Steve Kicklighter of Kicklighter Custom Homes was named Northeast Florida Builders Association member of the month for his contribution to the completion of the Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center. Kicklighter provided and helped install the drywall for the shelter.
The Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center will provide food and shelter to Jacksonville’s homeless women and children. It is estimated that on any given day there are 1,040 women and children without homes and many are without shelter each night in Jacksonville because the city’s 18 shelters and transitional housing agencies are full.
NEFBA immediate past President Greg Matovina, along with his father Tom Matovina, led the volunteer effort. Matovina says Kicklighter’s contribution reflects the commitment to the project by NEFBA members.
“Back in the summer we had a two-day building blitz, and our members and trade partners did a remarkable job of getting this structure under roof,” Greg Matovina said. “But there was a lot of work remaining even after the spotlight was turned off. Steve Kicklighter stepped up to the plate and has continued to advance this project by installing the drywall. This is what I call ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ and is typical of how NEFBA members have responded to the plight of homeless women and children.”
Gene Pruett, executive director of Trinity Rescue Mission, credits Kicklighter with moving the project forward by installing the drywall, which was provided by U.S. Gypsum and Cash Building Materials. Kicklighter also provided finish work through his subcontractors and trade partners.
“Steve organized a group of young volunteers from several local churches, including First Baptist and Trinity Baptist, to install the drywall,” Pruett said. “Steve tapped a great resource and got these young people involved in helping others. They not only helped build this center for homeless women and children, but they have shown compassion for others that we hope will be with them the rest of their lives.”
Pruett said Kicklighter’s contribution of volunteer labor to install the drywall and his provision of finish work saved thousands of dollars which is being applied toward cabinets and countertops supplied by Woodsman Kitchen and Floors.
Pruett expects to see the facility up and running by mid-December.
“When the Women and Children’s Center is fully operational, we will have 96 beds and will be able to serve at least 1,200 women and children each year, getting them off the streets and helping them find resources to build a new life. Thanks to Steve Kicklighter and others like him, we are well on our way to helping these women and their children.”
To date, cash and in-kind contributions to the Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center from NEFBA and NEFBA members total more than $1 million, Pruett said.