Local Elkhart woman earns a new home for her and her adopted family

 

ELKHART, Ind -- A foster parent and Baugo Township teacher is breaking-ground on her new home with the help of Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County.

"It’s super exciting because I’ve never had a place to call my own," said home recipient Kylee Vogel.

This year makes 35 years for Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County and today starts the journey of Kylee Vogel, who's not just any parent.

"I’ve been doing it for 17 years. My daughter is the first one I adopted out of foster care and then my son I adopted out of foster care and then I have a little kiddo who is 16 months who will be adopted in the process," said Vogel.

Vogel has been living in rental unites over the last nine years, while caring for and nurturing her children and today, she's not the only one excited.

"Oh, they’re excited. My daughter is already building her room and it’s not even built yet," said Vogel.

In addition, Vogel is a special education teacher with Jimtown Elementary School.

Kylee has built a tight bond with students over the years.

Their relationship is so strong in fact, that Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Baugo Community Schools and their trades program, so that the students in the program can assist with building the new 1,400 square foot home for Ms. Vogel.

"I went o Jimtown myself so we’ve been in Jimtown for 30-something years. So to me it’s exciting to know that there will be high school kids that are building on our house,"

The new home is expected to be ready around Christmas of this year, as Kylee completes her final 50 hours of sweat equity.