OKEECHOBEE — A local contractor is excited to share an opportunity for one child or family of children to receive a room makeover, totally free of charge.

Apolonia “Apple” Nunez grew up in Okeechobee and was raised to think of others before herself. As soon as she completed college, she began thinking of ways to give back to the community she loves.

Nunez said her nieces and nephews inspired the contest as she loves seeing them in their own little spaces where they feel totally comfortable and at home. She wants every child to feel safe and loved, and she will begin with one child or family and repeat the contest as often as she is financially and physically able.

This year, Nunez plans to finance the makeover of a bedroom herself, because she wants to be able next time to show potential sponsors what was done this time.

“I don’t feel right asking people for help until I have something to show them. I would just not be comfortable with that. I will feel better asking for sponsors when I can show them what their money will go toward. She said a team has come together to make a video as they go along with the project. Next year, she will be able to show this video to potential sponsors.

Despite not asking for sponsors, Nunez has had a few companies reach out to offer help and has gladly accepted.

Nunez said the most difficult thing about the contest will be choosing the child or family. “There are different kinds of need,” said Nunez. “There are kids out there without beds. Kids who are neurodivergent who might just need a safe space to call their own, children who live in roach-infested rentals. How do you decide which need is greatest?”

She went on to add that her funds are limited this year, because she is doing this on her own. “This might not be the biggest project out there this time, but we have to start somewhere.”

She is taking submissions now and stressed that it is not a rigorous process. Though she already has several submissions, she would like to see more come in.  “I want God to lead me to the right family, and I want God to lead them to me as well,” she said. She has reached out to Leah Suarez of Our Village, and Suarez has helped spread the word and has helped Nunez understand the different types of need in the community.

“I really admire the parents for putting the needs of their child/children out there. That has to be hard to do, laying it all on the table.”

Families can apply by email at applicaljobs@gmail.com or you can message her on her Facebook page. Submit a photo of the bedroom and of the child or children occupying that space and tell her why you are submitting your application. You do not have to write an essay. Just make sure you express the need/desire you have for the space. The deadline closes mid-May, and she intends to have the project completed by the end of June.

If you would like to help in any way, Nunez is grateful and will accept. She just does not feel comfortable asking for this first endeavor.

If your family enters the contest and is not chosen, she wants you to know it is not about you. You did not do anything wrong. It might be that it would require a bigger budget. Please submit your request again next time.

In addition to being a builder and contractor, Nunez is also a children’s book author and is working on her third book. As a Native American herself, Nunez writes about Indigenous people. She explains this is because there are very few children’s books allowing Seminole children to identify with the characters. Her third book is a poetry-style book, still what she calls a “Tribal” book, and is still intended for children. One of her favorite activities is reading to children on the reservations, and she intends to do this every year they invite her.