North Chicago woman takes ownership of her first home
On Jan. 17, a North Chicago woman and her three children took ownership of their first home, marking a new chapter in their lives, thanks to a community project that turned an over 100-year-old house into a new home for the family. Surrounded by her children and the teams that made it possible, Marie’s long-held dream of homeownership became a reality at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where she received the keys to the property. This event was a celebration of not only Marie’s new home but also the hard work and the partnership between ReNew Communities and YouthBuild Lake County, which has been instrumental in turning the dream of a family home into a reality.
For information about ReNew Communities, visit renewcommunities.org. For information about YouthBuild Lake County, visit yblc.org.
Marie, the first homeowner in her family, was overwhelmed with joy, and shared her feelings about the night.
“Seeing everyone at the ceremony, it felt like I had this group of extended family I never knew I needed,” she said. “After one week in the house, it feels good to be a homeowner ... It feels like this is what I’ve been missing, like this is what my kids and I needed.”
She went on to express that she is thankful for YouthBuild Lake County, Renew Communities, Transform Capital, and everyone else involved in making her dream of owning a home a reality.
The property, a century-old house that was brought back to life, underwent a comprehensive redesign and makeover under the guidance of Tom Corning, design and construction coordinator at ReNew Communities, who provided oversight for the project. ReNew Communities is a nonprofit organization committed to revitalizing North Chicago, focusing on rebuilding lives, restoring families, and nurturing community development through collaborative programs with local businesses and educational institutions.
The rehabilitation work was primarily completed by the dedicated participants at YouthBuild Lake County, a nonprofit located in North Chicago that provides education and career training programs. YBLC Executive Director Tameka Wilson commended the young adults who dedicated their time and effort.
“Our participants not only learn valuable skills but also how to apply them in meaningful ways,” she said. “The Grove house stands as a testament to their hard work and our commitment to empowering the youth and enriching our community.”
YBLC champions the growth of young adults within Lake County by equipping them with essential skills for both career and life. Participants in YBLC’s programs gain not just technical knowledge and practical skills in trades like construction, but also increase their education in areas such as mathematics and communication.
The recent project to rehabilitate the Grove house was more than just a learning experience; it was a personal journey for each participant. As they applied their classroom knowledge to real building and renovation work, they saw firsthand the tangible results of their efforts. This wasn’t just about refurbishing a house; it was an opportunity for these young men and women to contribute meaningfully to their community, take pride in their work, and see the direct impact of their newfound abilities in the smiles of the Marie’s family as they walked through the door of their new home.
A previous YBLC participant who worked on the project reflected on the home being finished and given to a family.
“We took our time, and we made sure the house was as perfect as possible. It felt amazing seeing us build a house up from the bones, knowing the process from start to finish.”
The now-transformed residence stands as a testament to the dedication that both ReNew Communities and YBLC have for North Chicago. The house boasts a range of features, including a spacious yard, garage, a modern kitchen complete with a center island, two full bathrooms, a cozy reading nook and four bedrooms. YBLC participants practiced countless skills in the construction and building trades, including framing, installing drywall, bricklaying, installing floors and painting.
The mission of YouthBuild Lake County is to provide underserved young adults with the education, training, and life skills necessary to become gainfully employed and build a better future. Through two different education and career programs, YBLC offers career training opportunities in Construction, Healthcare, Transportation/Distribution and Logistics, and Utilities.
Today, YBLC serves over 100 young people annually and provides follow-up and assistance to hundreds of alumni. YBLC Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) organization, with a 509 (a)(1) designation.