A couple from Kenya cut a ribbon to become Batavia’s first Habitat for Humanity family Saturday, Nov. 20.
Janice Owino and George Bikeri cut the ribbon with Steve McCormick, Habitat board chair. The ribbon-cutting culminated a dedication ceremony attended by Habitat and government officials, volunteers, and friends, on the home’s driveway at Wilson Street and Independence Drive.
Volunteers, future homeowners and Habitat officials broke ground for the project, Habitat’s 68th in the Fox Valley, in October 2020.
Rev. Jeff Barrett, Habitat CEO and pastor at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery, emceed the program. Father Jared Twenty, parochial administrator at Batavia’s Holy Cross Catholic Church, gave an opening prayer and concluding dedication prayer.
Leading guest speakers welcoming the new homeowners to Batavia was mayor Jeff Schielke. He recalled that the homesite earlier housed a city water tower. Other speakers included McCormick, president of First Centennial Mortgage of Aurora, which contributed $175,000 to the project; Cynthia Kieckhefer, president, Batavia Woman’s Club; State representative Maura Hirschauer; Jim Cannella, Orange Home Services; and Lisa Farley, Accurate Door.
McCormick said, “We value the work Habitat does in the community by providing housing for people in need.” Later he presented a ceremonial house key to the new homeowners. Housewarming gifts from community members and Habitat officials included a family bible, handmade quilts and $1,500 in gift cards and other items from Batavia Woman’s Club.
Owino said, “Thank you Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity for building affordable housing in the community. I will remember all those who came out to work on my home and the Habitat staff.
—Al Benson