Beacon Awards: Home Creations

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Jul 11, 2008 by Jessica Mitchell

Sensing suspicion among Americans of different faiths, the owners of Home Creations became involved with Norman's Mayor Cindy Rosenthal in organizing an interfaith dinner. Funding part of the cost for the Norman Interfaith Dinner seemed like a natural fit for Jalal and Mohammed Farzaneh, who are from Iran.

The dinner's purpose is to bring Americans of all religions and backgrounds together to remove the stigma that might exist.

"This interfaith dinner happened during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast during the day and break fast as the sun goes down. Breaking bread with people of other faiths has been a Middle Eastern tradition of all faiths," Jalal Farzaneh said. "Both Norman Mayors (Harold) Haralson and Rosenthal embraced this old tradition to bring all the citizens of Norman together."

Organizers of the program hope it will help develop a better understanding among all citizens and embrace and celebrate the religious differences.

"In the long-term, we will celebrate each other's cultures and religions and will have a much better society with tolerance and understanding for a better future for all of us," Farzaneh said.

Home Creations' dedication to the community does not stop with its support of Norman's Interfaith Dinner. The company contributes to local organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rebuilding Together of Cleveland County, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA of Cleveland County, American Cancer Society, United Way, American Red Cross, local chambers of commerce, as well as schools and youth sports teams. The company is also a 2006 and 2008 participant in the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Homebuilding Blitz.

AT A GLANCE

Name of company: Home Creations

Headquarters location: Moore

Year established: 1996

Type of business: Homebuilder

No. of employees: 130