A foundation for a future.

Teanna Zillmer, Habitat for Humanity Lakeside's newest homeowner, delivered these remarks at the dedication of her home on May 28, 2025. 

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you so much for being here. It truly means a lot to look around and see so many familiar faces, along with some new ones here to share in this special moment. I’ll be the first to admit that public speaking isn’t exactly in my comfort zone, but this is one of those rare times I’ve genuinely looked forward to standing up and saying a few words.

I’m lucky to be joined today by my two favorite little humans: my son Byron, who’s 7 and full of big heart and endless energy, and my daughter Mazikeen, who’s 1 and currently living her best life excited to have new cabinets to slam shut. They keep me grounded, make me laugh, and remind me every day why I applied for this home in the first place.

Standing here today is incredibly emotional — not just because of what this house means, but because of what this journey has taught me, and trust me when I say it’s about more than just drywall and paint samples.

When I first applied for this home, I was pregnant with my daughter, raising my son alone and moving back into my parents’ house. There was a lot of love in that home…and also a lot of bumping into each other, stepping over toys, and trying to find quiet corners that just didn’t exist. Let’s just say privacy was a luxury — and babyproofing someone else’s kitchen is as tricky as it sounds.

I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know how I was going to give my kids the life they deserved. But I had hope — and I took a leap of faith, applying to Habitat not knowing exactly what would come of it, but praying something good would.

What I didn’t expect was that along the way, I’d find something even greater than a home. I found my faith.

I wasn’t raised in a religious household. But through Habitat, through the people I met, the kindness I received, and the strength I saw in others, I found something I didn’t know I was missing. I found God. And I truly believe He brought us here, not just to this home, but to this community, to this purpose.

Now, my 7-year-old son finally has a room to call his own — he’s already plotting where to put secret passageways — and my daughter, now one, will be taking her first steps in our very own hallway. I get to baby-proof a space that’s actually mine. I mean, that’s living the dream, right?

To the volunteers, donors, and the entire Habitat team: You didn’t just build a house. You built a foundation for our future. Every nail you hammered, every hour you gave, was a step toward stability, joy, and yes, grace. You helped me give my children a safe place to grow and a mother who’s grown, too.

Photo: Whitney Morales Photography