When JSerra senior Eya Kane, a student in the Law Magnet Program, walked into the first empty apartment her family planned to furnish for a family in crisis, she sensed immediately that the space was waiting for a story to unfold. The walls were bare, the rooms silent, but to Eya, they held possibility. “I remember thinking, this place just needs love,” she recalls.

At just sixteen, Eya turned that moment into action. Today, she is the founder of Make It Your Home, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming empty, unfurnished apartments into warm, safe, and dignified homes for families rebuilding their lives. 

A Commitment to Service Inspired by Family

Eya’s passion for serving families in need is deeply rooted in the values she has grown up with. Her parents, Stacey and Brendan Kane, have long modeled lives of generosity through their work in real estate, design, and community partnership. Watching them give of their time, talent, and resources to support others has shaped Eya’s own understanding of what it means to lead with heart.

“I’ve always believed that a home should feel like safety and belonging,” Eya says. “My parents taught me that if you have the ability to help someone feel that, even in a small way, you do it.”

Faith, Formation, and the Law Magnet’s Influence

A former St. Serra Catholic School student, Eya has grown into a young woman whose faith and desire for justice guide everything she does. At JSerra, particularly through the Law Magnet Program led by Mr. Ahle, those values have been strengthened and given direction.

Her mother shared: “The Law Magnet has been transformative for her. Mr. Ahle’s mentorship, and the way he challenges his students to think critically and compassionately, has helped Eya see that justice is not just a concept — it’s something you live.”

That perspective has empowered Eya to take on real-world challenges, from organizing furniture drives to leading volunteers to advocating for families transitioning to stability.

Homes That Restore Hope

Through Make It Your Home, Eya and her teams work with partner agencies supporting families overcoming homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, newly arrived immigrants, elderly community members, and more. Each project brings together furniture, décor, and intentional details to make a house feel like home.

“When a family walks in and realizes this is their space to begin again, you can feel the joy,” Eya says.

Her environmental awareness adds another layer of impact, as the nonprofit repurposes furniture that might otherwise be discarded.

The JSerra Mission in Motion

Eya’s story reflects the heart of JSerra’s mission. Through partnerships with organizations like Laura’s House, Radiant Futures, Interval House, and Families Forward, Make It Your Home now supports multiple families each year — and the movement continues to grow.

“We couldn’t do any of this without our volunteers and sponsors,” Eya adds. “They’re the reason hope shows up on moving day.”

As she prepares for graduation, Eya remains committed to expanding her nonprofit. Her work is a powerful reminder of what young people can accomplish when they are formed in faith, supported by family, and challenged to lead with courage and compassion.

To learn more or get involved, visit MakeItYourHome.org.