The B. family—Sarah, David and their children Riley and Camille—were caught in a balancing act familiar to many parents: trying to save for a home while paying ever-rising rent and overwhelming medical bills.  Everything changed for the better when they partnered with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat’s program enables qualified families to buy a new, energy-efficient and affordable home for cost and without a down payment, opening the door to opportunities for the family that once seemed out of reach. On August 22, the family celebrated the dedication of their new home in Cornerstone Creek. Pilar Cipollone, Habitat’s WomenBuild 2025 honorary chair, spoke at the event. Cipollone, who served 13 years with Habitat before joining U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas’s District Office as a field representative, has for years organized a group of Latina women volunteers during the WomenBuild, and they helped build the B. family’s new home.

In their application, Sarah shared the difficult truth: homeownership had always seemed impossible because much of their savings went toward uninsured medical bills and therapies for Riley, who is neurodivergent.

“Neurodivergent means a person’s brain works differently, shaping the way they learn, think and respond,” she explained. “It took years to find the right support, and while Riley is thriving, the costs left us unable to save for a house.”

Now, the family is thrilled to have space for the kids to grow —and a backyard for Riley, Camille and their golden retriever, Leo, to enjoy together.