HOPE House Youth Shelter

Dedicates New Dayroom, Offices

3 December 2008 - TW

Lutheran Services Florida's HOPE House Youth Shelter in Crestview, FL dedicated a new dayroom, counseling office and conference room in October, celebrating the completion of an expansion and renovation project that began in the summer of 2007.  (Click here to read the renovation story from March 2008 and see construction pictures.)

HOPE (which stands for Hope Of Potential Empowerment) House was opened by Lutheran Services Florida in 1998 to serve runaway youth in Okaloosa, Walton and surrounding counties. It also became a short-term shelter for youth in foster care in 2002.  In 2007, this LSF youth shelter assisted 180 youth between the ages of 10 and 17.  (Read more about LSF Youth Shelters by clicking here.)

Special guests and speakers for the dedication at HOPE House included Florida State Representative Marti Coley and Mary D. Richter, Executive Director of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services.  LSF CEO Samuel Sipes recognized those who helped plan the project and bring it to completion.

The expansion of the old dayroom into a former porch area was the fulfillment of a dream, according to Cynthia Freshour, LSF Outreach Specialist at HOPE House.

"We had this dream since we opened HOPE House to close in this porch, because when the [old] dayroom was full, it was really full," said Ms. Freshour.

The resulting expansion came as a result of many community contractors and business that donated time, materials and labor. 

Just as significant to the completion of the project was the work of LSF Dietary Specialist Beatrice Sutton. 

"I can't tell you how many hours Bea spent on the phone" calling contractors, engineers and business seeking material and time donations, said Ms. Freshour.  "It became a mission with her."  (Click here to read about the special award given to Bea Sutton at the dedication for her efforts.)

Also honored at the dedication and open house for their participation and contributions were:

Purl Adams, Alston Electrical Supply, Frank Applewhite, Benchmark Foundations, Bob Taylors Carpet One, Crestview Wholesale Building Supply, Crime Prevention Services of Florida, Dixie Electrical Supply, Emerald Coast Building Materials, Energy Services, Gatlin Lumber and Supply, Gordon Air Conditioning & Associates, Harrington Electrical Contracting, Hodge Brothers Lumber, Home Depot, Huff Co., Insul8, Jemco Plastering, Josey Construction, KMS Communications, Lowe’s Martin Crestview Farm & Garden, Mathes Electric Supply, Noland Company, Northwest Florida Window Tint, OC’s Service, Towing & Recovery, Remsco, Inc., Rexel Southern Electrical Supply, S & S Certified Installations, 2nd Generation Contracting, Sequel Electrical Supply, Sherwin-Williams, Southeastern Sash & Door, Bob Sutera, Charles Sutton, The Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, United Lighting and Supply, Dwayne Ward, and Weeks Engineering.

Many thanks to all those who helped make this project possible.
 

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