News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Tony Cosby, Sisters High School construction teacher, spoke at the dedication of a new home from the Hayden Giving Fund presented to the Sanchez family of Sisters.
Standing together around a warm, radiant fire, Sisters community members, Tony Cosby's construction students and the Hayden Homes team prepared to welcome the Sanchez family into their new home.
After applying to the Hayden Giving Fund, the Sanchez family received the keys to 1625 N. Lambert Ave. on January 20.
"This is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to us," said Juan Carlos Sanchez.
The Hayden Giving Fund was created when Hayden Homes employees began to donate money from their own paychecks. Hayden Homes then matched that amount until the fund was large enough to build a home for a family in need.
The Hayden Giving Program was eventually established, with the objective being to aid low-income families in the final steps to becoming homeowners. Recipients receive a home with no down payment and a 30-year, interest-free loan.
Hayden Watson, CEO of Hayden Homes, along with his team, have continued to make dreams come true for families who need the extra assistance. They have devoted their time, money and efforts into changing the lives of many.
"Our simple mission is to give back to a community that's been so good to us," Watson said.
With every home sold, a certain percentage of that money goes directly back into the Giving Fund, creating an opportunity for the continuous growth of a program that has helped many families.
Hayden Homes board member Cory Bettesworth said that 75 to 80 percent of the company's employees consistently donate to the Giving Fund while Hayden Homes continues to match the donated sum.
"It's a great way to bring the community together, especially in tough times. If we all stick together, we can make great things happen," said Hayden Giving Fund coordinator Shon Agnew.
The Sisters High School construction class made a significant contribution to creating the Sanchez home. The students framed walls and installed windows, learning while giving more back to their community than they could ever have imagined.
"It was a great learning experience to be able to take part in something that is giving back to a family in need. It was great, learning how to build a house and gain skills that I can use later in life," said senior construction student Joey Farruggia.
In the past, Tony Cosby, the woods and construction teacher at the high school, has directed his students in the building of small storage sheds for the school property.
This year, however, Cosby's goal was to reach much further, benefitting not only the high school and its students, but the community of Sisters as well.
"For the past eight years we've been doing this (woods/construction class) and this has by far been the most successful class we've ever had. It's been a really great experience for us," said Cosby.
Hayden Homes employees spoke of their dedication and commitment to this special program, SHS construction students shared how this project has impacted their own lives and a new door was opened for a family who has given so much to our humble community.
"It's an inspiring day," said Watson. "We're thrilled to provide homeowners, like the Sanchez family, with this opportunity. It's a way for us to give back."
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