We’re ready to start building our latest Habitat for Humanity house and we are pleased to introduce our partner and soon-to-be homeowner, Susie Goff.

Susie Goff is originally from eastern Kentucky.  She and her husband, Wayne, came to Loudon in 1996 to do God’s work.  Wayne was a truck driver and he had a serious accident that resulted in disability.  He struggled to take care of Susie and their son, Andrew, and at one point in time the family was homeless.  Wayne died 3 ½ years ago and this loss has been very hard on Susie.  Her son is 30 years old and has just moved to Minnesota for a job.  Although she is sad that Andrew had to move, she is excited about this great opportunity for him.

Miss Susie, as the children call her, is a Teacher’s Assistant for the Loudon County Head Start program.  There are several children in the Hope Haven neighborhood now, and several more who will be moving there who have Miss Susie as their teacher.  These children are so excited about having Miss Susie as their neighbor that we suspect there will be a path beaten down to her door.  Susie recently completed her CDA certification and she is planning to enroll in Roane State to advance her education.

Throughout her life Susie has been very active in God’s work and she is a member of My Father’s House Church in Lenoir City.  She has done mission work across the United States and has a children’s ministry (Puppets and Strings).  Susie is a puppeteer, loves to paint, sing, play the piano and enjoys outdoor activities.  She loves using these talents to glorify God.

Susie has embraced the Habitat program and she recently told us about some of the lessons she has already put to use.  She was able to put $30 into savings last month and she also changed her door locks by herself!  Susie has health issues and the moldy rental house she lives in contributes to her illnesses.  She is highly motivated to complete her sweat-equity hours so she can move into a healthy home.  Because Susie’s job follows the school year, she will be available this summer to work side-by-side with the volunteers as her house is built.