Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation voted in 2017 to close the old Stinesville Elementary School, but now the building is on the brink of a new life.
Monroe County Council approved $164,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds Tuesday for Sojourn House to renovate the former school into a shelter for trafficked women.
“With the closing of the Stinesville Elementary School, we had the opportunity to use a beautiful historic building,” Sojourn House president Carissa Muncie said. “We could repurpose it and turn it into a place … that would bring these women hope and some future.”
Sojourn House will offer a 24-month residential program, which includes healing, case management, education and career training.
County commissioner Penny Githens presented the topic during council’s May 10 meeting and said the shelter is a good opportunity for the town.
“This will perhaps be creating citizens that will chose to stay in Stinesville,” she said. “We could help rejuvenate that town with this small program."
The Town of Stinesville owns the building and supports the project. Sojourn House will only occupy one secured hallway, which includes nine bathrooms and bedrooms.
Pre-K Readiness Programs
Council also approved $43,000 in ARPA funds Tuesday to help fund pre-K readiness programs this summer.
MCCSC is also hosting its Jumpstart program for a second year at all seven Title I elementary schools -- Arlington Heights, Clear Creek, Fairview, Grandview, Highland Park, Summit and Templeton. This program lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the three weeks before school starts. The council approved almost $16,000 for food and supplies for Clear Creek’s program.
The Boys and Girls Club will host one program in Ellettsville for 20 kids in the weeks leading up to the school year. Council approved almost $27,000 for this program.
During council’s May 10 meeting, commissioner Githens presented legislation for both programs as a collaboration with council members Peter Iverson and Cheryl Munson.
“COVID has done its number on childcare issues, so there is demand in getting kids ready for kindergarten,” Githens said.
Munson said the county council will eventually consider other early childhood education services, including facilities at Ivy Tech and New Hope for Families.
Additionally, council voted 8-1 to approve $640,000 for the purchase of almost 70 acres of land near the intersection of State Road 46 and Interstate 69. Councilor Marty Hawk was the only person to vote against the purchase. Monroe County Commissioners approved the purchase May 25.
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