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Meet the Ball Family!
Dawnn grew up in Troy, OH, where she spent the first seven years in foster care. The next few years, Dawnn was raised by her mother before her mother passed away unexpectedly. Next, Dawnn went to live with her grandmother who adopted her. Even though Dawnn grew up in an unstable family environment, she’s always had the drive to succeed and knew in her heart that stability and a good education are needed for a successful life.
Twenty-two years, Dawnn began to call Norfolk home. She and her former husband, who was in the military at the time, first lived in Ocean View. After the divorce Dawnn and daughters Danielle and Deanna lived in a variety of places, but have always had an affinity for the Ocean View area.
Dawnn has made the best out of where she and the girls currently live in Calvert Square, Norfolk. Now, that Dawnn and the girls know their new home will be in Willoughby, she feels the sky is the limit as to what they can accomplish. Dawnn can already hear the optimism in her daughters’ voices and she knows they understand the wonderful change that is just around the corner.
Dawnn works for the Hospital for Extended Recovery which is located within Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Dawnn calls her daughters; her blessings. Danielle, an honor student and currently a Junior at Maury High, graduated from Ghent Middle School earning only one of the five Presidential Academic Honor Awards. Danielle would like to pursue a career as a radiologist. Deanna, a ‘B’ honor roll student at Ghent Middle School, is an assistant to the Guidance counselor office and is a "gamer". Dawnn says, "she loves games; on the court or on the gaming system, Deanna’s ready." She also likes to play softball and basketball at the local YMCA.
Dawnn has taught her girls that with good academics they will have a solid foundation for the rest of their lives. She knows this will continue after they move into their new home. Dawnn recognizes the magnitude of this opportunity with Habitat SHR, and says, "It truly is a turning point for me and my girls." Dawnn is looking forward to developing a green thumb and becoming more active in her community, not just in Willoughby but in South Hampton Roads too.
Dawnn Ball is matched with one of the Willoughby units currently under construction in Norfolk.

Nelms Townhomes in Virginia Beach Dedicated!
The four townhomes on Nelms Lane were dedicated on Saturday, January 21, 2012. More than a hundred volunteers, family members, staff and board were on hand to witness the dedication celebration of Habitat SHR’s first multifamily dwelling. For more than a year volunteers worked diligently to prepare the land for building and then began the demanding construction schedule for these affordable units. The families were out regularly earning their "sweat equity" hours working alongside volunteers. Habitat SHR guarantees that each time YOU volunteer on site it will be different – the tasks, volunteers, stories, skills learned and likely the families.
Bank of America, the largest Nelms project contributor, Norfolk Tug, NAB Little Creek Chapel, The Hansen Family Foundation, The Leaman family and the City of Virginia Beach each contributed to this huge endeavor. The Morris, Wilson, Davis and Green family will soon move in and have their own community of affordable housing.
Habitat SHR is already planning the next large project, also in Virginia Beach. Amerigroup has already contributed to the project. However, more funding and qualified families are still needed for this next project slated to being late summer. Call 640-0590 if you can assist with the Habitat mission or click here contribute online.