Heroes of Habitat
Celebrating Local Heroes
The Heroes of Habitat series of houses was launched in 2019 to dedicate one of each build season's homes each year to a local hero. Honorees embody the qualities of selflessness, courage, humility, and service to others. They have made a lasting impact on McLean County and/or Habitat for Humanity.
Current Hero of Habitat
Judy Stone
Described as a longtime community volunteer and activist, Judy Stone served our community in countless ways.
Judy (along with her husband Jerry) was heavily involved at First Presbyterian Church in Normal, including serving as the youth director, organizing student work camps, and coordinating the church’s program to resettle Vietnamese refugees.
In 1979, Judy founded the local chapter of Amnesty International.
In 1984, Judy co-founded International Wives (now known as International Women) to welcome women from other countries into our community.
In 1985, Judy founded Habitat for Humanity of McLean County. She served different roles, including Executive Director and President of the Board, for several years. In the early days, she maintained an “office” out of her car while she arranged meetings to begin building affordable housing in our community.
Judy also helped to cofound Labyrinth Project, which is now known as YWCA Labyrinth Outreach Services to Women.
Judy was passionate about education. She helped fund scholarships both in America and abroad, and she taught ESL, GED, and other literacy classes for over 20 years.
She volunteered at the David Davis Mansion, Recycling Furniture for Families, and the McLean County Museum of History, where she was honored as a History Maker.
Thanks to Judy, Habitat McLean County is building its 200th house in 2024 and will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. Judy’s legacy lives on in the work at Habitat and throughout our community.
Previous Heroes of Habitat
Feli Sebastian
2023
Feli Sebastian is a retired licensed clinical psychologist turned published author and co-founder of three local nonprofit organizations:
(1) ExtraOrdinary Women Project BN, that recognizes and celebrates women in the community whose lives are marked with tenacity and perseverance in the face of challenges and serve as inspiration to others but often go unnoticed by the general public,
(2) Labyrinth Outreach Services to Women, that provides comprehensive aid to formerly incarcerated women when they return to their community which is now under the YWCA McLean County (Illinois), and
(3) Dreams Are Possible, which strives to help women build their self-confidence and job skills to become economically sustainable.
Feli is also on the Advisory Board of For A Better Tomorrow and a member of the Sober Spirituality committee of Recovery Oriented System of Care, McLean County (ROSC), member of the McLean County Reentry Council, and a Commissioner on the John M. Scott Health Care Commission. She volunteers at the SVDP Holy Trinity Food Pantry and Garden, Sugar Grove Nature Center and Crossroads Fair Trade Store.
Feli was awarded the 2018 APA (American Psychological Association) Citizen Psychologist Award in 2018 for her sustained community engagement and leadership in working with underserved women and minority populations of McLean County. The Professional Women of McLean County presented her the 2022 Empowerment Award for her tireless work with women in the community. In 2022 she received the Phil Covey Memorial Award 2022 Volunteer of the Year from the Women United of United Way.
Feli earned a BA in History at College of the Holy Spirit (Philippines), a BA in Religious Studies at Lourdes University (Ohio), a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling at Ateneo de Manila (Philippines), and a Ph.D. in Counseling at The University of Toledo (Ohio).
She’s an Oblate of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL. When not busy with her community involvement, she enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, writing, and playing the flute.
Feli released Broken & Beloved, her first book in September 2020.
Sgt. Anthony Maddox
2020 (moved to 2022 due to COVID)
Our Hero of Habitat for 2020 was Sgt. Anthony R. Maddox. He joined the Army right after high school. Maddox's friends described him as “wise beyond his years and ... a rare and special person.” He was a loving son and brother, and active in local youth organizations.
While serving in Andar Ghanzi Province, Afghanistan as Petroleum Supply Specialist and a Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Operator for Foxtrot Forward Support Company, 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1/87 Infantry Battalion out of Fort Drum, NY, he became a role model and respected leader. It is also where he sustained a fatal injury from which he passed away on July 22, 2013, thus making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Sgt. Anthony R. Maddox served with honor and distinction. Among the numerous awards and decorations he received are: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Sgt. Josh Rodgers
2019
In our inaugural year, we honored Sgt Joshua P Rodgers, team leader with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment out of Fort Benning, GA. On April 27, 2017 he and fellow Ranger Cameron Thomas died in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
"Josh and Cameron proved themselves willing to go into danger and impose a brutal cost on enemies in their path," said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. "They carried out their operation against ISIS-K in Afghanistan before making the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation and our freedoms," he continues. "Our nation owes them an irredeemable debt."
Future Heroes
If you are interested in nominating an individual to be our next hero, please fill out the nomination form.