We are building an addition for Maggie & Eugene Dawson.  They are the family who obtained “legal custody” of 7 out of their 8 nieces and nephews after a tragedy that ultimately resulted in the loss of both parents.  This tragedy hit the family just 2 months after Maggie and Eugene welcomed their 2^nd child, the “typical family of 4”.  Eugene is an Afghanistan & Iraq veteran, having served in the Army.  He now works as a Nuclear Security Officer working for Energy Northwest- at Hanford Reservation in Richland Washington; Maggie is a stay-at-home mom.  They were living a modest but comfortable life, when the family was faced with a huge decision.  All they could think of after such a tragedy, was how critical it is to keep the children in one home, preferably with family.  As it turned out this young couple was the only family able to make that happen for the 8 children.  Instantly increasing this family of 4 to a family of 12!  This family is getting some local, state, and even national recognition for stepping up for the children in this case.  They recently received an Angels in Adoption award presented to them by Dan Newhouse.  

Since this tragedy, the family has been living in Eugene & Maggie’s home – a 3-bedroom 2 bath home in Zillah. This home was a perfect fit for their original family; however, they outgrew the home instantly when they took the additional kids in.  A number of community members have come together to help develop a plan to build an addition.  This will add 3 bedrooms, a bath, and a much-needed family/great room.  Habitat has accepted the challenge of building this addition, even though it does not meet our program requirements (being a first-time home buyer and new construction on land we own).  We accepted this project as a community project.  Since it is not a qualified Habitat project, we are not able to use the same funding sources to help with cost of construction.  The family has found it is critical for Maggie to remain at

home with the children, which means they are a one income family with 10 children.  3 of the children are young adults living outside of the home yet remain close to the family. The added space is an expense this family cannot reasonably offset without some help.  We are asking our community to join with us in helping this family through volunteering, material donations, and of course cash donations.  All partners will be recognized at the job site and in all publicity for their support of the build.

This family has impressed me and our staff with the grace and kindness they approach everyone and every experience with.  Eugene is passionate about teaching the kids to take care of themselves, self-discipline, and that they are special and loved.  Maggie is a nurturer and beams with pride and confidence when she speaks about any of the children (and her husband).  While they are not the natural parents of all the children, they enjoy living as one big family.  Maggie and Eugene honor their sister-in-law daily, striving toward the best interest of the children daily.    Their commitment to family, community, and faith is evident in all they do.  One demonstration of this is in the pride they have for the 3 adult children.  They make a point of sharing how they have moved out and are independent, making good, sound, adult decisions as young people.  The children are kind, respectful, and happy, ranging in age from 3 years-22years, 4 boys and 6 girls plus Eugene and Maggie.  It is a like a modern day “Brady Bunch” – The Dawson Family.  We feel blessed and honored to participate with this family in building their addition.  I am confident, you will feel the same way when you meet them.

If you are interested in learning more or helping out with the Dawson Project, please contact Meloney Rosen directly via phone: 509-453-8077, ext 1002 or email: meloney@yakimahabitat.org