Linda Riggins grew up poor and in the projects. She was never encouraged to make anything of herself and was never expected to graduate high school. She didn’t let it get her down and she proved them all wrong and graduated college with honors - degrees in Childhood Education, Social Work, and Women’s Studies.

Because of Linda’s lack of encouragement growing up, she has dedicated her life to helping parents and children get the best education available.

“My parents didn’t encourage me to do better or prepare me for anything- The school system sets us up for failure. It’s like going to a writing course without your pencil, a music class without your instrument- I didn’t have a voice and my parents didn’t use theirs- this is why I wasn’t prepped for scholastic tests, not groomed for advancement and told I would never graduate… This is why I am so passionate about children’s rights and work so hard for the betterment of my community”----Linda Riggins

Linda and her visually impaired husband William have dedicated over 15 years of service to the Building Together Ministries. Building Together Ministries is a non-profit center designed to help disadvantaged parents and children by encouraging them through after school programs and resources.

Recently, Linda has had several surgeries that have prevented her from continuing her work in the community. Their medical bills have become overwhelming and their house is in danger of being condemned and taken away by the city.”

1STOPlighting is honored to assist Extreme Makeover Home Edition in helping to renovate both the home of this special family and also the Building Together Ministries center, so that the Riggins can continue to help the most needy members of their community.