11/15/09: “Extreme Makeover Home” W. Buffalo Family Gets Free College Tuition, Car and Food

BY NICKI MAYO
“A new car. Oh My God!” squeals West Buffalo mother Delores Powell revving the engine of cherry red mid-sized sedan. The PUSH Buffalo community activist is the proud new owner of a brand new 2010 Ford Fusion from West Herr Automotives. It’s one of several surprises for the Niagara Distinct family who will be featured on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition.”
“Who likes cheese sticks?” asked Rich’s Products Corporation’s Jamie McKeon. Rich’s Foods is also donating a year supply of cheese sticks and mozzarella bites to the Powell family.
“Ms. Powell. These are things that your kids can make on their own too,” McKeon added. One thing the Powell family can’t easily do on their own is attend college. That’s why Canisius College stepped up.
“Joel, Gabrielle, Deborah and Anschel will get full tuition scholarships to attend Canisus College,” said Rev. Vincent M. Cooke. The Canisius College President handed Delores a proclamation promising full rides to the entire household. Canisus is also helping Delores, a Jamaican immigrant, fulfill her dream of getting a college degree alongside her children.
“Thank you Canisius College for giving my children a chance. Giving my children hope that I never possibly dreamed I could give them,” said a tearful Delores Powell. The entire family is excited to see a college education within their reach.
Sixteen year of Gabrielle attends City Honors High School. She says she always dreamed of becoming an obstetrician. Gabrielle says she’s been eyeing Canisus’ Pre-Med program for a while.
“I just heard it was the best medical school in Buffalo and I just wanted to get the best of the best. It’s just something I always wanted to,” said the aspiring doctor.
Fifteen years old Deborah says she wants to work in the judicial sector.
“I want to be a lawyer or a judge,” said the William J. Grabiarz School student.
Older brother Joel will be the first to venture to college. The 18-year-old Lafayette High School senior has been stressing the college funding options all year long. Joel says he wants to put his mind to making money for his family.
“I think sports management is something that I would love to pursue, as well as business,” said Joel Powell.
With all the free extras it’s easy for the family to overlook their new two-story green energy efficient house. But all the children say every room is exceptional.
“It’s me! I love it. It’s perfect for me!” smiled Gabrielle.
Western New York AmeriCorps started with 30 projects, and ended up doing 50. From the new house to the re-tree efforts, Delores Powell says she’s most impressed with the selfless giving off thousands of shoes to her native Jamaica through the Sole for Souls program.
The Powell family says they are thankful for the thousands of volunteers who worked all week long to not only build their new home, but rebuild their sense of community.
“Let us get out there and work together in unity and build Western New York,” shouted Delores Powell surrounded by her children.