Kappa Delta sorority turned to a nontraditional source when seeking a new house mother for its chapter: Craig’s List. 

But with good reason, said Pat Junod, the sorority’s House Corporation Board President.

“After discussing our options for advertising, we felt Craig’s List would give us a good chance to reach the demographics we wanted to encompass,” Junod said. “A member of our House Corporation Board who lived in Kansas City drafted our ad. By mistake she placed it in the Kansas City area rather than the Des Moines area. So by the time she corrected the ad and placed it in the Des Moines area, we had several applicants from a wide geographic area.”

Kathy Estes, Kappa Delta’s new house mother, was skeptical and surprised to find the advertisement on CraigsList.com because it called for a mid-year placement, but because she dreamed of holding a house director position for two years, she enthusiastically responded to the ad.

Not only did Estes move into the house on sorority circle this semester, but she brought along her 5-pound white Chihuahua to join the Kappa Delta family, too.

Estes enjoys the responsibilities of the job.

“Every time I go shopping and buy something in bulk, the cashiers always ask if I’m having a party. Now I just respond that I have 60+ daughters, like the ‘Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe,'” Estes said.

No day is dull, she said.

“Just today someone was trapped in their room when the doorknob broke,” Estes said. “So I grabbed a screwdriver, a hammer and crowbar. I was two minutes away from calling 911 before physically slamming myself through the door. Not exactly what I thought I would be doing this morning before my first cup of coffee. I can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow.”

Estes was welcomed with open arms.

“We are very excited about our selection and she had already added a lot to the lives of the KDs,” said Sherrie Engel, Kappa Delta House Corporation Board Treasurer.

Kappa Delta President Sara Schlueter said she is impressed with Estes’ “work on analyzing the house’s budget and making adjustments so money isn’t wasted and can be put toward things like better food.”