Steve Wentworth has coached Adams for the last five years, helping her get into a position to become a responsible homeowner.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It was five years ago when Sheerece Adams started working with a financial coach, Steve Wentworth.
The years following included tough times, times when Adams wanted to quit, times when Adams was near tears. But a few years later, the financial checklist was much shorter. Then it was a focus on getting rid of old debt and putting in the 400 hours of sweat equity with Habitat for Humanity.
On Saturday, Adams became a homeowner.
"I started from the bottom now I'm here. I have a lot of pride, I never thought I was going to get out of the ghetto. I always believed that there was no possible way for me to escape the cycle," Adams said.
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity celebrated the dedication of Adams' home Saturday afternoon. She and her three children moved into the Hall Place home that evening, capping off five years, the hours of volunteer work with the organization, and coaching and education about the responsibilities of a homeowner.
"We had some ups and downs, we ran in place, but made steady progress," Wentworth said, whom Adams described as "an amazing man" for his continual assistance.
The dedication may have been the largest the organization has held. It is the 37th home dedicated. But it won't be the last. Adams has already joined Habitat as a board member and is trying to pay it forward. After thanking everybody who helped her, she began the recruitment efforts of her friends and family to join in for the Women Build event in 2017.
And that is the type of community effort Habitat generates from the program.
State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier was part of the Women Build to renovate Adams' new home. She says Habitat represents the "best of us" because it builds community. She welcomed Adams with the presentation of bread so no one goes hungry, spices so life will will be full of flavor, and flowers so the family always know joy.
"When you work for Habitat, you are not working on a house. You are working on a home," Farley-Bouvier said, telling Adams that the community "has her back."
State Sen. Adams Hinds also worked on the home — both before and after he was elected to the seat in November. He emphasized the financial literacy, mortgage approval, hours put in building the home, and the coaching Adams went through as how Habitat helps improve the "whole person."
"It's about, on one hand, you can change and you can take on a new direction. When you do that, you want to have community around you," Hinds said.
The dedication also included the presentation of gifts from project manager Ron Marcella, remarks from Habitat Board President Chris Moon and Executive Director Carolyn Valli. Maryann Carnes presented the ceremonial keys to the home to Adams, passing on her life story onto another family. Carnes grew up in the home and after her brother died a few years ago she donated it to Habitat.
"I wish the happiness I experienced here will be passed onto your family," Carnes said.
But Adams knows the work is not done. She currently works at Kindred Laurel Lake Assisted Living Home and has set her sights on a future nursing career. She will continue to volunteer with Habitat and help reach out to help others.
"I know she will take the time to help others because others have helped her," said Ruthie DeBoise, a long time friend of Adams who blessed the home and led the audience in prayer.
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