This Week on WomanTalk Live: “The Power of Women Build” with Ronnette Owens and Monica Mitchell

      
Ronnette Owens                   Monica Mitchell

“We prayed every night that we would have our own home.  I want my girls and my son – but especially my girls – to know that there is a way to have what you want if you are willing to work for it.”   Ronnette Owens

In our Central Maryland region, many local families find that living in a safe, decent home is simply out of reach.  Many of our residents struggle with substandard shelter and the high cost of living.

In 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Baltimore City had the lowest median income and benefits estimate of any region in Maryland ($38,458).  So, a single mom in Baltimore earning minimum wage can’t afford a two-bedroom apartment, where the average monthly rent is $1,263.

One of my guests this week is Ronnette Owens who wants to make a better life for herself and her three children.  Home ownership has been a big dream for her and she found a way to make it happen.  Through her partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the 2012 Women Build, Ronnette will soon be a first-time homeowner – the first women in her family in generations to own a home.

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, which serves Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County, brings people together to build decent, affordable homes that change lives, empower families and strengthen communities.

And, how suiting that Ronnette’s home is a Women Build home.  Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity volunteer program for women who want to make a difference by building homes and revitalizing neighborhoods, inspiring women to take action against poverty housing conditions.  Women come together in a safe, fun work environment to raise funds and build a home for a family…just like Ronnette’s.

Also, joining us in the studio will be Monica Mitchell, who serves as Membership Chair of Women Build along with WomanTalk Live’s own ToolBox TomGirl, Jo Ellen Soesbee.  Monica is President of Wells Fargo’s Team Member Volunteer Chapter and is responsible for coordinating group community service participation and community development outreach for over 4,000 Wells Fargo Maryland team members.  Monica is passionate about educating and motivating individuals and families throughout Maryland to reach their full potential through economic empowerment – just another reason why Women Build is so close to her heart.

Join us on Saturday to find out more about Women Build and other Habitat for Humanity programs,  and how you can become involved in making a difference for a Maryland family – one that helps them embark on a brand new path.

Saturday, October 27th from 6:07-7:00 pm ET on Talkradio 680 WCBM Baltimore or “Listen Live” online 

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Joni Steele Kimberlin

Be sure to check out last week’s show – Get Real! Wise Women Speak – when I talked with award-winning filmmaker, Joni Steele Kimberlin, about her documentary showcasing vital, powerful women who have lived life full out, accomplished great things, found their passion, and are using their wisdom and experience to help change the world.  Amazing women like – Della Reese, Jane Fonda, Nikki Giovanni, Marianne Williamson, Angeles Arrien, Susan L. Taylor and more.

If you missed the show or you want to share it with a friend, it will be in the podcast archive – the October 20th show.  If it’s not there yet, it will be soon.  Promise.