In celebration of Mother’s Day, Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda, through their First Things First Foundation and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, rewarded the hard work and determination of a single mom and her three children by surprising them with all the furnishings to transform their new house into a home.

Through the ‘Homes for the Holidays’ program, the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation rewards unsuspecting first-time homeowners by working with corporate partners to fill the houses with everything a first-time homeowner would need.  

Aaron’s, Inc. generously provided all furniture, a washer & dryer, a computer, and gaming equipment valued at approximately $10,000.  U-Haul provided in-kind and volunteer support to shop and set-up the homes along with a grant to cover the cost of furnishings. Brooklyn Bedding supplied mattress sets, and Sprouts stocked the pantry with nutritious foods. First Things First coordinates the furniture donations and furnishing shopping.

The ‘Homes for the Holidays’ program was initiated in 1997 by former NFL running back Warrick Dunn. First Things First began the program in 2002, bringing it to the Valley in 2005 when Kurt signed with the Arizona Cardinals. First Things First teams with community organizations dedicated to affordable homeownership such as Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona to find eligible candidates who are working hard to better their lives and those of their children by taking the necessary steps to buy a new home. Nomination forms are completed by affordable housing representatives and reviewed and selected by the Kurt Warner First Things First Foundation.  

The First Things First Foundation has surprised a total of 56 families since inception with ‘Homes for the Holidays’ in St. Louis, Iowa, New Jersey and Arizona.

“I have walked in similar shoes as Lakeysha and remember working so hard – just wanting someone to give me a little boost,” Brenda Warner explained.  

Kurt Warner added, “Today we are thankful for the power of teamwork and dreams realized.”

Lakeysha grew up in Arizona and is grateful to be purchasing a home in Tempe, where her children attend school. She has three children: 19-year-old Kalea, 17-year-old Kelis and 9-year-old Keyon.

Lakeysha has worked in collections for the past 11 years, which has given her the experience to know she would not be able to afford to purchase a home in Tempe without a program like Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. She has worked hard to purchase her home and looks forward to providing a stable home for her kids with the ability to remain in their beloved city of Tempe.