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Robert Cooper / The News HeraldTom P. Haney Technical Center students Steve Willis, left, and Gary Williams put their education to work at the Panama City Rescue Mission. The men were helping the mission add dormitory space above the thrift shop on Sixth StreetHaney students aid Rescue MissionPITCHING IN: Volunteersare renovating the thrift store with a dorm for men in the recovery' program.By Tom QuimbyNews Herald Writer747-5071 I tquimby@pcnh.comPANAMA CITYThe pounding hammers were music to his ears.Panama City Rescue Mission Executive Director Thurman Chambers had a lot to smile about Thursday as he watched volunteers from Tom P. Haney Technical Center putting up the framing for a men’s dormitory.Chambers has been trying for two years to renovate the upper floor of the thrift store so men in the mission’s long term recovery program would have their own place, includinga kitchen, learning center, private rooms and showers.Chambers said men who want to rebuild their lives have a better chance at success when placed with others tryingto do the same.The Christian-based Power to Choose program at the mission is based on the 12-step recovery plan used in drug and alcohol treatment centers. Chambers, who previously worked at shelters in Atlantaand Jacksonville, favors thatapproach over others.In about four months the men’s dorm may be finished, allowing living space for 20 men. The men in the program are required to help build the dorm.“It’s tremendous,” Chambers said just outside the small staircase leading to the dorm entrance. “We have Haney Technical doing the framing,and we’ve had a good responsefor supplies.”Mid South Lumber donatedthe lumber used by seniors inHaney Technical’s carpentry program. Carpentry instructor Danny Pippin said only seniors in the program will work on the dorm, which he estimates may take about four months to build.Stock Building Supply will provide various items, including doors, locksets and drywall.“This gives the students on-the-job training,” carpentry instructor Danny Pippin said. “We do a lot of these kinds of projects in the community.” Pippin said the building is about 50 years old and once served as a storehouse for Seymour Electric. Pippin said renovation is more difficult than building from the ground up.Haney Technical students Steve Willis and Gary Williamswere happy to help out at the mission.“It’s a simple job for a good cause,” Willis said.Chambers hopes other businesses and volunteers will step forward to help with the renovation. About 1 percent of donations received at the mission come from businesses. Most of the donations come from individuals, followed by churches.Some of the more expensiveitems needed include electrical and plumbing supplies, like a400-amp service panel and a four- to eight-ton heat pump.Other items needed include light switches, receptacles, exhaust fans, shower faucets, urinals, a vanity base cabinet and countertop. A list of items needed can be obtained through the mission at 609 Allen Ave. Its phone number is769-0783.
Newspaper Details
Panama City News Herald
Panama City, Florida, US
Fri, Sep 19, 2003
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Chastity W.
AL, USA 22 Mar 2022
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