Connie Paid Off Her Mortgage!

More than two decades ago, Connie, a hardworking mother, partnered with Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, determined to build a stable future for her two children. Now, 24 years later, she looks back with deep gratitude and pride — celebrating the incredible milestone of paying off the very home that became the foundation for her family’s success.

We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Connie to reflect on what 24 years in her Habitat home have meant to her and her family. Our conversation was filled with heartfelt laughter, deep gratitude, and inspiring memories. Watch the video below to hear her incredible story!

At the time of her build, Connie’s children were 13 and 17 years old. Working through personal challenges, including a broken leg and chronic illness, Connie still found joy and purpose on the build site — serving coffee and lemonade to volunteers while healing and even pitching in on other homes to complete her sweat equity hours.

Owning her Habitat home transformed Connie’s life. No longer faced with the uncertainty of unstable housing, she provided her children a safe, welcoming space to grow. The home became a gathering place, where friends were always welcome, and where Connie’s children learned the value of hard work and financial independence — lessons that inspired them both to become young homeowners themselves.

Over the years, Connie gave back generously, volunteering on Habitat’s Family Selection Committee to help future families realize their dreams. Beyond Habitat, she dedicated herself to advocacy work — helping write outlines that influenced lethality assessment protocols and mandatory arrest laws to better protect survivors of domestic violence.

Even while facing serious health challenges, including losing a kidney to cancer, Connie’s Habitat home remained her steadfast anchor, offering security and peace through life’s most difficult seasons. Recently, Connie celebrated another remarkable milestone, she officially paid off her mortgage. Reflecting on the journey, she shared, “This home gave us stability, safety, and a foundation to build better lives. It’s been a blessing in every way.”

Today, as she looks forward to remodeling her home for her retirement years, Connie’s story stands as a testament to what a stable home — and a strong spirit — can achieve.

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering partnering with Habitat, her message was simple but powerful:
“Just do it. You won’t regret it. It will change your life for the better in so many ways.”