a special Family Services recognition, highlighting her perseverance and dedication throughout the homeownership process. The most touching moment of the ceremony came when Stephanie herself shared heartfelt words about her journey, expressing gratitude for the support she received. The event concluded with closing remarks from George Druyos, reminding everyone of the collective power of community, generosity, and determination in making homeownership dreams a reality.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our incredible donors and partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to Publix Super Markets Charities, whose generous grant played a crucial role in making Stephanie’s dream a reality. Additionally, we would like to thank Coastal Community Foundation, Cohen Family Foundation, Barron’s Department Store, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Live Oak Consultants, GJS Architecture, Lawrence Construction, and Knights Companies for their unwavering commitment to strengthening communities and transforming lives. Additionally, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the many volunteers who selflessly gave their time and energy to further our mission.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Everyone at Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County is thrilled to celebrate with Stephanie as she embarks on this new chapter. But our work is far from over! We continue our mission to provide affordable housing solutions to individuals and families in need.

Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy—helps make dreams of homeownership possible for more people like Stephanie. Visit our volunteer page to learn how you can get involved. Together, we can build brighter futures and stronger communities.

Welcome home, Stephanie!

For access to high-resolution images, please email marketing@berkeleyhabitat.org.