The Schmied Family

My name is Amber; I’m 30 years old and a Bend native. I was born and raised here in Bend and the farthest I’ve ever moved is south of Sunriver. I have a daughter named Kassidie who’s 2 and the life of everything. She’s into everything, literally. She likes to play with her dolls, puzzles and likes to color. I have worked for BestCare Treatment for the last eight years, starting as a support staff to now being the office manager.
After having my daughter I got involved with Healthy Beginnings, formerly Ready, Set, Go. At one of the visits the worker gave me a flyer on Habitat. I had never heard of them before and wasn’t ready to think about moving from my current situation, but it did get my attention. I started doing research when Kassidie was about 1 knowing that we couldn’t and didn’t want to stay with family forever. I attended an orientation in May and the whole process of becoming a partner family.
Being a part of this program means so much to me. Habitat even now before getting our home has impacted every part of our life. Everything I do from volunteering at the office, bring home projects, saving and cutting expenses, I think to our future and our home. It has given me the opportunity to provide a home for Kassidie and myself that I wasn’t sure would ever have been possible. Habitat has given me hope and we will have a sense of stability and security, and I have the opportunity to use my skills to give back at the same time. I’ve never done volunteering before and hope to be able to still help out once we get our home.
I’m so very thankful for everyone who has made this possible, everyone I’ve met and those I haven’t met. Without all those involved from staff, those who donate and volunteer this gift would not be possible and to all I am forever grateful.