On December 16th, national homebuilder Lennar and nonprofit Operation Finally Home presented a veteran and his family with a life-changing gift: a brand-new home at Arden, South Florida's award-winning agrihood community.
SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla., Dec. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On December 16th, former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family received the holiday gift of a lifetime: a brand-new, mortgage-free home at Arden, South Florida's first agrihood community. In a dedication ceremony on their front lawn, representatives from Lennar and nonprofit Operation Finally Home presented the Jimenez family with the keys to their new house.
"This is surreal," said Jimenez. "I still can't find the words to express how grateful and appreciative we are to Lennar and Operation Finally Home for giving us a place to plant our roots and raise our son. This is life-changing for our family, and I cannot thank them enough."
Sergeant Jimenez enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2005. While serving in Afghanistan in 2010, Jimenez suffered a traumatic brain injury, temporarily losing his sight and the use of his legs. Nonetheless, he remained dedicated to his platoon and returned to duty one month after the incident.
Jose met his wife, Alex, also a veteran, while they were both serving in Afghanistan. They married in 2012 and have a young son.
Jose was honorably discharged in 2013 after having served for almost eight years, including two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. For his service, he received countless military awards including a Purple Heart, two Army Good Conduct Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, and a Combat Action Medal.
In July 2022, Jose and his family were surprised by Lennar Palm Atlantic Division and Operation Finally Home with the news that they would be receiving a new home. Five months later, escorted by a motorcade of the local patriotic motorcycle group Freedom Riders, they were welcomed into their newly furnished house that will provide a stable future for their family.
"The homebuilding industry gives back in a meaningful way and provides homes to people every day across the country," said Operation Finally Home President Rusty Carroll. "But today, they provided hope and a stable future to this incredible family. Beyond their military service, they have done everything they can to provide a sense of home to their son. Home is where the heart is, and now that heart has an address."
Lennar Palm Atlantic Division President Michael Meyers added: "I have had the privilege of getting to know the Jimenez family over the past few months. This dedication is a genuine thank you for what they have done for our country; to protect us and our freedoms and to allow us to live the lives that we live."
For photos and videos of the dedication ceremony, click here.
ABOUT LENNAR
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up, and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar's Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title, and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar's homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar's Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar's technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit http://www.lennar.com.
ABOUT OPERATION FINALLY HOME
Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home is a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. Established in 2005, the organization has completed or is in planning on more than 430 home projects in over 30 states since 2005. OperationFinally Home partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors and volunteers to help these heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs–a place to call home. For more information about Operation Finally Home, visit OperationFinallyHome.org, follow @OpFinallyHome on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
ABOUT ARDEN
Arden's scenic landscape includes 175 acres of magnificent lakes, including a mile-long central lake, 20 miles of trails, and 500 acres of parks, playgrounds, and green space. Arden is also home to one of the first agrihoods in Florida. Arden's 5-acre farm and event barn are central components of community life here, offering fruits, vegetables, and herbs shared among the residents. Wellington's world-famous equestrian centers are just 12 minutes from Arden. Arden is also close to major employment centers. A-rated Wellington schools, top-rated medical centers, white sand beaches, shopping, dining destinations, and world-class golf, and direct access to sophisticated Palm Beach, Palm Beach International Airport, and South Florida's major cities makes Arden's location second to none.
Media Contact
Caroline Nesbit, Arden, 954-379-2115, [email protected]
SOURCE Arden
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