It was hard to contain the excitement of first-time homeowner Haneefah Warren when she ascended the escalator of Bob’s Discount Furniture in Union, New Jersey and found out her new home would be fully furnished by Bob’s with the help of the New York Giants and former linebacker, Jonathan Casillas.
Embraced in the arms of Jersey City native, Jonathan, Haneefah exclaimed “Oh My Bobs!” before embarking on a shopping spree with her children, Zi’Nayiah Warren, 19, and Charles Haddock, 14.
“You pick out what you want,” Jonathan told Haneefah. “Bob’s is going to hook you up. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
Haneefah purchased her first home through the support of LISC, Invest Newark and the Newark Land Bank. Members of those organizations along with representatives from Bob’s and the New York Giants helped welcome Haneefah and her family home just in time for the holidays with a house warming party where her new furniture was unveiled.
This milestone was significant for Haneefah as she has faced many challenges since losing her mother to domestic violence in 1998.
“When I lost her – I am the oldest of four siblings- our trials and tribulations were challenging,” Haneefah shared to the crowd gathered in the living room of her new home. “But we rise to the occasion, and they were counting me out when they should have been counting me in,” she declared!
Haneefah shared that her road to homeownership included accomplishments like graduating from high school, college, and obtaining her master’s degree in criminal justice. “I did it,” she exclaimed to cheers. “My journey! With out those tests, I would not have a testament!”
In a moving moment, Hannefah shared that she started her mortgage journey with NACA on the anniversary of the date of her mother’s death and closed on her new home on the date of her mother’s birthday. She described those coincidences as a divine connection to her family.
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Marcus Randolph, President and CEO of Invest Newark, welcomed Haneefah home stating, “It goes without saying that we would not be here right now if you did not have vision and the tenacity to see it through.
“Congratulations,” Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark said. “Today is your day.”
In a shared vison to support local communities, Bob’s and the New York Giants have teamed up for several years through the Home for the Holidays program. This year marked the second anniversary of working with Invest Newark and the organizations supporting Haneefah’s home purchase.
“It was such a gift to us, to have Ms. Warren and her family come to Bob’s to select their new furniture,” said Nick Vassilakos, Divisional Vice President, Bob’s Discount Furniture. “We hope these furnishing help Ms. Warren and her family turn their new house into a home they love.”
Jonathan delivered one more surprise on behalf of the Giants, inviting Haneefah and her family to the final regular season New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium.
Gathered around her fireplace hearth, Haneefah, along her children, cut a red ribbon to signify the ownership of her new home. “We did it!” she exclaimed!
About Bob’s Discount Furniture
Founded in 1991, Bob’s Discount Furniture is one of the fastest growing furniture retailers in the country. Keeping true to its founding principle that everyone deserves quality furniture, Bob’s provides unsurpassed value with honesty and integrity. Through all the work that happens behind the scenes, Bob’s engineers this value, offering its discount on a wide variety of stylish, quality furnishings, mattresses, and home accents. The company also offers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, featuring cafes in each store with complimentary gourmet coffee, ice cream, cookies, and candy.
With 179 furniture stores across 24 states, the Manchester, Connecticut-based company has become the 8th-largest U.S. furniture chain according to Furniture Today. The company is also recognized by Plant-A Research Group and Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces; America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity; and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families. In addition, Bob’s was recognized by USA Today and Plant-A Research Group in their America’s Customer Service Champions list.
Bob’s is committed to supporting local communities through a variety of charitable giving efforts. Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation has anchored the company’s philanthropic work for more than 20 years. Additionally, the Bob’s Outreach program was created as a separate entity to help schools and children-related charities. In total, Bob’s and its Foundation donate more than $2.75 million to charities through these programs each year. For more information on Bob’s charitable programs, visit Bob’s Cares, and follow Bob’s on Twitter @MyBobs, on Facebook, and Instagram.
About Invest Newark
Invest Newark, the city of Newark’s economic development corporation, propels the city’s strong and diverse economy, builds vibrant communities, and creates opportunities for all Newarkers. The Newark Land Bank, a division of Invest Newark, is the only Land Bank in the state of New Jersey, and was created to boost homeownership, reduce blight, increase MWBE developer or subcontractor capacity, and improve the quality of life for Newark residents. To learn more visit: investnewark.org.
About Newark Land Bank Housing Choice Voucher Conversion Program
The Invest Newark Land Bank Housing Choice Voucher Conversion Program allows Qualified Housing Choice Voucher recipients to use their vouchers and down payment assistance to purchase single family homes. Properties are rehabilitated by local MWBE contractors. Purchasers receive homeownership counseling. The Newark Land Bank Housing Choice Voucher Conversion program is supported by partners NACA and Newark Housing Authority, and financial support by LISC, Victoria Foundation, Wells Fargo, the NJ Devils, and JP Morgan Chase. To learn more visit https://landbank.investnewark.org/.
About the New York Giants
A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925. The Giants have won eight championships: 1927, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011. After twice winning two titles in five years, the Giants are the only NFL franchise with Super Bowl victories in four consecutive decades. Headquartered at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J.The Giants are playing their 100th season. For more information, visit www.giants.com.
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