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Added space leads to new Beginnings |
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Owning her own manicure shop which doubled as a clothing retail store was the job Cherie Nevin dreamt about. After being part owner of two shops she went into business for herself, opening a shop in the Lyn-lake neighborhood of Minneapolis.
“This shop was really me,” said Cherie. “It had a ma and pa feel to it and customers could do everything from shopping for antiques to getting their nails done.”
Just two years after opening, Cherie became pregnant and within sixth months sold her shop in favor of starting a childcare service out of her home. With no fatherly presence there wasn’t any way Cherie could have kept her job as manager and be there for her child. By the time her son Radmen was three months she started her own childcare service.
“Although I left a job I really adored it was a blessing to witness the early months of my son’s life.” said Cherie.
Ten years passed, children came and went with Cherie struggling to make ends meet. Due to limited space the maximum number of children she could serve along with her son was four. Cherie sought out help from a private contractor to finish the upstairs but prices were steep and she couldn’t qualify for a loan.
"Providing childcare is my livelihood and without more space for these kids to flourish there was no way I could continue on with my job,” said Cherie.
After explaining her concerns to a friend at church Cherie was intrigued to learn about a home revitalization program called A Brush with Kindness (ABWK). At the suggestion of her friend, Cherie applied for help, and within three months ABWK staff was in the home tearing out cardboard and newspapers that served as insulation.
Working side by side with ABWK staff and volunteers Radmen was able to learn valuable home maintenance skills that he can use later in life. In addition to the instruction, Cherie was thankful her son was able to have male role models in his life, even for a short period of time.
“Having no father figure in Radmen’s life has been a concern for me from the start,” said Cherie. “From day one their work ethic, mannerisms and the way they came together as part of a team was so great for my son to witness.”
Within months Cherie will be opening her home to children once again. She is excited to turn part of the upstairs into a library where she can teach home school to Radmen and read books to the kids she serves.
“Habitat's A Brush with Kindness Program has put a spark back in my step,” said Cherie. “It was truly an answer to my prayers being helped in this way.”
Contributed by Patrick Dunn
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