“Today marks more than the start of a home, it marks the beginning of a journey that will shape you and your children’s lives for years to come. This house represents hope, stability, and a safe place where your children can grow, dream, and thrive.” – Emily Buller, Chief Impact Officer
On Friday, April 17 Habitat staff, volunteers, and supporters gathered to celebrate Jawanna and the beginning of our 2026 Leadership Build. Over the next several months, volunteers from all fields, sectors, and levels of leadership will work together to build a home for Jawanna and her family.
“This build is where influence meets impact.” Says Erin McPartland, CEO of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity. “The Leadership Build fosters collaboration among diverse leaders in our community, uniting organizations, individuals, leaders, youth, and community groups to create meaningful change through servant leadership.”
The 2026 Leadership Build also marks a new partnership between Maumee Valley Habitat and Toledo Public Schools’ Career Technologies. Through this partnership, students from Waite High School’s Construction Academy have had a chance to put their education into practice and experience a build site first-hand.
"Collaborations like this are a vital part of learning for our students. Not only does this project bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, but it offers our students a much greater lesson, and that is the importance of giving back to the community they call home," said Dr. Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent, Toledo Public Schools.
Participating students began building in March, constructing framework at Waite High School. They’ve since been on-site starting the build season strong and working on every aspect of Jawanna’s home.
“This is the kind of thing that makes our community stronger, the opportunity for students to become leaders in their community. [These students] may not see themselves as leaders, but there is no one else your age in this community who is building houses for Habitat. That’s leadership. That’s real leadership.” Mark Andrews, Vice President, Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity Board of Trustees.
All community leaders are invited to be a part of Leadership Build!
Who is a leader? If you’re a restate agent, teacher, tradesperson, parent, community leader, local business, or anyone else who serves our neighbors in Lucas County, you are a leader!
No construction experience is necessary to join Leadership Build. Sign-up online (https://mvhabitat.charityproud.org/VolunteerRegistration/Calendar) to volunteer, or reach out to Bonnie Berland to register your group ([email protected]).
