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Alpha Kappa Alpha Helps ABC'S "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" Build
Family's Dream Home
Chapter president Carolyn Henderson Walker (far left) with the
family in front of their new home. (Also pictured are members of a local
homeless advocacy group). Chapter members pose with the Felicia Jackson
(center in black and white floral dress) and her family.
Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) - Felicia Jackson, who fulfilled her
sister's dying wish to raise her 10 children, in addition to her own
four, was the beneficiary of a new home and new hope -- courtesy of
ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition, community builder, Classic
Homes, and the Gaithersburg, Maryland chapter of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority. The Jackson story was the feature of the season
premiere of the ABC hit show, which recently aired.
Felicia's journey began in 2004 when her sister Cassandra died of
cervical cancer. Before she passed, she asked Felicia to promise to keep
her 10 children together and to love, care for, and raise them. After
keeping her promise, suddenly Felicia's family grew to 14 children,
since she had four of her own. The kids ranged in age from 1 to 14
years: eleven of the children were in school, and the three youngest
stayed home.
Felicia gladly assumed this awesome responsibility because of her love
for family. Having grown up in foster care, Cassandra and Felicia had
dreamed all of their lives about how they were going to keep their
families together. With Cassandra gone, it was up to Felicia to make
those dreams come true.
Soon after Cassandra passed away, Xi Sigma Omega Chapter of
Gaithersburg, Maryland learned about the family. Chapter members
galvanized around them and immediately started rendering assistance.
Over the years, the chapter provided food, Christmas presents, birthday
presents, new coats for all of the children, shoes, holiday baskets,
school supplies, and entertainment packages. Above all, non-material
support and time devoted to help Felicia meet her family needs proved
invaluable.
However, at the core of Felicia's challenge was trying to keep everyone
under one roof, as she promised her sister.
Housing 14 children presented an immediate challenge. When cited for
overcrowding in rental property, Felicia sent her own children to stay
with relatives within the community to keep her promise of having her
nieces and nephews together. Five years later, housing remained an
issue.
"Extreme Makeover" learned about this family and built a house by
Classic Homes, a community builder that believes in donating to worthy
causes. Xi Sigma Omega members and people throughout the community
volunteered to help build the house.
The new home is an architectural wonder with plenty of room, including a
spacious kitchen and dining area where everyone can eat together. Most
of all, the home is decorated with remembrances of Cassandra as well as
tributes to Felicia for her love and strength in keeping the family
together.
It is a vow she was able to keep because Alpha Kappa Alpha embraced the
family and was steadfast in its support.
As a show of her gratitude, Felicia invited members of the chapter to
watch the telecast and celebrate with her and the children.
"The AKAs are the best and are the family that I have never had,"
Jackson said after the show. "Everything that they do is from their
hearts. I love them for everything that they have done for the family."
While the gifting of the house represents a dramatic show of generosity
and represents a tremendous boost to the family, chapter president
Carolyn Henderson Walker said, "There are lots of things she still needs
and the chapter remains very committed to assist the family."
Walker said the chapter has raised $40,000 toward a $50,000 pledge it
made in June for a trust fund to help the family with maintenance costs
and household expenses.
Alpha Kappa Alpha's international president, Barbara A. McKinzie said
the Sorority's devotion to the family mirrors its credo: to provide
service to all mankind.
Said McKinzie, "Felicia Jackson is a true hero and her strength and
loyalty both motivate and uplift. Alpha Kappa Alpha is proud to have
come to her rescue and to have embraced her. Inspired by the vow she
made to her sister and by her example, we promise to continue to provide
service, resources and unconditional love to this dynamic family."
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