Indiana Region (RFO 270) - Piencikowski family in Battle Ground

Kimberly Piencikowski, new homeowner as the result of the Thrivent Builds with Habitat partnership, works as the branch office administrator for Edward Jones in Lafayette, Indiana. She and her 5-year-old son, Kaleb, are looking forward to a new home. Kim and Kaleb have been renting a small, 2-bedroom home near downtown. The home is quite old and has very little insulation; heating bills are 3-4 times higher than what Kim had paid in the past. “This was a rather large stretch for us, as we receive assistance (due to my income level) from Section 8 Housing in order to make our rent affordable. Also, there are some safety issues within our neighborhood. Just last week my stereo was stolen out of my car.”

Kim was acquainted with Habitat for Humanity approximately six years ago when she became friends with a family who owned a Habitat home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. “I started looking into Habitat for my family about two years ago and volunteered some time in Green Bay for a Hmong family that had been relocated to the area from Laos.”

After moving to Lafayette, Kim knew immediately that she should apply. In July 2005, Kim filled out her Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette application. Adam Murphy, Associate Director of Family Services at Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette, pushed for Kim and Kaleb to be accepted as a partner family. Kaleb was doing his part, too. He started praying for a new house about a month before Kim applied. Kaleb asked God for a new house, with new doors, and new walls, and new windows......and soon, his prayer received an answer. One day in November, there was a message on Kim’s answering machine, telling them that they had been chosen for the Habitat program. Kim said of that day, “I told Kaleb the great news—we were going to get the new house he had prayed for. He jumped up and down and shouted, ‘Hooray!’ It’s so awesome to know that Habitat for Humanity was a part of the answer to a 4-year-old boy’s prayer.”

Kim is grateful for the program Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette has to offer. She also gives thanks to soon have a Thrivent Builds home sponsored by Thrivent Financial and locally by the Tippecanoe County Chapter. In fact, this isn’t the first time that Kim has seen the good things that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans supports. Kim heard about Thrivent Financial back when she worked for Lutheran Social Services in Green Bay, Wisconsin. “I knew that Thrivent Financial did a lot of great things financially for Lutheran Social Services and through support for many other efforts. I am very grateful to Thrivent and its members for their willingness to give of their time and resources—what a gift they have given! Because of their generosity, we will have a home where we can build a future. We will look back on the memories we have made with all the volunteers, and their faces will always hold a place in our hearts. The walls of our home will speak of their labor for many years to come.”

Regarding the future for her and Kaleb, Kim reflects: “I think this is a huge step in the right direction for us. The stability and security that this home will provide are priceless. My son will be starting kindergarten in another year, and it’s so wonderful to know that we are part of a community where he can grow and learn and finally have a place to call home. Thank you, Habitat and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans!”