EAST ROCKINGHAM — The new Place of Grace Campus, located in the former Rohanen Middle School, is set to host “Forest of Hope,” a fundraiser for The Richmond County Rescue Mission, this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16-17.
Place of Grace Campus is home to the Richmond County Rescue Mission and money from this fundraiser will assist with needed upgrades to the facility.
The event will include fully decorated and pre-lit Christmas trees, handcrafted Christmas wreaths and gift baskets, all of which can be purchased by silent auction. Gary Richardson, executive director of Place of Grace Campus, said attendees will enjoy “beautiful musical performances, an assortment of Christmas snacks, activities for children, fun photo opportunities and plenty of Christmas surprises.” The goal this year is to establish this as an annual event to assist with expenses for operation of the facility going forward.
The Place of Grace Campus is no longer a vision for the future — the future is here.
Currently the Richmond County Rescue Mission is housing 14 men who would otherwise be homeless and on the street. This past week, these current residents began a six-week program which is step one in the overall plan that will take them down a path towards independent living and permanent housing.
Eventually they will learn job skills through Richmond Community College and participate in certificate programs as well. There are more programs in the works for the future that will focus on assisting those with addictions with overcoming their life-controlling issues.
An after-school program has also begun at Place of Grace, with 22 local community children already enrolled and attending.
“We don’t turn anybody away but we are asking for sponsors to assist with the expenses of this program,” Richardson said.
The children are fed a snack on arrival after school and then engage in homework completion and enrichment programs as well as sports and recreation. They are then fed a nutritious dinner before heading home at 7 p.m.
Parents and others from the community are welcome to come and eat dinner as well with a “pay-what-you-can” plan, according to Richardson.
Forest of Hope hours will be Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday will include a barbecue plate sale all day. Plates will be $7 each with eat-in or take-out options. Delivery can be provided for orders of 10 or more.
