Joshua House received some extra help this past week when director, Jim Kilmartin, hosted eight students from Grove City College.
The students gave up their spring break to work at Joshua House, and while in Tyrone, stayed at the Community Worship Center.
Some of the activities the students helped with was painting the first floor of the new Joshua House building. The visitors also spent some time with the teens at Joshua House.
In the morning and afternoon, the college students worked on various project renovations at Joshua House. In the evening, they participated in fun activities such as bowling, playing basketball, visiting Quest Haven Lodge and leading a youth service.
They also helped to organize an Easter flower sale to benefit Joshua House which is currently underway. The sale runs today, Saturday and Sunday outside the new building located at 123 West 10th Street.
Types of flowers at the sale include: Hyacinth, Martha Washington, Easter Lilies, Tulips, Daffodils, Gerber Daisies and Mums, to name a few.
Kilmartin added he was “really excited” about the progress on the renovations at the new Joshua House building. He said in order for the building to be open for the kids and to become operational, Joshua House needs $4,000 to install carpet, $1,000 to install fluorescent lights and $1,000 for tile.
He said if anyone is interested in helping out with the cost of the renovations to contact him at 684-2032.
When Kilmartin first acquired the building, he told The Daily Herald that extensive work needed to be completed to meet code requirements. Work included the addition of a new boiler house, a new fire escape, a new kitchen area and restrooms. He added that many volunteers helped during the renovation process.
The work on the first floor is now nearly complete, and Kilmartin invites the community to an all-day open house scheduled for May 21. The first floor is comprised of a stage, kitchen, sound system area, play area and bathroom.
In the near future, a fundraiser will be needed to raise funds for a sound system.
Upcoming plans for Joshua House include hosting a band once a month and planning the Fifth Annual Basketball Tournament scheduled for June 11.
