Timberr and Hugh Landde-Lyews
The Landde-Lyews were a typical Coral Springs family. Timberr worked as a nursing assistant and her husband, Hugh was a truck driver. Their five boys attended neighborhood public schools. In August 2010, everything changed. Timberr’s patient passed away and Hugh was laid off. They began getting behind with their bills and their water was turned off. Desperate for help, they visited a local agency but were turned away. Luckily, the receptionist suggested they visit Building Generations, whose office was in the same building.
Greeted by a friendly staff, the couple found immediate relief through support for the outstanding water bill in exchange for volunteer hours at the Harvest Drive food bank. The Building Generations staff also set up interviews for the couple at ARC Broward, where Timberr’s positive attitude and energetic personality caught the attention of both teachers and staff. She was hired on a per diem basis as a direct care provider.
“Our experience has been amazing,” said Timberr, who says that her entire family continues to volunteer with Harvest Drive even though they’ve met their required hours. “It’s so fulfilling for us that we keep going.”
The family also helps with the garden at Hunt Elementary School and with plantings at a local dog park. Hugh also is interviewing at ARC and hopes to land a new job soon, and they are working with their mortgage company to stay in their home. Their oldest son, Dwayne, hopes to finish his final two classes at Broward College soon so he can attend the University of Rochester to study business. Jace will attend college next fall. His brothers, Kameron and Skyler, are in middle school, while Carrington is in elementary school. Pan, the Golden Retriever, stands guard during the day.
Thanks to United Way, the entire family is dealing with a major life challenge with a positive attitude, hope for a brighter future and support from the community.
