Hard work and goal setting pays off for the Corkum family

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK - April 16, 2002 - Habitat for Humanity, Saint John Region Inc., announced today the family to receive its 2002 home - the fifth home they have built since the program began in 1998.

"There are three criteria we look at when we choose a Habitat family," explains Ken Milner, Chair of the selection committee. "First is the need for safe and affordable housing, second is the ability to pay for a Habitat home, and third is the family's willingness to participate in building the home."

It was a difficult decision, as we had 35 applicants and there were so many deserving families," Mr. Milner said. But after several interviews the committee chose Paula Corkum and her three children Lacey, 13, Steven, 12, and Brandon 11 as the homeowners for the 2002 build of Habitat for Humanity, Saint John Region Inc. "Paula is a positive, deserving and hard working mother wanting the best for her family, and we're pleased to offer her this opportunity."

Ms. Corkum, a single mom currently living in the city's north end with her three children, works as a teacher's assistant and a receptionist for a local doctor. She has always wanted the best for her children.

"About two years ago, I sat down and wrote a list of goals I wanted to achieve for my family," says Ms. Corkum, "and one of those goals was to have my own home - I just knew that with hard-work and determination I could achieve it." (NB: These goals are affixed to Ms. Corkum's refrigerator. To date she has achieved four of the five goals on her list).

The children screamed and cheered when they heard the good news and Ms. Corkum's friends and family can't wait to begin helping.

"My brother-in-law is a carpenter so he's definitely going to help," she says. "Everybody has been so great - my son's teacher is so excited to help, and friends of friends are even calling and offering to make new curtains for me!" she exclaims. "I feel I've been given a new beginning and it's just awesome."

Habitat for Humanity, Saint John Region Inc., is an independent, non-profit, Christian housing program dedicated to providing homes for Saint John area families in need. Its goal is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness in the Greater Saint John area.