The Project
In June of 2008 First Glance was desperately out of space. We were getting as many as 240 students in a night in a 5,000 square foot facility that we rented. The over-crowded facility was causing First Glance to be less effective at fulfilling its mission. In addition our Teen Moms program met at a local funeral home. We decided we needed to expand and started our Explosion Project.
Thanks to a group of generous donors who matched $1 for every $3 that we raised, we were able to raise almost $400,000 in less than two years. Check out what we accomplished below with that money and through many volunteer hours of renovations.
PHASE 1 = $450,000 Complete! $50,000 UNDER BUDGET!
The funds that were raised allowed us to purchase the three story building (next to the one we had been renting) and do all the renovations you see below.
RECREATIONAL ROOM:
Renovating this space was top priority for First Glance as we were desperately out of space. We use this room on Thursdays and Fridays during our recreational nights, we also host Young Adults, Ladies Night Out, Open plate, plus many special events in this room. It has been a GREAT addition to our ministry.
BABY BOUTIQUE #4
Our teen mom program allows the girls to earn points through lessons, working, going to school, etc. With these points the girls can shop at the baby boutique, which is a store with baby clothes, toys and other needs.
OFFICES #4
First Glance now officially has offices for the first time ever. This allows our staff to be more productive as well as allows the students to find us easier.
TEEN MOMS AREA #5 (located in the basement)
The Teen Mom ministry moved from the funeral home and now meets at First Glance. In this area they have a kitchen to cook each night with the girls, a meeting room for parenting classes, a nursery for the babies to be watched while the girls are learning and an area for sewing and scrap-booking.
PHASE 2 = $450,000 We will be putting this phase on hold until January 2012.
Contributions designated for our second phase will enable us to pay off the facility we purchased right next door (which we have rented since 2003).
- Additionally, the funds will cover the costs of the following objectives of this phase:
- The purchase of our current facility allowing us the use of the first floor.
- The design and installation of a skate park in the first floor (#1).
- Structural renovations needed to create space for a gym (#2).
- Furnishings for the entire facility.
- Put awning outside
