Two Owensboro families are settling into newly furnished homes after being named the 98th and 99th recipients of the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation’s Hands Up To Succeed program.
Since 2016, the H.U.T.S. program has upgraded living conditions for disadvantaged families, aiming to provide stability and a renewed sense of purpose. This week, the foundation completed home transformations for Nicie Walton and her three children, as well as for Jessica Moore and her newborn son.
Walton was nominated by Olga McKissic of the Western Academy at the H.L. Neblett Community Center. Through the program, the Walton family received living room furniture, a seven-piece dinette set, chests for the children’s rooms, a washer and dryer, draperies, and various household items.
Walton also received a bed frame, nightstand, and chest of drawers for her bedroom. First Baptist Owensboro provided new bedding, pillows, and a mattress for each of the three children.
“We pray this is only the beginning of the many blessings the family will experience as they step into this new season of hope,” said Alma Randolph, founder and executive director of the nonprofit.
Moore was nominated by the Housing Authority of Owensboro. Her two-bedroom apartment was fully furnished through the program, including a four-in-one convertible crib and bed for the nursery. The family also received a fully equipped kitchen, household essentials, clothing, and diapers for the baby. Moore’s family gifted her with a television.
Moore has battled health problems for nearly a decade, beginning when she was 16. Most recently, she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart, which has made it difficult for her to maintain employment. She said she is preparing to return to work on a part-time basis through the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program.
“I think this is the best time to start a part-time job through KTAP,” Moore said. “They are really helping me get a job and try to get on my feet. I think that will be okay for my health as well.”
Seeing her home fully furnished brought an emotional response, she said.
“I already knew that Alma was going to do an amazing job because I have seen other homes done,” Moore said. “But for it to be your own home that’s done, and it exceeds what you think and what you can do yourself, it’s unimaginable. I am eternally grateful. I can’t explain the feelings, and I am overwhelmed.”
