“My kids can swing in their back yard, they can ride their bikes up and down the driveway, we can mow our own grass — things that people take for granted, I can’t wait to do.”

Those were the words of Jennifer Allen, one happy single mother who now has a home for her three children.

Jennifer Allen and her children, Brianna Waring, Joshua Allen and Brayden Allen were one of three partner families to gather for the Clinton County Habitat for Humanity’s day of celebration and dedication Sunday afternoon at the First Church of God on North Broadway in Blanchester.

A packed house turned out for the dedication ceremony for Habitat’s three newest homes, located on North Broadway near the church.

Other partner families are William and Sarah White and their five sons, William III, Matthew, Steven, Zachary and Branden White; and Dorena Scott and son Cameron.

“We don’t call them houses, we call them homes,” said Fadi Al-Ghawi, president for Habitat for Humanity in Clinton County.

Al-Ghawi said if it had not been for the church, the three homes would not have been possible. “When we bought the land, our dream was to build six homes, but we ended up having some difficulty about the zoning. We sold part of the property to the church so Habitat could build the three homes.”

Another “good-size” donation came from Don and Barb Derrick of Blanchester. After Lilliiput Workshop closed it’s doors, the Derrick’s donated the property to Clinton County Habitat for Humanity.

“A couple of weeks later we sold the property,” Al-Ghawi said. “We raised $72,000. Later they (Derricks) came back and donated another five grand. It’s people like the Derricks we rely on to keep our vision going,” he said.

Blanchester Mayor Chad Hollon spoke briefly. “I can’t believe how quickly these homes were built. It’s a great thing. We appreciate you being here in Blanchester. Any way we can help, let us know,” he said.

Sue Reynolds, one of the original board members and the family nurture chair, held workshops for the partner families. “About a year ago, three families decided to make a difference in their own lives. They came to us and asked us to help them. That’s what we do, help them to make a difference in their own life. My role is to work with them and help them make the transition from renter to homeowner.”

Reynolds introduced the three partner families.

An emotional Sarah White, Dorena Scott and Jennifer Allen each thanked all those who helped make their new homes a reality.

Dorena said she came back home to Blanchester after living in Florida 15 years. She said she and her son had to move in with her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Mike, and their three children. She said she learned about Habitat through Jim Krusling of Habitat for Humanity. She completed an application, then two interviews were held. After she found out that she had been selected as a partner family, Dorena said their new lives began. “Building homes on Saturday became routine,” she said. “For seven months we all worked hard. There were lots of good times we spent with all the people that we now call friends. I’ve learned in my heart it’s more than just a home.”

One of the things Dorena said she has learned is being able to give back. “I’m able to do that now. In everyones’ name, I will pledge $100 for the next seven years to Habitat for Humanity. I can’t wait for you to walk into my home and see what we have created.”

Jennifer said she felt like she was not a good mother because she could not provide a home for her three children. When she found out she and her children were going to get a Habitat house, she said she knew their lives would be changed forever. “You guys left your families to come and work on our homes and I thank you for that. I’m just very thankful and grateful to everyone who donated their time. You will be seeing me and my children in the yard and on the porch. This is a home that we will cherish and we are going to make lots of great memories.

Members of the construction committee, Don Derrick, Dick Neff and Wendell Compton, presented a bible to each of the families. Members of the Blanchester Sewing Club presented each family with a handmade quilt.

“This Dick Neff said this is a very worthwhile program,” said Dick Neff, the first president of Habitat in Clinton County. “it’s very rewarding to get to this point and see the families get into their houses.”

Jim Krusling said building the three houses “was a miracle of people sharing their love and their talents.”

Al-Ghawi said with the completion of the three Blanchester homes, Habitat has now built 20 homes. “It used to take a year and a half to build one. This year we built three.”

Al-Ghawi said this year Habitat will build a home in Wilmington and one in Martinsville. “There are a lot of people out there who need our help. We can do it one at a time.”

Don Derrick, who has been in charge of construction since the beginning of Habitat in Clinton County 13 years ago is looking for a replacement. “I will be 78 in a couple of months and I need to slow down,” he said.

Al-Ghawi told the large crowd that life is not only about survival. “We need to add life to our years. From today, I propose to every one of you, don’t keep something for a special occasion. Use it because every day you live it is a special occasion. I want you to sit on your front porches and admire the view, although you might not have a scenic view, just admire the view. Stop paying attention to your wants and your needs. Spend more time with your family and your friends. Tell your friends and your family how much you love them. Don’t delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life. Because every day, every hour and every minute is special. And we do not know if that will be your last. Before you go to bed, tell your family you love them,” he said.