LaVerne Leven-Berry worked in the carpet business her husband owned for 40 years. The business closed after her husband passed away in 2010 from lung cancer and LaVerne struggled to maintain what she had. Shortly after his death, doctors discovered that LaVerne also had lung cancer and removed a portion of her lung. Not one to be defeated, LaVerne fought back to health. She now works as a home health aide, caring for two individuals.
There’s a story behind every Habitat project
LaVerne and her husband bought their Woodbridge home 38 years ago. She raised two sons in the home and now watches three of her grandchildren in the mornings. LaVerne manages to work more than 50 hours a week in the healthcare business and still keep an impeccably neat and tidy home and lawn. She feels that keeping the home properly is an important legacy to the tireless energy and effort her husband made. She’s grateful for his pursuit to purchase the home and maintain it all those years.
What Habitat will do
LaVerne reported that woodpeckers were pecking the siding on the home. Habitat sent a pest control expert to the site for an evaluation. The expert determined that the paint may be peeling from the aluminum siding on its own without influence from the birds. However, woodpeckers are definitely pecking holes into the woodstove chimney, which is shiny. Apparently, the birds find their reflection very attractive. Habitat will treat the chimney with a surface product, will repaint the aluminum siding, will replace a wooden fence that is in disrepair, will replace a non-functioning water heater and will replace broken glass in a bay window.
How you can help LaVerne and others
We invite you to work with us to provide safe and affordable housing in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. Habitat’s Home Repair programs, including its Home Preservation program, rely on your support through donations and volunteer time. Your generous donations make it possible for us to purchase the needed materials and tools for repairs. Your volunteer hours help us save money on labor.To give and to volunteer, click the links below. To watch the repairs as they progress, check in frequently by clicking the Family Story button below.
Recent Stories
In loving memory of John Fasulo, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 94.
Catch a night of laughter and Shakespearean fun with The Comedy of Errors on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. Presented by The Acting Company, this modern verse translation by 2022 Tony Award nominee Christina Anderson brings a fresh twist to one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most beloved comedies.
Expect mistaken identities, hilarious chaos, and a race against the clock as Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, navigate a world of confusion.
Are you looking to add a furry friend to your family? The Prince William County Animal Shelter is making it easier than ever. In honor of World Spay Day, the shelter is hosting a special adoption event to cover the cost of a standard spay or neuter fee for all adoptions from February 21 to 25, 2025.
A significant winter storm is set to blanket the region with heavy snowfall on Tuesday, with accumulations reaching up to six inches in some areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore-Washington office.
Forecasters warn that a prolonged period of snowfall is expected, beginning early Tuesday morning and continuing into Wednesday. The storm is the result of a broad upper trough bringing Gulf moisture into the area, combined with cold air entrenched over the region due to a high-pressure system to the northeast.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
