Sentinel photo by ERIN THOMPSON
Siennick family members and others are, from left, front, Lucciana Siennick, Valentina Siennick and Ydnic Siennick; middle, Jennie Dallas, Dominique Siennick, Marquise Siennick, Vianney Siennick Josie Souders and Graciella Siennick; back, Todd Denlinger, Mike Green, Paul Wilson, Gary Gill, Jen Featuers, Jim Zubler, Mayor Deb Bargo, Jeff Bell and Mike Spahr.

BURNHAM — An encompassing effort involving several parties and coordinated through the Siennick Fund Committee has resulted in the contribution of a building lot for future construction of a new home for the Siennick family.

Two years almost to the day, six children tragically lost their mother, Cindy, from a brutal murder at the hands of her abuser. Since that time, the six children, now ranging in age from 2 1/2 to 16 years of age, live with their grandmother in a tiny house in Lewistown.

A group of community citizens, organized in the Siennick Fund Committee, have led the effort to raise funds from the community to house the eight-member family. To date, the community has contributed roughly half of the estimated amount needed to complete construction of the new home

Friday’s contribution of a building lot from Josie Souders represents a major milestone in the effort. Leading up to this contribution, Juniata Valley Bank assisted Souders with securing the release of the property from an out-of-town mortgage holder followed by preparation and recording of the new deed at no cost by Searer Law Offices.

With the gift of the building lot, scheduling of construction is ramping up. The committee is finalizing construction plans, working to secure building approvals, permits, etc. and lining up skilled tradespeople to assist.

The committee welcomes inquiries from interested contractors or material suppliers directed to Jim Zubler at (717) 248-9606 as well as continued support to The Siennick Fund, in care of the Juniata Valley Bank with notation for the “Siennick Fund” or by emailing siennickfund@gmail.com for further information.

Jim Zubler said, “Without the caring gift from Josie and the work of Searer Law Offices, The Juniata Valley Bank, and the many contributions received from the community as a whole, the occasion we mark today would not have been possible.”

“One would think I helped in some small way, but the truth is that getting to know these children has forever changed my life,” Souders added.

“We are so grateful to Josie for this amazing gift to our family,” Vianney Siennick said. “Her selfless and caring heart is just a demonstration of what this community has done for us. I believe we are surrounded by angels.”