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Forty-four-year-old Kathy Scruggs of Lithonia won $25 million in the Powerball lottery drawing on Sept. 14. Photo provided

Kathy Scruggs’ top priority two weeks ago was finding a job. Now she’s focusing on ways to help her family, starting a foundation and helping others in need after winning the $25 million Powerball jackpot.

“I’m going to build my mom and grandmother a home,” said Scruggs, 44, of Lithonia. “That’s my first focus.”

She said she also wants to help the homeless and to provide dental assistance to those in need.

“I’m happy and grateful,” she said. “I really am.”

Scruggs said she had been looking for a job after working a seasonal job during prom time.

“I’ve been looking and looking and looking,” she said.

Now she plans to buy a car, travel and help her family and others.

Scruggs, who claimed her prize Oct. 3 at Georgia Lottery headquarters, tried to buy a Mega Millions ticket but instead was mistakenly given a Powerball ticket by the store clerk.

“I asked for a Mega Millions ticket, and the lady gave me a Powerball ticket,” she explained. “I just took it anyway. So I bought Powerball and Mega Millions.”

Scruggs discovered her good fortune the night after the drawing and woke up the entire house.

“We were screaming and hollering, and everybody came running,” she said. “I could not believe it.”

The winning numbers from the Sept. 14 drawing were 16-41-42-50-59 and the Powerball was 5.

The Quik Pik jackpot ticket was purchased at Shell Food Mart, 4144 Memorial Drive.

Scruggs selected the cash option and will receive $15,124,017 before taxes.