A Better Life for Her Daughters

Born in Washington, Linda moved to Omaha to be near family. After graduating high school, she says it took her several years to find a direction. She changed jobs and moved several times before taking a CNA course and landing a good job with opportunities for advancement.

Her daughters, Surelly (4) and Emilia (1), help her to be “patient, loving, open, humble and thankful,” she says, and it’s those qualities that helped win over the Family Selection committee members during a home visit prior to her acceptance into Habitat Omaha’s program.

Linda’s need for better housing is undeniable. She currently shares a bed in a small room with her oldest daughter while her youngest sleeps in a crib pushed into the corner. It’s difficult for her to parent in that situation and she longs to give the girls more space–room for them to run and dance and grow into capable, productive young women.

She’s saving as much as she can and looks for creative ways to have fun. Both girls are curious, energetic and outgoing like Linda. They all enjoy the playground and zoo, going for walks and the occasional $5 movie.

Having a place to call home, with a little personal space for all of them, means the fulfillment of a dream: a better life for her daughters. “It’s both a blessing and an opportunity for my daughters and I,” she says, adding, “I’m thankful for everyone I have got to meet along the way and all those who sponsored this project.”