Leah's House/New Beginnings seals the deal for Happyland Club Property Purchase

On November 2, 2007 representatives for The Harbor Bank of Baltimore made the 2 hour drive to help seal the deal for the NBCWC/LH purchase of the Happyland Club property in Valley Lee.

This brings the proposed 30 bed shelter and related services closer to reality for the residents of St. Mary's County. The organizations founder Reverend Morris who also serves as the Pastor of New Beginnings Christian Worship Center states that they are developing a dream team of professionals to help bring this shelter and related services to St Mary's County.

Among those assisting are the engineering firm of Mehaffey and Associates, Chesapeake Trails Surveying, Inspection Connection, the Maryland Volunteers Lawyers Services (as a community development project) Maryland Bank and Trust, Home Builders Foundation, Networx Inc. Alexander Homes, numerous churches, foundations and individuals.

Senator Roy Dyson recently announced new plans to seek a $250,000 bond bill in the 2008 session. In addition the organization has hired the architectural firm of JMH Designs. Leah's House has also entered into an agreement with Department of Social Services to help serve clients in St. Mary's County and following closing representatives from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development toured the current shelter and the new site.

The organization has received a letter of support from the St Mary's County Commissioners and has another agreement for the coordination of services with several other agencies including the Mental Health Authority, Pregnancy Care Center, the County Library, Housing Authority, It's A Better Life, Amoren Christ Church, and Graceworks.

Other letters of support have been received and more are expected. We are happy at Leah's House that you (the public) have invested both time and funds, including a host of volunteers who include many students from the College of St. Mary's and P.R.O.O.F. We hope we have not disappointed you.

Rev. Morris wants to remind the public that we are still very much in need of financial support. The way the public can help is to continue sending their support, and join us for our 2nd annual Putting on the Glitz fund raiser this coming weekend, November 17th at the Crystal Room at 6:30 pm.

A keynote speaker will address The Domestic Violence Victim "Finding a Voice in 2008". Entertainment will be provided by Michael Cook of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, David Norris and the New Briscoe Brothers and includes the DJ Sounds of Harry Knight Music. For more information call 301-994-9580.

Tickets for this event can be purchased at the door. The organization plans unveiling the architectural renderings of the new building as well as introducing Phase III of its plans.