The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Student-Athletes Participate in Habitat House Build
11/9/2015 12:00:00 AM
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –UAB student-athletes and employees joined forces on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to dedicate the 2015 Habitat House to Monique Dixon and her family. The handicap-accessible home was built in honor of the 25th anniversary of the ADA Act and was enabled through UAB employee contributions to the UAB Benevolent Fund.
“This is our second year working with the UAB Benevolent Fund on the House that UAB Built, and we came out in force,” said Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development Justin Mackey. “Our Student-Athlete Development staff and student-athletes gain so much from this project by helping a family in need and hopefully gaining some Blazers fans along the way."
Student-athletes representing beach volleyball, softball, women’s track & field, cross country and bowling volunteered to help with the build for Monique Dixon and her three kids, Donovan, Briana and Trenton. The new home for the Dixon family is located roughly 25 miles from downtown Birmingham in Clay, Ala.
"As a student-athlete, we are encouraged to give back to the community as much as we can, and that is something that I really enjoy doing,” said junior track & field athlete Jenna Wesley. “With Habitat for Humanity, it was extremely moving to know that we were helping a family that truly deserved it and needed help with their everyday life, in this case coping with disabilities. Habitat was one of the most rewarding experiences that I have been a part of as a UAB student-athlete, and I would highly encourage it to other people.”
Over 500 UAB employees and student-athletes dedicated 2,700 hours of time to assist with the build that started on September 17th and concluded October 24th.
"Owning my own home will be a new experience that will be life-changing in numerous ways," said Monique Dixon. "I am both grateful and thankful. God has instilled this wonderful gift in each and every volunteer to help make my dreams a reality."
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