Habitat dedication celebrates more than building a home

• Darla Koloski

Darla Koloski (front) worked in partnership with more than 300 women who joined forces to build the Habitat for Humanity home and fund its construction. Koloski will purchase her home at the end of October. (Contributed photo)
• Women Build

The Habitat home was framed with bright orange boards, which were signed and had well-wishes from people throughout the community. (Contributed photo)

Talk about it

On Thursday, October 18 at noon, the dedication of the Darla Koloski family Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County (HFHDC) home will be a celebration of building hope, building a home and building relationships within the community.

A year ago, 13 women decided to form an area women build and fund a Habitat home. Since then, more than 300 women have come together to form Women Build teams to build a home for a family: Darla Koloski and her children, Thalen, Brianna, Blake, Trent and Skylar.

When she found out she was accepted as a partner family, Koloski said she was “surprised, excited, and nervous.” She said this has been one of the biggest decisions she has made for her family.

The public is invited to attend the dedication. Attendees should park at Discovery Middle School and take a shuttle provided by Rainbow Rider to the home on Thomas Drive.

Shuttles will begin at 11:30 a.m. Following the home dedication, there will be a celebration at the Discovery Middle School cafeteria in recognition of the community-wide support that makes the building of homes possible.

During the dedication, there will also be a commissioning to service of two local volunteers who will take part in an international build experience. Michelle Olsen and Larry Zilliox will travel to Bangladesh in December.

The business sponsors and the Women Build Teams will be recognized for their work in helping to fund the building of the home.

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1997 and has built 33 homes for sale to partner families throughout Douglas County, providing housing for 134 people.

For more information on how to support Habitat or get involved, contact the affiliate at (320) 762-4255, e-mail info@hfhdouglascounty.org or visit www.hfhdouglascounty.org

Tags: local news, women build, news, habitat