Greetings.
It has been quite a while since I last updated you, our supporters, on the progress of our Community Services Center project. And, in truth, progress has been a lot slower than we expected. A year ago, we were informed by our Colorado Senators that we were to receive a “Government Discretionary Funding Grant” of up to $1 million through the U.S.D.A. While this was great news, our slow progress is due mostly to all the requirements called for in preparing to receive that funding. It has been considerably more complicated and time-consuming than anticipated. However, almost all matters are nearing completion, as well as all other pre-construction work, and we are nearly ready to launch.
Our next big step will be the process of procuring a General Contractor (GC) to direct the construction/renovation of our property on West Harrison. We are wrapping up preparations for that step with our architects, Kenney Lee, and hope to send out “Requests for Qualification” in the next few weeks, which will be followed by “Requests for Proposals.” We will then interview a minimum of three potential GCs and from there select the best one to lead us ‘home.’
Even as the U.S.D.A. funding has slowed our process, it has helped us reach a point where our capital funding is now fully in place. Our fundraising going forward—including our upcoming Gala—will be utilized for operating expenses, which have increased significantly. We are now providing food for over 100 families each week in our temporary pantry at Eyestone South Elementary School. And we anticipate that number will continue to grow moving forward. So, all support is greatly appreciated!!
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns. Together, we are making a big difference! Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Mark Gabbert, BOD Chair
Grace Village/Community Services Center
Markgabbert58@gmail.com 970-776-6763