Posted on Jul 27, 2017
Our own member, Luke, talked to us about the workshop he runs at the Adrian Center for the Arts property north of town but will soon be relocating to Merrick Street. He said that the organization was a 501(c)3 charity and that they received their charity status on April 23rd, 2017. Their “Mission Statement” reads: “We teach personal development through art education with an emphasis on woodworking. We teach and train marketable skills to the workforce. We are a collective of members that are governed by a set of bylaws and a board.” Luke said that anyone interested in reviewing the organizations by-laws can go to: www.sambeaufordwoodshop.com/bylaws
 
He said that the woodshop is made up of a group of volunteers that share a common goal and promote a culture of sharing knowledge. Many generous contributions from sponsors provide them with much needed tools supplies to help sustain them through the year. They are an accredited woodworking education center who partners with the WCA to offer skill based woodworking classes. They also offer project-based artistic and creative personal development. They also provide tools and resources to community members who wouldn’t otherwise have access to industrial grade machinery, Luke added. Their focus is building a fellowship and culture of sharing knowledge.
 
They own their own industrial equipment valued at $40,000 dollars as of July 25th. Their goal is to be self-sustaining. They are an accredited learning facility with a dynamic teaching staff, 2 Certified Woodworking Instructors, TV personality instructor, and a female woodworking Instructor. The organization taught their first woodworking certification class recently. They also taught their first Work Force Rehabilitation class to people with disabilities. Thus far they have over 500 students.
 
The organization’s goals through 2018, Luke said, include: Build their overall capacity, new board appointments, purchase more new equipment, implement their WCA 16 week certification course, continue offering art classes, expand their workforce rehabilitation classes, include people with addiction issues, increase their membership and encourage more community involvement.
 
They hope to have the new facility on Merrick Street operational by June 2018. They hope to receive Perkins Funding for Technical Career Training and achieve ZERO Financing. Luke said they will achieve these goals simply through sweat equity, community support, strong leadership and fundraising. The photo to the right shows the original building circa the 1880's flanked by railroad tracks which have since become part of the Kiwanis Trail.
 
He said that they needed to raise $100,000 and will consist of these six phases: Phase 1 - Blight Removal, Mow Lawn, Landscaping,, Remove graffiti, Removed Boarded Windows, Repair broken windows, remove boarded doors, repair and replace doors. - $10,000. Phase 2 - Weather proof and seal the building, install security system, tear off and dispose of old roof, dispose of trash and debris inside building, repair roofing structure, install new sheeting and decking, new roof on large and small building, gutters, repair/replace fascia and soffit - $18,000. Phase 3 - Interior Infrastructure, plumbing, electrical, network capability, bathroom repair/ADA certified, BLEACH EVERYWHERE, scrub and power wash - $16000. Phase 4 - Interior surfaces, industrial coating, repair woodwork, prime and paint interior and exterior, epoxy floor coating, move woodshop in - $15,000. Phase 5 - Windows & doors, replace all windows, make doors, remove filler siding, make entrances grand - $15,000. Phase 6 - Masonry repair, landscaping, apartment remodel - $25,000.
 
Great presentation, Luke. We all wish you the very best!