SaDee's family story

"It’s been a work in progress since my parents owned this house." SaDee grew up in this 100-year-old home that she now owns. Her parents lived in the house for over 30 years, and a few years ago they sold it to her. Since taking ownership, SaDee has assumed responsibility of restoring this historic home to its original condition. She says, "Now that I own this house, it’s my duty to take care of it."

SaDee is a single mom of two rambunctious boys, and between working full-time at a marketing company and taking care of her kids, she struggles to stay on top of all the home projects that require her time, money and attention. During the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, the A Brush With Kindness crew will come to her home and replace the fence surrounding her yard. Currently the fence is tethered to the home to keep it from tipping over. SaDee looks forward to having a safer yard where her boys can play.

SaDee loves the neighborhood she calls home, and she is here to stay. She has seen the area deteriorate with the economy, but she says, "If only people really understood the history of this neighborhood, they would see the full potential." She even adds, "If I won the lottery, I’d still live here." She has many ideas to heal the neighborhood, including planting a community garden and monitoring rental properties in the area more closely. She is excited about the upcoming visit from President Carter to her neighborhood. She says, "It’s amazing. He’ll get to see the people that are being helped."

One day SaDee hopes that she can pass the home that she’s taken care of on to her own children. She says, "This is my house, and I see the potential in it. I feel like it’s alive. And I feel so safe here. I never feel fearful. I love it."