Thorne Avenue Neighborhood Forum Completes Phase Two

On September 13, 2021 a second gathering of the invited residents from Thorne Avenue attended an informational meeting for Phase Two of the Neighborhood Forum.  Grant money from the Sacred Heart Charitable Grant from the Franciscan Sisters of Denver, Colorado was awarded to Felician Center for the project.  Additional funding has been provided by benefactors of the Felician Center.  To date approximately $60,000 has been spent. The project celebrates the 30^th anniversary of the Felician Sisters’ ministry in Williamsburg County, South Carolina.

Sister Johnna Ciezobka addressed the group of 23 residents plus 8 new attendees with the story of St. Francis “go repair my house”.  Each participant received a fire extinguisher and weather stripping kits to improve safety.  The Kingstree Fire Department also delivered a message that a call to their department would arrange a home installation of smoke detectors. Attendees were given one week from that night to clean up around their properties, receive a site visit and upon approval given an application for the new project.

Eighteen homes were approved for a new exterior door with peep hole and deadbolts and/or storm door with screens.  This project would provide safety and more warmth in the homes with the upcoming winter temperatures.  Upon the completion of the new doors, the Sisters visited the homes with a hanger and autumn wreath to spruce up the neighborhood.

Neighborhood pride has grown and some other homes, not registered in the project, have made home improvements on their own.  The project will be suspended for the holidays and Phase Three will resume at the beginning of February 2022.