While raising her son, Candice worked on her career path and grew professionally from a summer camp counselor to Recreational Specialist at a city recreational center.
As the Recreational Specialist, Candice plans summer events and activities for two groups of kids, 6-11 years old and middle and high school aged children. She is passionate about the kids in her charge and makes sure they have fun learning while with her. She has made a significant impact on the kids, to the point that many of the teenagers are following in her footsteps and are becoming summer counselors. Candice makes sure that all the young people in her charge are engaged and active while learning.
In her personal life as a mother, Candice gives the same prioritization to her son’s education. This year, as a sixth grader, Candice’s son started attending Webb School of Knoxville for his grades and athleticism, focusing on basketball and football.
Daran, Candice’s son, has always been an active boy and is looking forward to having his own yard to practice in. One of the first things Candice plans on doing is getting her son a basketball goal of his own so he can practice at home.
Because Candice and her son have always lived in apartments, Daran has always had to be conscientious of downstairs neighbors which limits him from being the active boy he is. After they officially move into their own home, Daran won’t have to worry any more about being too noisy and can actually play in his own home and yard. Currently, Candice lives in an older neighborhood where her son is the only child around, so there is not much area for outdoor activities. While the neighbors are kind, it can be difficult being the only child around, especially in an apartment complex.
Candice is most excited for the stability her future home will provide. Both Candice and Daran will now have a home where they will not worry about disturbing neighbors or safely playing basketball outside. This change will allow both to feel secure and stable in their own home as Daran grows.
Like many other families, Candice has worked a full-time job in a career she is passionate about, but the cost of homeownership was still too steep of a commitment to take on. Through her hard work with Knoxville Habitat, Candice is now able to financially take this step forward and have a safe and affordable home.
Candice serves her community by nurturing children to help them grow into passionate citizens of our community. Now, Central Baptist Bearden, First Baptist Church of Knoxville and Publix Charities will gather around this family and help them continue to build their future in a positive way.