Wish comes true for 8-year-old

On his 8th birthday, July 25, Ramadan Baboci made a wish before blowing out the candles on his cake.

Unlike most boys who wish for a bike or an electronic game, Ramadan wished for a house.

When his parents got the phone call telling them they had been selected to become owners of the Townsend Habitat house, he shouted "My wish came true!"

The Family Selection Committee of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is proud to announce that the Baboci family will be the owners of the first Habitat house in Townsend.

When construction on the house on Apple Drive begins next spring, they will help build their home alongside volunteers from the community.

The Baboci's are proud and honored to partner with Habitat for Humanity, and are enthusiastic about helping to build their own home as well as other Habitat homes.

The Baboci family was selected as the homeowners after a thorough application and interview process. Family selection begins with an informational meeting that is widely advertised and is open to anyone interested in applying for a Habitat home. Applicants then submit a detailed application which is reviewed by the Family Selection Committee of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts.

The committee looks at housing need, ability to pay the no-profit, interest-free mortgage, and a willingness to work alongside Habitat volunteers providing "sweat-equity" to build their own home. Finalists participate in two home visits with two teams of Family Selection members to better understand their life circumstances and needs. From this group of finalists, the committee selects those applicants that best fit Habitat's criteria.

The Baboci family fit those criteria, and will become the owners of the Townsend home. Ndricim (Jimmy) and Teuta Baboci have lived in Townsend with their three children, Ramadan, Leah and Alban since leaving Albania eight years ago. Teuta's mother joined them last year.

The Baboci's have a strong work ethic. Through participation in the ESL program, they have learned English. They recently, and proudly, have become American citizens. They are very grateful for all the help, guidance, and friendships they have made in Townsend. This family understands what it means to give back to the community.

Jimmy and Teuta are active in the community through volunteer service. They are involved in volunteer work through the Townsend Ecumenical Organization, helping out in the schools, providing childcare at their church, and volunteering at the weekly band concerts held on the Townsend common.

- Submitted to The Journal