Volunteers' remodeling project brightens boys home

Shiny new countertops, brightly painted walls and freshly sanded floors await the young residents at the Carolina Boys Home. It’s an upgrade several months in the making for the north Columbia residential facility and one that has members of this year’s Leadership Columbia class smiling.

“The transformation has been wonderful,” class member Noushin Sprossel said. “And the best thing is to see the look of amazement on the faces of these kids when they see all the changes taking place That’s the biggest prize for me.”

Sprossel was among several members of this year’s Leadership Columbia class who came out to the home Tuesday to formally mark the completion of their renovation effort. It was carried out by class members with the help of several area businesses.

The 55-member group selected the Carolina Boys Home for its community outreach in September and began gutting and restoring it earlier this year. The work in the two-story building includes a renovated kitchen and upstairs bathroom, new carpet throughout, new heating and air system and ductwork, and outdoor landscaping.

Class member Stephen Ross said the kitchen upgrades were a particularly significant part of the effort, as the young, at-risk residents of the home learn to cook as preparation for independent living.

“That’s part of the reason we felt like the kitchen should have been a priority,” Ross said.

While many class members worked directly with the renovations, others served in other roles that included securing donations for the work, updating the home’s Web site and helping with the necessary marketing.

Several local businesses also donated professional services and supplies totaling more than $50,000. Those included Timmons Contracting, Carolina Re- Bath, Walks Milliken, Praileau Flooring, Hardaway Concrete, Lennox Industries and Comfort Services of the Midlands.

Class member Todd Wagstaff, also of Comfort Services, said the effort provided the ideal model for businesses helping their communities.

“I think it shows people that you don’t just have to write a check if you just get involved,” he said.

Class members devoted more than 1,000 hours to the renovation and built relationships with the residents in the process. In recent months, they sponsored outings to the State House and USC sporting events, while also securing mentors for residents at the home who didn’t already have one.

“It’s more than bricks and mortar. It’s relationships,” said Jannie Nelson, Carolina Boys Home founder and executive director. “They have built memories for these children. The boys can’t wait.”

The Carolina Boys Home is the latest outreach effort of the Leadership Columbia program, which started more than 30 years ago. Sponsored by The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Columbia offers young leaders opportunities to enhance their knowledge and networking while helping the community.

Carolina Boys Home was founded in 1995 and provides rehabilitative service to boys ages 13 to 19. The facility is staffed around the clock and provides specialized treatment in a homelike environment to produce responsible, self-sufficient adults.