Bucyrus Salvation Army renovations continue at Maplecrest building - here's what's planned
The renovations of the former Maplecrest building at 717 Rogers Street to transform it into the new home for the Bucyrus Salvation Army are coming along quite nicely.
An open house was held on Thursday as part of the capital campaign to raise the balance of the money needed to fund the $800,000 venture that began at the beginning of the year.
“We will be asking for the support of corporations, foundations, businesses, financial institutions and individuals to complete the renovations,” said Major Debbra Grace, who heads up the local Salvation Army with her husband, Major Tom Grace.
Crawford County Commissioner and Salvation Army Board member Doug Weisenaurer said that funding from the OneOhio opioid settlement allowed the commissioners to purchase the building and then rent it to the Salvation Army for $1 per year.
Debbra said Weisenaurer donated sweat equity to pull up all of the carpeting throughout the former assisted living facility.
“Yes, it was two dumpsters full,” said Weisenaurer as Tom Grace took to the microphone at the front of the former dining area of the home that now serves as the sanctuary for Sunday worship services.
“I want to welcome everyone here today,” he said to the guests that filed into the room during the two-hour open house that included tours of the facility.
What's in the new space
The new location will include a streamlined social service department, choice pantry, learning center rooms, sanctuary, meeting rooms, a fully modern kitchen, and a dining area.
“We are so lucky to have such a large kitchen area now,” said Debbra Grace as she pointed out the large, modern range that was purchased through a grant from Second Harvest Food Bank. “We receive food for our pantry from Second Harvest and have worked closely with them for years. We also offer meals for anyone in the community on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.”
Salvation Army is operating in both locations
She said meals are still being served at the Salvation Army’s original location at 224 E. Rensselaer St., in Bucyrus.
“Until the renovations are complete, we are only holding worship services, along with Bible studies and prayer meetings, at the new location. We find ourselves saying Maplecrest and Rensselaer Street a lot when referring to the two different locations.
The renovations for the Maplecrest building include:
Updated plumbing
Adding classrooms
New lighting
The addition of central air conditioning
New kitchen equipment
New flooring
The new location will share space with the Crawford ADAMH (Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health) Board.
“They will hold meetings here and other programming in one wing of the building,” said Debbra of the Salvation Army’s new partnership with the ADAMH board.
After school programming planned
In another wing, an afterschool program will be available for students in first, second, and third grades who are in need of more help academically.
“We are currently taking applications for a licensed teacher to fill the director position and two people, who do not have to be licensed, to work as tutors for the program,” said Debbra.
With the extra room the Salvation Army will have once the renovations are complete, a much larger food pantry will be available for local residents, based on need and family size.
“We want them to be able to have a cart and shop for the items they need for their families,” said Debbra.
She said another addition will include a program called Pathway of Hope to help families living in poverty to become successful.
The Salvation Army also offers the Angel Tree program for Christmas to help local families with gifts for their children and holiday meals.
“We will begin taking applications for that program on Oct. 16,” said Debbra.
Other programs the Salvation Army offers include:
Food and Clothing Pantries
Easter and Christmas Assistance
Thanksgiving Meal
Feeding Program
Grandparent Support
Referral Services
Senior Pantry Boxes
Personal Care Items
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus Salvation Army hosts open house to kick off capital campaign
