When Hard Work Meets Hope

When Hard Work Meets Hope

Rose is a devoted mother of five, a longtime McDonald’s general manager, and a woman whose life has been defined by perseverance. Recently, she received the Ray Kroc Award, placing her among the top one percent of McDonald’s managers worldwide. For Rose, achievement and responsibility have always gone hand in hand, and today she is working on one of her greatest achievements yet: homeownership. 

As a mother of five, Rose’s children are her main motivation and source of pride. Her oldest is a hardworking student and athlete who works alongside her at McDonald’s. She describes her second oldest as a fighter, as he has faced major medical challenges with kidney disease. At ten years old, her third son is proud, smart, and responsible beyond his years. Her three-year-old daughter is full of personality and mirrors her mother’s strengths. Rose’s youngest turned one in December and has already endured serious medical challenges after suffering severe burns as an infant.

Rose’s grandmother was a strong influence in her dedication and perseverance as a mother and manager. Rose was raised by her grandmother until the age of thirteen when she passed and Rose’s 18-year-old sister was granted custody of her. After her grandma passed, Rose’s sister kept her on track and motivated her to go to school every day until she graduated. At eighteen, Rose became a mother and immediately stepped into adulthood.

Brewers President – Business Operations Rick Schlesinger, speaking at a build event in Milwaukee Habitat’s woodshop celebrating the partnership we have with the Brewers Community Foundation, the sponsor of Rose’s home

“McDonald’s gave me my first opportunity,” Rose said. “Others would play and I would go to work.”

That work ethic carried over into motherhood. Rose has always done what was necessary to provide for her children, especially as she navigated their medical needs. Because of frequent visits to Children’s Wisconsin, she often asked about available resources while there.

“Every time I asked for resources at Children’s, someone mentioned Habitat,” Rose said. “I became knowledgeable about it recently in the past couple years. I see a lot of Habitat houses. Everyday, they go from gravel to houses. I see someone move in and have a celebration. I was inspired by other families.”

While on maternity leave, she decided to apply, even though she had doubts.

“I’m always a smart girl, but I didn’t believe in myself to fill out the application,” Rose said. “When I was on maternity leave, I thought why don’t I fill out the application. I filled it out and let it sit…It got approved and that set off a green light in my head.”

Now that Rose is officially building and purchasing a home through Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program, she knows that this home will be in her family for generations.

“When we get into this house,” Rose said. “This is my last stop… I want to leave something for my children. Whether they share the house or one of them gets it. No matter if it is a mansion or a basic house, it makes me feel good. Nothing was ever left for me… The way I raise them and the way we are tight knit, they are going to want to keep this house in the family.”

Beyond long-term stability, the home will immediately improve daily life for her family. They are outgrowing their current rental, and her children are excited for space of their own.

“We are not doing the worst, but we are not doing the best,” Rose said. “To hear my kids’ concerns about privacy and rooms, this is a blessing to give them. They will be more appreciative of their own space and gift.”

When move-in day finally comes, Rose knows the emotions will be overwhelming.

“It will be a playback in my head,” Rose said. “It will probably take me back to being approved. That’s when I started believing. That’s when that light clicked on.”

She knows Milwaukee Habitat is where she is meant to be and that the Habitat community will be by her side as she accomplishes this goal of homeownership. 

“I just think everything works out for a reason,” Rose said. “I am grateful for this opportunity. I really appreciate it. Everybody is so nice, friendly, and supportive. I had no bad vibes from anyone. I care for people and I see people caring for me. Even sponsors who don’t know me are caring for me.”

As Rose feels the support of the Habitat community around her, she knows the day they move in will be a life-changing day.

“It will be fulfilling, empowering,” Rose said. “It’s going to feel like a dream come true.”