Saturday was a big day for Sheri Gilmer and her two daughters, Emma and Elise. The Gilmer's new house, built by Habitat For Humanity of McLean County and Women Build, was blessed.

But Sheri insists she's the one whose blessed, for the friends she's made and the work she did. She plans to write a book about her experience.

"It’s just really exciting that we’ll be able to plant our own garden and our own trees," Gilmer told news 25. "And the sense of belonging will be there."

Sheri doesn't make a lot of money and says she couldn't afford her own home on her salary as a teacher at Meca Christian Academy in Mackinaw.
But after helping with the construction she feels ownership of much more.

"I felt pretty empowered before I started this process, but I was amazed at how much more confidence you have. I would love to put another roof on. I would love to help build another house because it was work that I really enjoyed."

You'd be surprised at the help Sheri received building the house. The exterior walls were produced by the inmates at a prison in Taylorville. And the on site construction crew consisted primarily of women.

"I’ve built so many friendships this way," said Jeanna Lareau, who helped build Gilmer's house. "I will keep in touch with a lot of the girls I’ve built with. We plan to do it again next year together."

"Sheri energized me and uplifted me to do my job even better," said Deb Skillrud, the development director for Habitat For Humanity of McLean County. "She’s articulate and passionate and she’s a very giving person."

The Gilmer's are scheduled to move into their new home around Thanksgiving, which Sheri says seems rather appropriate.