"Home Makeover"

Miss Ellis, age 75, has quite a story. Orphaned in Texas at an early age, she rose from the cotton fields to servant quarters making her way to Oklahoma City. Through self determination and a love and respect for books and learning instilled by her Mama, she pursued her education and earned a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma. Along her journey, she started singing the Blues at age 8 and performs professionally as "Miss Blues". Miss Blues and her Blues Band have played festivals all over the United States and the world. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in 2004.

Because of poor health, Ms. Ellis now walks with a cane and uses a walker. She is also financially and physically unable to make the repairs that are needed at her home that she once did.

This is where Rebuilding Together came to help Ms. Ellis. She was selected by Rebuilding Together to be the recipient of a home makeover grant. Ms. Ellis had the interior and exterior of her house painted, the subfloor of the kitchen repaired, new carpet and floors were installed, and the windows were replaced with
energy efficient windows.

The documentary of the home makeover was aired on Channel 9. Rebuilding Together could not have found a more appreciative and giving individual to receive this assistance. Thanks goes to Bob Mills Furniture, NCCC AmeriCorps Team, student volunteers from The University of Oklahoma, OGE, Brewer Carpet, John Giger, Chet Terral, David Robinson, UNM Wesley Foundation volunteers, Chesapeake volunteers, and many community volunteers for making this happen.