In the years preceding her partnership with the Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, life had been difficult for Jackie Janise and her two sons. Jackie had been widowed, and she and her sons had struggled with health problems. The family was living in the small town of Eunice, so Jackie’s sons were anxious about changing schools and relocating to Lafayette.

However, as they began working their way down the path to homeownership, things began to shift and change. Jackie described how working with Habitat had made a lasting impact on her: “We’re in a better place now. It doesn’t matter your situation. If it’s hard, Habitat will make is easy. If it’s a long haul, Habitat will support you. No matter what, you just don’t get abandoned,” she says. “Habitat taught us that there are no problems, only solutions. You can get through a lot more than you think you can. The harder I work, the better the rewards are.”

Jackie and her two sons settled into their home in November 2012, just in time for the holiday season. Members of the UL chapter of Beta Alpha Psi welcomed the family to the neighborhood with a gift of Thanksgiving food items to make the first holiday in the new house something truly special. With the boys thriving at their new schools, Jackie is proud to say, “We love our new home!”