For Jasmine, becoming a homeowner has been a lifelong dream. Today, that dream is a reality thanks in part to a $121,250 investment from our longtime community partner, Bealls Inc.
Bealls’ generous gift sponsored the construction of Jasmine’s Habitat home and continues a partnership with Manatee County Habitat for Humanity that has been growing for more than a decade.
Since 2016, Bealls has contributed more than $500,000 to support our mission, while also providing volunteer teams and donating items for Habitat fundraising events. Their continued investment is a powerful example of what happens when local businesses choose to build alongside their community.
“Bealls and Manatee Habitat share a deep commitment to family, community and creating opportunities for people to build better futures. We’re thrilled to have Bealls continue its longstanding support and help make Jasmine’s dream of homeownership a reality.”
— Bernie Quinn, President & CEO, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity
Jasmine was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she experienced significant instability during her childhood. Despite the challenges she faced, she learned independence and responsibility at an early age.
She worked while still in high school and eventually built a career supporting children in foster care, reflecting her own commitment to helping others. Later, Jasmine moved to Florida to be closer to her sisters and continued building a life centered around family and service.
Her connection to Habitat is especially meaningful. Jasmine’s father worked at a Habitat ReStore and was the person who first introduced her to Habitat’s mission. Years later, that connection would come full circle. When Jasmine learned about Manatee Habitat’s homeownership program, she decided to apply, even though she wasn’t sure homeownership was truly within reach.
Through the program, Jasmine completed her required sweat equity hours and homebuyer preparation. She worked toward her goal while volunteers, donors and community partners worked alongside her. And then came the moment she had been waiting for: Jasmine became a Habitat homeowner.
At her home dedication, Jasmine reflected on just how much the moment meant to her.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be a homeowner, but of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without Habitat. I’m eternally grateful.”
During the dedication, Suzanne Santangelo, Director of Communications for Bealls Inc., presented Jasmine with the keys to her new home, representing years of hard work, perseverance, and the generosity of people and organizations who believed in Jasmine and invested in her future.
Bealls’ $121,250 gift helped make that future possible. Bealls has deep roots right here in our community. Founded on Main Street in Bradenton in 1915, the company has grown into a family-centered organization led by fourth-generation CEO Matt Beall, with approximately 650 stores nationwide, including Bealls, Bealls Florida and Home Centric.
For more than a decade, Bealls has shown up for Manatee County families through financial support, volunteerism and community partnership. This latest investment is another example of how local businesses can help create lasting change — one family and one home at a time.
