We have an update to a story we first brought you last August about Heaven's Touch, Inc. After 31 years of operating out of her home, a donated warehouse, and over a dozen storage units, the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization, Cindy Guevara, has an accepted offer to purchase an old bowling alley in Ashwaubenon to keep everything under one roof. But with a price tag of $2.1 million, she's hoping the community that she's always counted on, will once again come through.
The property on South Ashland Avenue has everything Guevara is looking for. With 106,000 square feet of space, there's room to hold cooking, parenting and financial planning classes, to house a food pantry, and a distribution center to hand out donated furniture, toys, clothes and diapers to single mothers and pregnant women in Brown County that are struggling to make ends meet.
"We give them love and hope and assistance and we hold them accountable. At first they may not like that, but once they have their own paycheck and have their financial planning and budgeting in place, they are productive," explained Guevara.
Gabrielle Smurawa turned to Heaven's Touch five years ago while she was pregnant with her second of three sons.
She says, "It just felt like I had someone that I knew that I could count on, that would be there if I really, really needed it, and she always has been. I could call last minute and she'd be there."
The organization helps mothers in despair secure jobs, housing and education.
"Lot of times these women come due to trials and trauma, so we rebuild, restore and redirect them and help them to become self sufficient. We help them become successful to live a productive life," explains Guevara.
And in turn, it leads to healthier, happier children.
Smurawa says, "She doesn't just help you out and hand you things, she actually takes the time and spends time with the kids and you."
Guevara has served about 7,000 families. She says with a new building, she can help even more, but time is ticking to get the deal done. She has to vacate her current, donated warehouse space by May 31st and still has to raise over $2 million to buy the new property.
"I'm praying for a miracle that those that are out there that have the ability to help us purchase this building will do it quickly."
Heaven's Touch plans to rent out some of the building space to offset their costs.
Click here for information on how to donate.
There is also a golf fundraiser coming up on Tuesday, June 7th at Mid Vallee Golf Course near De Pere. There will be lunch, silent and live auctions, and the chance to win a new car. They are currently looking for golfers, sponsors and donations of auction items. Click here for more details.
