By Megan Erbacher
The Message assistant editor
April Frederick always wanted to be a homeowner, but she didn’t know much about the process. When she first applied to the Habitat for Humanity of Evansville program at age 19, she was turned down, but she persisted, learned and was later accepted.
On June 15, new Habitat homeowner April said she can “finally breathe” after her house, sponsored by Catholics for Habitat, was dedicated in the 700 block of East Iowa Street in Evansville. It’s the 578th home built by Habitat-Evansville in Vanderburgh and Posey counties, and the 18th sponsored by Catholics for Habitat.
“It definitely takes a community to do this,” April said. “You learn that as a future homeowner. We developed a family when we were out building houses.”
April wants a better future for herself and her three children, Kayshiana, Aquairus and Carter. As a family, they enjoy cooking, baking and watching movies together.
April currently works shift work at Sabic in Mt. Vernon, so it was hectic, at times, to complete her 300 “sweat equity hours” volunteering on the construction site of her home and other local builds.
Beth Folz, executive director of Habitat-Evansville, said April was a thrill to have in the program. Folz has a tradition of choosing a word to describe new homeowners. Folz called April tenacious because she “got after it and got everything done on time” without question.
“We could not be more proud of her,” Folz said. “We’re just so excited for her and her kiddos to have this new home to build a new, bright future in.
For more than 30 years, Catholics from the Diocese of Evansville have supported Habitat for Humanity of Evansville. Catholics for Habitat was formed around 2005, and since then the group has raised sponsorship funds for, and recruited volunteers to help build homes.
Luke Nordine, Catholics for Habitat Chair and Habitat Board member, thanked all of the house sponsors.
“We’re really proud to work with you,” Nordine said to April. “We appreciate your sense of community.”
Craig Blessinger of Catholics for Habitat presented April the keys to her new home before she cut the red ribbon on her door. Blessinger said Catholics for Habitat will present April with a crucifix that she can adorn on her wall.
“Hopefully, it will represent Jesus’ love for us all,” he said. “And that’s exactly what this house represents, love … love of community, love of family. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your dream.”
April thanked everyone who supported and guided her throughout the journey. Her passion and dream is to work in construction, so she plans to continue working with Habitat and, one day, hopes to join the Core Crew.
Four Habitat homes, including April’s, will be on the same street, so she already knows her future neighbors.
“It is our own happy community,” she said.
Susan Louise Weis Service Award
Benedictine Sister Jane Michele McClure, Habitat-Evansville major gifts officer, presented the 2023 recipient of Catholics for Habitat’s Susan Louise Weis Service Award to Elmer Berberich.
The award recognizes outstanding contributions to Habitat-Evansville and honors the late Susan Weis, who impacted numerous families during her service as Habitat-Evansville’s mortgage specialist, as chair of Catholics for Habitat and service as a member of Habitat’s Family Selection Committee.
Sister Jane Michele said Elmer was “renowned” around Habitat for being a “great leader of people.” She said he served on Habitat’s board of directors and is now on the emeritus board of directors. Sister Jane Michele recalled Habitat’s blitz build weekends where Elmer wouldn’t hesitate to assign tasks to get 20 homes built in about a week.
Elmer is the third recipient of the award. His wife, Ellen, and their family were also present for the presentation.