Builders Care is making progress on two projects, one that will help at-risk children and another to help homeless veterans. The renovation at AMIkids involves a complete interior and exterior makeover of the approximately 13,000-square-foot school building. And the renovation of the Five Star Veterans Center is well underway.
Formerly the Jacksonville Marine Institute, AMIkids Jacksonville is a subsidiary program of AMIkids, an alternative educational and counseling program for at-risk youth, many of whom are in the juvenile justice system or have failed in the public school system. The renovation is expected to be completed at the end of this month.
“We are on target for completing this project,” said Pam Dulin, project manager. “We appreciate the help and support like the Church of Eleven 22 volunteers who recently donated a Saturday to help. This was a large undertaking, and volunteers make a huge difference in the lives of the children in this program.”
For the veterans’ project, Benchmark Homes has partnered with Builders Care to help the Five Star Veterans Center with bathroom renovations to add showers in the women’s quarters. The Five Star Veterans Center houses homeless military veterans. The scope of work consists of removing cabinets, removing existing walls, framing walls, installing sheet-rock, painting, tiling, electrical and plumbing work.
“This facility is right in our neighborhood is such a worthwhile cause,” said Matt Wilford, Builders Care executive director. “We hope to tackle other projects at this veterans’ center, too, because helping people who have given so much for our country is a responsibility we take seriously.”
The veterans’ center is expected to be completed by February.
Other projects scheduled include a community center at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, renovating a home to meet code standards so the homeowner will not be forced out of it, projects for Girls Inc. and a building blitz in New Town that will restore 25 houses and add 25 new ones.
“Builders Care needs your help more than ever,” said Rose Stewart, development coordinator. “Your volunteered time, in-kind and monetary gifts are crucial to making all this possible.”
Builders Care is also redesigning its website to make it easier for clients and volunteers to access information including a calendar and list of projects.
To become part of the concerned team reaching out to help the most vulnerable in our neighborhood, contact Builders Care at (904) 727-3443.
You can e-mail Stewart at [email protected] or contact the office manager Debbie Crawford at [email protected] for information about how you can help.