A Kitchen Table Dream

The Johnson family’s is one of love and unshakable determination. They’ve always been the kind of family that makes the most of what they have, and their journey to homeownership is a perfect example of that.

It all started when a friend encouraged them to check out Habitat for Humanity. They weren’t accepted into the program on their first try, but that didn’t stop them—they came back, ready to give it their all. At the time, they were living in a tiny two-bedroom apartment with three teenagers. It was cramped, sure, but they made it work. The kids rotated who got the second bedroom while one slept on the couch, and Maya and James stayed positive through it all.

Things changed the day their kitchen floor gave out. Maya tells this story like it was yesterday—she was baking cookies for her son to take to school when the sink just fell right through the floor. Can you imagine? She laughs about it now, but what really stuck with her wasn’t the disaster—it was her disappointment that she had to send store-bought cookies instead of the homemade ones she’d wanted so badly to give him. That’s Maya for you—always focused on doing something special for her family.

What she really wanted, more than anything, was a home where her family could sit down together at a kitchen table and just be a family. That dream started to come true in 2017, when they were assigned a Habitat home. From there, the Johnsons rolled up their sleeves and worked side by side, putting in volunteer hours on the build site and taking financial literacy courses to ensure their family’s future. They put their hearts into every bit of it, and their dedication inspired everyone around them.

When it came time to dedicate the home, one of their sons shared his interest in fire safety, which led to a summer internship and set him on his career path. By December 2019, the Johnsons officially became homeowners, and let me tell you, that day was a celebration like no other.

Fast forward to today, and this family has truly thrived. James is a Postal Services Supervisor, Maya runs her own business—Maya’s Sweet Treats—and she’s also the go-to person at their church’s food pantry. Their kids? They’re out there doing incredible things. One’s a police officer, one’s an interior designer, and their youngest just graduated from Trinity University this year.

But honestly, what they cherish most is the simple stuff. Sitting around their kitchen table, sharing meals, and making memories. Maya’s dream of having a place for her family to gather has come true, and you can feel the love and gratitude in every corner of their home. They’re an amazing family, and their story is proof of just how far determination and love can take you.