“As our kids continue to grow up, building a strong foundation is so important to us. We want to provide a stable home for our family for many years to come.”
Stephan Thomas has proudly served the Pinellas community as a PSTA bus driver for the past 7 years. Before that, he worked as a School Bus Driver for Pinellas County Schools for 6 Years. 15 years ago, he met the love of his life, Samantha, and together they have built a beautiful family filled with laughter, love, and endless energy. Their greatest joy is raising their six children: Avia (12), Emmi (10), Rylee (9), Luke (7), Levi (5), and Penny (4).
Their children each have their own special interests and qualities that make them who they are. Avia is creative and enjoys drawing and watching Disney’s Descendants and Disney Zombies . Emmi lights up every room with her love of princesses and anything pink. Rylee never misses an episode of Big City Greens and loves otters. Luke is happiest when he’s playing LEGO Xbox Games and likes to watching Pokémon. Levi loves learning about animals and nature. And Penny loves playing with all of her siblings!
Stephan and Samantha first met on a blind date, and creating special memories together has remained at the heart of their family ever since. Whether they’re spending the day at the zoo, exploring a museum, or simply enjoying time at the park, they cherish every moment they can spend together. While their family has created a home filled with love, their current apartment has become increasingly difficult to live in. The flooring is damaged and continues to deteriorate despite repeated requests for repairs. Constant noise from neighboring apartments makes it nearly impossible to create the calm, peaceful environment every child deserves.
Stephan also lives with severe back and knee pain sustained in a vehicle accident, making the stairs to their apartment a painful obstacle every single day. Even though the complex has a playground, it has remained locked, leaving six active children without a safe place nearby to run, play, and simply enjoy being kids. When Stephan & Samantha learned their family had the opportunity to become homeowners, they felt something they hadn’t felt in a long time—hope.
For the Thomas family, this home is about so much more than four walls and a roof. It is about giving their children a safe place to grow, a quiet space where the family can thrive, a yard where six siblings can laugh and play together, and the security of knowing they have a place to truly call their own.
After years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the family, Stephan & Samantha are looking forward to opening the front door to a home where every member of their family can flourish. For the Thomas’, this new chapter represents hope, stability, and the promise of a brighter future—one that will be built on the foundation of love they have always shared.
