WAYNESBORO – With recent renovations, staffers at Waynesboro New Hope Shelter are moving closer to their goal of making the facility more family oriented.

The project involved changes and upgrades to common areas – a computer lab, children’s play area and a TV room – to provide spaces for play, relaxation and study for children and adults alike. Founded in 1998, New Hope provides food and temporary lodging to about 150 people a year; one-third are children.

“We had a vision to create a bigger kids space,” according to Mandi Howell, executive director. “The previous kids area was about the size of a closet and without a space for kids, it was keeping us from reaching that goal. We (she and Erika Lohman, case manager) are both moms and really wanted the kids to have a place to develop and just be kids,” she added.

The $45,000 project was funded by a bequest from the estate of the late Robert Fries and Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waynesboro. Fries, a member of the church, directed that the donation be used for “family community engagement and outreach.” The total included construction costs and purchase of computers, furniture, desks, computer chairs, rugs, TVs and play supplies and learning equipment for children.

“The biggest thing is we want them to really feel like this is their home – the only place to call their own was the bedroom,” Howell added. “Now they have a place to do their homework, relax and be silly. With no outdoor space, we needed somewhere for kids to be kids. We’ve watched five babies take their first steps in this building, and they really needed a place to move and develop.”

The former TV room was converted into the kids room and a wall was knocked down and moved to create a computer lab and new TV room. “There’s even a one-way window so parents in the TV room can watch their kids play,” Howell said.

The project was launched after ELC’s pastor and associate pastor, the Revs. Dennis Beaver and Drahus Oslik reached out to Howell with the funding opportunity, added Howell, a member of the church.

“We had several conversations with Mandi about the needs at the shelter,” Oslik noted. “These residents are at a hard place in life and need to feel like they matter. Now they have a dignified space for kids to play and adults to job search and rest. This is an incredible ministry,” he added.

Members of ELC, who also contribute to the shelter through ongoing donations of food, hygiene items and other supplies, will gather at New Hope July 27 to dedicate the project.

“Parents now get the chance to watch their kids grow and learn and be happy. Seeing their excitement at the changes is heartwarming,” Howell said. “When they come in it can be a rough transition, and now they can be with other families and children … the new play room really helps with that. We have a grandma with three kids who get counseling, and having that space for privacy is such a blessing.”

“We have a child who needs physical therapy, and the new foam furniture is used to make tunnels for her to crawl through and obstacles to crawl over,” Howell said. 

“It’s amazing to be able to see kids in there being kids and having a good time and making friends with one another, watching a movie together or just playing and interacting,” added Lohman.

New Hope has seven rooms for individual families – adults with children – and separate dorms for single men and women. “We provide individualized case management and life skills training to help families and individuals become financially independent and secure stable housing,” according to Howell.

The shelter is supported through small grants, Howell added, “but we are almost completely run by community donations. We have one big fundraising dinner a year with testimonies from residents who are here or have moved out. It’s a good way for donors to see where their money is going and what we’re doing to help.”

New Hope also is supported by ongoing donations. “We get good support from churches and community organizations through collections as well as financial support from churches and individuals,” Howell added. We are very, very grateful for community support and this and wouldn’t have been possible without it. Erika and I always say, ‘you’ll never find a better job than what we do – we love it.’”