Penfield News

Letter from our Leader
Lem Clark, Executive Director

Penfield Christian Homes, Inc. has just completed an extensive five-year expansion program. With a growing need for more client beds and administrative space, the project began in 2004 with planning the Harmony Building. Completed in 2005, this 12,500 square foot building with a value of $1.5 million was built with donations of money, materials and volunteer labor from God's people in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and New York. Our bed-count was brought from 30 to 50, and ample administrative offices were built, along with a full-court gymnasium, giving our clients a place for much-needed exercise.

Upon completion of this new building, renovation of the original Herring Dormitory was begun in 2005. Built in 1988, it was updated with volunteer labor and donated materials at a cost of $75,000.

With the addition of 20 beds, there was an immediate need for expansion of the kitchen and dining hall, which also doubles as a classroom for the clients. This work was completed in November 2008.

The need for more beds continued to grow, and in 2006, Penfield Christian Homes leased a building in LaFayette, Georgia, beginning Penfield Christian Homes' North Campus. Renovations on this building were completed in 2007, and the first Penfield North client arrived in August of that year. This building, purchased in March 2008, at a cost of $550,000, has ample office space and 28 beds.

With the need for still more beds and with encouragement from God's people in South Georgia, renovation and construction was completed on our South Campus in Nashville, Georgia in December 2008. Clients began arriving in January 2009, and a Dedication and Open House were held on February 26. This building has 30 beds and ample administrative offices, at a cost of $600,000.

The Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation has given us grants of $200,000 for the North Campus purchase, $150,000 for the Main Campus Dining Hall/Kitchen renovation, and $150,000 for the South Campus. We are counting on God providing the remainder through churches, organizations and individuals. With support from the Georgia Baptist Convention, Penfield's operating revenue comes from these sources, as well as from client fees.

Because of God's grace in providing these expansions, Penfield Christian Homes' ministry has grown from helping 166 men in 1996 to serving 566 in 2008. The impact on these men and their families cannot be measured. To Him be all glory and praise! -Lem Clark