When Joelle and Dakota realized they would have to leave their Cass County, Neb., family home, where Joelle grew up, their first thoughts were about their oldest son, Rylen ,8, who is autistic. 

“It was panic,” Joelle said. 

Would they have to change schools? Rylen, previously non-speaking, had blossomed at Conestoga Elementary, speaking complete sentences in just two years with the help of his teachers. 

“Leaving the community or starting a new school would be so hard for him,” she said, adding the anticipated move was already causing issues. “He developed a really bad stutter.” 

The couple was overwhelmed. They had spent years remodeling Joelle’s childhood home, only to see her dad sell it.

“We could have saved that money for a down payment on a house,” Joelle said. “With three kids in today’s world, groceries and everyday life, it doesn’t leave much left over. I thought we were going to have to move into an apartment.” 

Then they learned through Joelle’s sister about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and the Home Journey program, which helps families and individuals purchase affordable homes. Two brand-new homes were available in Plattsmouth — the first in Cass County for the organization. The homes were close to their previous home and would keep Rylen in his school. The couple applied in October, working with Allen, a mortgage loan associate with Habitat Omaha. 

The Home Journey program provides financial education, affordable mortgage loans, down payment assistance, and community resources to help hardworking individuals purchase homes and establish a lasting foundation for future generations. 

Joelle, a surgical technician for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Dakota, a dispatcher for a trucking company, both 32, chose a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house on a corner lot in Meadow Heights for their new home. 

“The windows are beautiful,” she said. “And I like the open concept with the kitchen and dining room.” 

The neighborhood, which includes a cul-de-sac, provides a safe place for the boys to ride their bikes. While the family is moving to Plattsmouth, Rylen will continue at his current school. To ease the transition, Allen showed Rylen and his two brothers, Oliver, 5, and Brodie, 20 months, the new home. Rylen immediately picked out the room he’ll share with Oliver. 

“He wants blue and green walls,” Joelle said. “They’re excited to paint it.” 

For the couple, the new house means less stress and no more moves. They have their forever home. 

“This year emotionally and mentally broke me a little bit, and then this was such a blessing,” Joelle said. “I’m so grateful.”