Barry Stouwie first laid eyes on the house that would one day become his home back in high school. Something about the space, the land, and the feeling it gave him stuck with him. He told himself that if the house ever came up for sale, he had to make it his own. Years later, when the “For Sale” sign finally appeared, Barry kept his promise to himself and bought it.

For more than 25 years now, that house on the outskirts of Nevada, Iowa has been his safe haven. Barry originally bought it so he could care for his grandfather at home and keep him out of a nursing facility. After his grandfather’s passing, the home became the heart of his family life — where children were raised, grandkids played, and countless memories were made. Barry’s dream was always to live out the rest of his years there.

Barry is a hardworking, sarcastic, family-first kind of man. He’s the guy who cracks jokes in tough moments, puts others before himself, and always makes sure people have what they need. His home has been a place where anyone could get a hot meal or a place to rest, no questions asked. That generosity and steady presence have touched many lives.

Over the years, Barry worked at C&D Construction, opened the Ames Recycling Center, spent time at Munn Lumber, and eventually finished his career with TMJ Construction. Every job was done with pride, dedication, and the determination to provide for his family.

In 2016, Barry married Jolene, who moved in and made the house a true family home. Jolene has always been the other half Barry needed — hardworking, steady, and endlessly compassionate. She built a strong career at First Federal Bank, Premier Credit Union, Availa Bank, and Theisens, while also being the kind and dependable partner who stood by Barry in every situation.

But in 2017, everything changed when Barry suffered a stroke that left him unable to work full-time. Jolene’s income kept them going for several years, until an injury at work forced her to stop working as well. Her recovery has been long and difficult, and without her steady income, their finances have crumbled. Today, they are facing foreclosure and the loss of the home they worked so hard to keep.

This house is more than four walls. It’s Barry’s lifelong dream. It’s where family has always gathered, where kids and grandkids have grown, and where love and memories fill every room. Losing it would mean losing the stability and the dream they built together.

Barry and Jolene are doing everything they can to save their home, but time is running out. We’re asking for your help to stop foreclosure and give them a chance to stay in the place they’ve called home for over 25 years.

Every donation — no matter the size — will go directly toward keeping their home. If you can’t give, sharing their story is just as powerful. Together, we can help Barry and Jolene hold on to the home they love.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.