Naperville Responds Homeowner #1.
Wayne Ford

Son: Jeffrey

"I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Pass Christian, all its members, all the Mennonite Disaster Service workers that gave their time and their sweat, and the people of Naperville that helped make this possible. But the biggest and foremost thanks goes to God almighty for those people, for what he put in their hearts. And they opened their hearts and allowed him to put this love in their hearts. It means a lot to me, but I can never thank you enough and the thanks will come from the father to his children that he did his will and did his bidding. I thank you all so very much."

---Wayne Ford, Native of Pass Christian

Naperville Responds Homeowner #2.
Etta Dubuisson

Thanks to all the volunteers who made this a reality.

---Etta Dubuisson

Naperville Responds Homeowner #3.
Brenda Payne

Two Children: Rashed Coleman and Raven Coleman

“I am very grateful to the Rotary Club, Mennonites and Naperville for giving me the opportunity to get a new home. I will never forget this and will always remember them in my prayers.”

---Brenda Payne, Lifetime Resident of Pass Christian

Naperville Responds Homeowner #4.
Rosetta Daniels

Two Children: Alex and Halle

“I am one of the families that received a home through the Pass Christian Rotary Club. God has blessed us with a home. I feel like it has been such a blessing because now I will be able to spend more time with my two kids and enjoy a house instead of having to work all the time to have to try to pay for one. I really do appreciate it. I love it and I am like McDonalds. ‘I’m loving it’ and love every part of it. Also, I love God and everybody who had a part to do with it. Thank you all so much.”

---Rosetta Daniels

(Rosetta printed a big sign and nailed it to the front of her house: Our best present ever!
She also cooks Jambalaya and takes to the volunteers every week.)

Naperville Responds Homeowner #5.
Pamela Freeman

Four Children: Jamie, Joshua, Sara and Katherine

“I have lived in Pass Christian for over 40 years. On December 26, I will celebrate my 41st birthday. My children are fourth generation born and raised in Pass Christian. Having a home sponsored and built by many supporters and volunteers is not just luck. I feel that there is a reason for everything that has happened in my life. I know that I have been blessed in many ways.

“We not only have a new home, but have made many, many new friends. We wake up every morning and see the happy faces on all the volunteers working on our homes. My blessing is knowing that there are a lot of people, most I will never know, that take care and support my family. I thank the Pass Christian Rotary, the Naperville Responds and all of the other supporters for their work. Had it not been for you, my family and I would not have been able to meet the wonderful volunteers that I have met, every day working on my home.

“I have told everyone of them that my home is their home; they have put it together and they are part of it. When we move it will be a wonderful day but also sad. We will no longer be meeting the volunteers and I will miss that part of my recovery. Thank you again for all or your spport and hard work.”

---Pamela Freeman

Naperville Responds Homeowner #6.
Dorothy Johnson

Naperville Responds Homeowner #7.
Lucinda Isabelle

(In partnership with a $15,000 donation from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church/Promise and Purpose Campaign)

“I am a 77 year old widow who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina except the three changes of clothing I took with me when my daughter and I evacuated to Florida. I have been living in a FEMA trailer since Dec. 30, 2005. I have lived at 402 Dawn Avenue all my married life except the nine months when we lost everything in Hurricane Camille in August 1969.

“I’ve had a hard time adjusting to the changes that Hurricane Katrina forced on me because all I knew was 402 Dawn Avenue where my deceased husband and I raised our three daughters and also the grandchildren who would come to visit for weeks at a time. I have eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren who have made a tradition to gather at my house on different holidays throughout the year. Living in a travel trailer has made it difficult to gather.

“I am very grateful to the Rotary Club, the Mennonites and the numerous volunteers who are working faithfully to rebuild my home and my life. Only by the grace of God have I been blessed with the answer to my prayers which came through the numerous volunteers who are building my house.

“May God bless each and every one of you. I will always remember you in my prayers, daily prayers. Thank you so much.”

---Lucenda Isabelle

Naperville Responds Homeowner #8.
Anna Swanier

(In partnership with a $20,000 donation from K. G. Redding & Associates)

Two Grandchildren: Tarique, 11 / Danell, 20

“I am excited about my new home. Thank you is not enough to say how grateful I am to the Mennonites, Rotary Club and all those who donated toward it. Our new house would not have been possible without their help. They helped me build my home back. Without their help, it would not have been possible. I appreciate it and will always remember all who donated, worked, or thought about it in any way---especially the Rotary Club and the Mennonites. Thanks so much. I shall always remember you in my prayers. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you.”

---Anna Swanier