Vision Story: God Makes a Way
When we purchased this building it had previously flooded from a failed sump pump. Buildings on main have cisterns that drain run off water and sump pumps are required to keep them empty. Due to the mold that appeared after 4 years of vacancy, I was told it all had to be ripped out. So not knowing the process and taking the contractors word for it, demo began. However, when sheet rock was left in the offices and I was told it was good and did not have to be taken out…I questioned why.
This led to calls and investigating this why…come to find out It should have been tested to determine what kind of mold and how extensive treatment should be to eliminate the problem. The mold restoration company was informed that it was not to be tested it would just all be ripped out.
I had a certified mold restoration testing company come test it and it was determined it did not have to be removed it could have been treated/cleaned. The mold present was the kind that was not toxic, it’s the same mold spores we breathe in outside air. It was just multiplied but could have been treated and cleaned. This created a $28,000 loss of demo cost and added costs of testing, replacing what should not have been removed and the time in delays.
Due to this delay we are far behind our projected schedule. However, now that we are past the questions and findings (we currently have a passing mold inspection now) we can move forward in replacing said sheet rock. It’s beyond frustrating, BUT GOD! He knew we would encounter this and so we have stayed faithful in trusting Him in this insane process. I am almost a mold expert at this point, I know more than I even cared to know, but it is what it is…Im definitely educated on this topic now.
We have local companies scheduled for sheet rock replacement and duct/system cleaning and microbial fogging (just to be on the safe side).
We want a super clean bill of health not just a passing one for this building.
First and foremost all employees will be background checked and vetted… along with prayer to ensure we have the best, most caring and loving people with a passion for kids/community possible.
The operation:
(3) of the old offices will be for tutoring and/or homework. One will be a nursery (for when we have community events-baby changing/feeding/and play room.) 2 will be video game rooms one for upper elementary/MS age and one for high school age. The games will be hand selected, no violence type games. We are Focusing on clean fun maybe even nostalgia type games. One room will be revamped with acoustic sound walls for music. We have in the works to add music lessons (for sure-piano/guitar/vocal) also to be used for chapel song practice (maybe we will have a chorale or choir if we have student interest) one will be a designated party room…this will not be in competition with local rentals but in conjunction to provide another option for those who maybe cant afford à large $ amount for a rental. It will be on a case by case donation basis.
There are 2 things that we have added that will be announced later -those are going to be super fun and cool-these are a surprise for later!
We will have a clothing closet (with a twist) and a food/necessity pantry.
The kitchen will be commercial for providing (semi-I mean we have some junk foods but limited ) healthy but delicious snacks/meals. This will be on a donation basis.. we are not going to “charge” (that makes a distiction of who can pay and who cant)… we have a few partners already lined up to help with the cost of provisions. It will also be used for activities involving the kids/community (obviously structured and supervised for kids). The cafe seating area will be an open layout with pretty cedar post separating it from the lobby area. The large rectangle opening in the stud wall will be our serving window. The kitchen will be off limits unless we are doing activities. There will be an entrance into kitchen off of the lobby but will be locked until planned activities are scheduled.
The large lobby open area will include seating/lounging area and pool/ping pong tables. It will also be where we have chapel service in the begining (until we have a specific space for those, there is more in the works already ). The cafe seating and/or lobby area will be a place for bible studies for whoever wishes to attend (attendance is not a requirement to use the facility only an opportunity)
The room across from the bathrooms will be for storage and cleaning supplies, yes under lock and key. We don’t need kids unsupervised playing with chemicals or in an unsupervised area. Our intention is not to hover but be a presence in the room(s) to avoid any mishaps and or intentional damage to persons or property.
Our goal is to provide a safe supervised fun place for kids to just BE, play, learn and have clean fun. No requirements other than acceptable behavior.
Chapel services are not required, they are just an opportunity for any person who wants to worship Jesus with other like minded people outside of regular scheduled local Church services. We are Not a denomination, We are teachers of what Christ said teach…The Gospel! This is His Mission, we are just the human facilitaters of that
Hopefully this gives a clearer picture of what is to come…progress has resumed…Thank The Lord!!
At some point when we know what is going in which room…We will do a live on fb…til then
Share if you would like…
We love this community and our kids!!
