If you’re a loyal reader of this blog, then perhaps you’ll remember a few months ago I spoke about Brooke’s House, a community resource and sober living facility for women being built right now off of the Downsville Pike on the east end of Hagerstown (click here for a link to the past article).

The groundbreaking for this facility was just a few months ago, and progress on the building has been swift.  I had the pleasure of volunteering some time there this past week, spending my Saturday assisting with several teams of drywallers as they begin the massive task of turning stud walls and insulation into livable spaces.

The work was hot and hard, but no one complained.  There is an overriding sense and feeling of what is happening here.  Hundreds of people have donated their time, materials, and talents to make the dream of Kevin and Dana Simmers a reality.  A unique space that will help women defeat the ravages of substance abuse and addiction.  A loving, caring atmosphere that is supportive, nurturing, and optimistic, giving a sense of hope and offering a better future for the women who will be lucky enough to spend some time in the program.

The facility is impressive.  Situated off the main road and nestled among the trees, it provides a calming respite from the outside world.  The long brick building contains beautiful and spacious common areas where the residents will be able to congregate and interact, creating a family bond between themselves.  Multiple bedrooms situated along two “wings” (two to a room, each one housing a private bath – dormitory-style) will give the girls their own, personalized living space.  There’s a non-denominational chapel onsite for quiet reflection, as well as meeting spaces where the girls can gather together to discuss their issues, struggles, and accomplishments.

Brooke’s House will also offer these young women a path to employment and teach them work/life skills.  Skills they can use to better themselves and secure a viable future once they graduate from the sober living program.  An onsite salon will teach haircutting and cosmetology.  A pet grooming area will provide therapeutic interactions with animals.  A chocolate company will also be housed in the facility’s garage, teaching the ins-and-outs of running a business (which will also help support the facility-long term).

Overseeing it all is the unwavering determination and commitment of Kevin and Dana Simmers.  Dana was off with other volunteers making chocolate on this day (as orders are already coming in for the holiday season).  Kevin was onsite at Brooke’s House (as he always is), taking on the role of coordinator, cheerleader, and tour guide.  He welcomed me like family, took the time to give me a tour of the facility and its adjoining office space – housed in an 18^th century farmhouse on property that is also in the process of being renovated – and talked about his commitment and philosophy on the project and its upcoming programs.

“I don’t want this just to be the best place for girls to go in Western Maryland,” said Kevin.  “I want it to be a model for the rest of the country to follow.  There’s nothing like this anywhere else in the United States.”

He made the rounds throughout the building during the day (along with his general contractor, Dave Rider), providing encouragement, a bottle of water, or a passing joke to make the time pass as we worked.  He cooks lunch for the crew, offering volunteers and paid workers alike a hot meal for their time and talents.  He is a man on a mission, driven to make sure that Brooke’s House not only becomes a reality, but will buck the odds and be a success in offering help to women working to beat their issues with addiction.

Kevin’s passion and commitment for the project is infectious, and even if you only spend five minutes with him, you’ll want to give him the shirt from your back to help out.  He gets calls throughout the day from people all over the country, offering to help with money, time, or talents.  The outpouring of donations from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, as most of the materials and labor for the facility have been donated by local companies – all because of Kevin.  He has the ability to personalize every interaction, and goes out of his way to take the time to talk about his daughter, the opioid epidemic, their experience, and his hope for the potential of what Brooke’s House can accomplish.  I honestly don’t know when he finds the time to sleep.

At the end of the work day, Kevin went around and thanked each one of us – every worker on site.  It was a long day, but we got a lot of drywall installed, and although I was tired and dusty, I am already trying to plan another day when I can come back and help out again.

Brooke’s House is slated to welcome its first residents at the beginning of 2019.

It’s going to happen.

Kevin will make sure of it.

 

   For more information on Brooke’s House, visit their website here.