My name is Stephanie Ross and I am a Peoria native. I work for the Human Service Center and coordinate forms of care for my clients. Being a single mother of five children is very busy work! My family consist of a now 20-year-old daughter, Nikya Ross, whom is finishing her 2nd year of college at Western University in Macomb, IL. A 18-year-old son, DeVaughn Owens, who is in his last year of high school. A 16-year-old son, Zavien Ross, whom is a sophomore in high school. A 9-year-old daughter, Jamiya Tuson, who is finishing 4th grade year at Dr. Maude Sanders primary school and also a 4-year-old daughter, Keani Harris. Education is extremely important to me and I strongly push for all my children to further their education and do the best that they can while getting it. But along with education, building a strong foundation is one of the biggest things I try to teach and show my family. With having children and working full time, I still managed to put myself through college obtaining an Associate Degree in Business Administration and continuing to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Business Management.

Having my own home to create some lifelong memories in is how I want to create a strong, grounded foundation for my family. Being able to have the opportunity provided by Habitat for Humanity is truly a blessing. It is the first step in allowing for me to make that wish and dream come true. A permanent house means the world to me and would definitely put me at ease and in more of a non-stressful way of living by providing stability, comfort and a place to call home! I am ever so grateful to be a part of such a beautiful family with the Habitat for Humanity program.