I See Your New Home

Hello everyone, my name is Sara Y Keftassa. I am from Ethiopia. I am 52 years old mother of five children. I moved out of Ethiopia in March 1991. I lived in Italy from 1991-2000. In Italy, I got married and had three children. I came to the USA in September 2000. I had another 2 children in the USA. I am a protestant Christian, and I go to church most Sundays.

I had a bad marriage, my husband used to abuse me verbally, physically, emotionally, and financially. I was depressed most of the time.  In 2008 when I was pregnant with my last child, I was diagnosed with a mental illness. Then my husband was imprisoned for another reason. Child protection took my children since I was very sick mentally. My sister in Colorado received custody of my children, and I moved from Minnesota to Colorado in April 2009.

I always wanted to be a homeowner, but I am a single mother with a lot of responsibilities and didn't think it was possible, especially with only one person's income.

After I gave birth to my last child, I went through with an open adoption because of my mental illness.  After I started mental health treatment and got better mentally, my sister in Colorado became the guardian for my children, and my children moved to Colorado from Minnesota. I give credit to God that I got better quickly. I started to live with my four children - all together, I started nursing school, and I started working full-time as a caregiver/medication person. My four teenagers were in high school at that time. I was able to rent a house and live well at that time.  After I graduated as a nurse, my children started to go to college one by one. Two of my children are college graduates and two are still in college. Mostly I support my children. My ex-husband has never supported his children.

I always wanted to be a homeowner, but I am a single mother with a lot of responsibilities and didn't think it was possible, especially with only one person's income. Also, the divorce process took too long. The above-mentioned were my obstacles to becoming a homeowner.

Homeownership means a lot to me. It means my future investment, a place to call home.

Homeownership means a lot to me. It means my future investment, a place to call home.  A big accomplishment. I want to say to all the single mothers out there that it is possible to be a homeowner. Continue to work hard, try your best, and be strong. With the money/support I received from Project I See You, I bought a washer and dryer and I spent some money on flooring.

Lastly, I want to thank God who helped me this far. And I want to thank Project I See You for the financial and moral support I get from them.

Thank You,

Sara Y. Keftassa

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