Atlanta, GA  -  September 9^th, 2024

Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia recently kicked off a new home build in Canton with a heartwarming "first nail ceremony." The event brought together Habitat staff, volunteers, sponsors, and family members to celebrate alongside Jada Parks, the future homeowner. Parks, who was introduced to Habitat by her cousin—another Habitat homeowner—expressed deep gratitude. “I thank God for everyone who brought this program to my attention,” she shared. “I’ve been trying for a while to secure a stable environment for my family, and I’m truly grateful for the support. Blessings like this don’t usually happen to people like me, but once I’m able, I want to give back to my community.”

This particular project is a Habitat Women Build, a unique initiative where the majority of the home’s funding comes from women who volunteer and host fundraising events to support Habitat’s mission. EIS played a significant role as the largest corporate contributor, donating $80,000 and sending a team of 12 volunteers to help with the build.

Jennifer Wade, EIS's director of human resources and an honorary Women Build volunteer, remarked on the experience: “Volunteering with Habitat has been a transformative experience for me over the years. Every build holds special meaning, but being part of a Women Build is especially empowering and inspiring.” Glenn Pennycook, CEO of EIS, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Supporting Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build aligns with EIS’s commitment to driving positive social change and creating opportunities for progress within our local communities.”

This build is just the beginning of a larger effort by Habitat, which plans to construct three homes in Canton. “We couldn’t have asked for better partners to help us in our mission to build homes, communities, and hope,” said Steve Napier, executive director of Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia.

As the build day wrapped up, volunteers were invited to write messages of love and encouragement for Parks on the walls of her future home. One of the women builders inscribed a meaningful verse from Psalms 46:5: "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns."

EIS is proud to be part of this impactful initiative, helping to build not just homes, but a brighter future for local families.