Remodelers revamp Family Violence Center space

“They’re completely redoing our hotline office,” said Pat Reiser, Family Violence Center president and CEO. The nonprofit provides shelter and services for abused women and children.

The work began Oct. 8 with the goal of finishing up by the time the HBA’s Home Remodeling Expo opens Oct. 19.

“They are lowering the ceiling. They’re putting in built-in desks, new electrical wiring, a new floor, painting … they stripped everything out and started all over again to make it more functional,” Reiser added.

Family Violence Center has administrative offices at 519 E. Cherry. Reiser said the call center is on-site at the organization’s shelter, a location that is kept private for security reasons.

The project encompasses about 230 square feet, according to Shannon Lee, owner of Rock Solid Construction and chairman of the HBA Remodelors Council.

“It’s kind of a glorified closet. It’s not a very big space,” he said.

Though the area isn’t big, Reiser said it’s important. Advocates staff the hotline around-the-clock, usually three or four people at a time, and shelter residents use the center frequently.

“The women come in there to get meds, to use the phones. It’s just a hub of activity constantly,” she said.

Reiser said the impetus for the call center remodel came from a group of design students at Missouri State University who wanted to help.

“The design that they gave is not what we’re getting,” she said. “It was a very beautiful design, but it turned out to be noncompliant with handicapped rules, so we had to redesign it.”

Lee said the Remodelors Council, which has been an official HBA entity since 1994, often looks for ways to give back to the community.

“We’re just trying to update and help them improve their operations,” he said of the project.

Lee said once a project is chosen, participation is open to all council members, including remodeling companies and associate members. He said more than 90 percent of the members participated in the Family Violence Center project, which he valued at about $15,000.

Custom millwork is included in the remodel, and Reiser said the center was able to choose its own paint colors and wood finishes.

HBA Operations Manager Charlyce Ruth said the Remodelors Council has grown recently, particularly in new remodeler members – which have increased to 18 from 10 in the last year and a half.

“We haven’t had a whole lot of new remodelers … so that’s a pretty significant increase,” she said. Ruth attributes the growth to increased awareness of HBA’s programs and activities and to existing council members recruiting their colleagues in the industry.

Eventually, Lee said, the council would like to take on yearly remodeling projects for nonprofit groups.

Though it could be some time before that becomes a reality, Reiser is glad to be on the receiving end for this year’s endeavor.

Family Violence Center’s budget this year will surpass $1 million, but that goes fast, Reiser said.

“We will provide probably 26,000 bed nights plus outreach with that money,” she added. “If you divide that out, that’s less than $40 a night for residents, and that’s providing security, counseling, case management, transportation, all their food, clothing and personal care products.”