James Hardie and Habitat for Humanity Hosted Key Ceremony for Local South Florida Family

James Hardie, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach and students from the Weitz Construction Academy at Seminole Ridge High School, helped build a new Habitat for Humanity home for a deserving South Florida family. 

Now completed, the home was officially presented to the new homeowners during a special key ceremony, coinciding with the inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational tournament at The Old Course at Broken Sound. The event featured remarks from key leaders, a celebration of the partnership that made this home possible, and appearances by several members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and PGA TOUR Champions. 

SPEAKERS included Aaron Erter, CEO, James Hardie; Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity; and Jennifer Thomason, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. GUESTS included: Jason Caron, PGA TOUR Champions player; Dan Fouts, Pro Football Hall of Fame, class of 1993; Anthony Muñoz, Pro Football Hall of Fame, class of 1998; Ken Kennerly, Executive Director of the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational; Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino; and Guest of Honor, new homeowner Ke’Yanna.

FAMILY BIO: KE’YANNA 

Ke’Yanna, a 24-year-old correctional officer from South Bay, is taking a significant step toward changing her family’s future. As a single mother of two young children; four-year-old Maijor, and Julianna, who is one. Ke’Yanna has worked hard to provide stability and security for her kids. Now, she’s on the path to becoming the first homeowner in her family. “This is our actual home for the kids and myself,” she says proudly. “I will be the first homeowner in my family, and that is such a proud statement.”

Ke’Yanna has a passion for cooking and once dreamed of becoming a chef. She also enjoys painting and finds solace in quiet moments, listening to music by candlelight. She is currently going to college and looking to become a teacher. While she has had to balance a demanding job, she’s eager to engage more in her community and is grateful for the chance to grow through Habitat for Humanity’s program. “I’m really excited to learn new tips to expand, invest, and just gain more knowledge, period,” she shares.

Ke’Yanna’s journey with Habitat isn’t just about building a home—it’s about creating a legacy. Inspired by the support she’s received; she plans to give back and help others who are in a similar position. “I plan on helping assist others to be in the same predicament I was offered,” Ke’Yanna says, highlighting her desire to lift others in her community.

With determination and gratitude, Ke’Yanna is ready to make this house a place where her family can thrive, laying a foundation for a brighter future.

For more information about the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, visit JamesHardieInvitational.com and follow @JamesHardieInvitational on Instagram and @JamesHardieInv on X [formerly Twitter].