“Re-homing” effort to benefit Lily’s House in Adrian

 

A speed of 2.1 miles per hour was the official average last Wednesday as Jonassen Structural Movers, LLC transported a two bedroom home to a new location in Adrian, Mo that will greatly benefit Lily’s House transitional graduates.

Despite heavy rainfall at times this highly coordinated effort came off without a hitch, with the exception of a blown tire just as the structure reached its destination following the 14.7 mile journey. 

But all that is ‘water under the bridge’ so to speak as the 900 square foot house currently sits within feet of its new foundation on 6th street and should be ready for occupancy by Thanksgiving.

“I got a call from friend Ean Wise back in April” said Jeff Vick “He said come and see me, I’ve got a gift for you.” Vick’s impression was that it would be something smaller- you know, a gift basket or  other donation. “We drove out to see him and he said he wanted to donate a house!” said a surprised Vick as he and wife Sara checked out the small home that was on property Wise had recently purchased.

“He told us they were building a new home nearby and were otherwise going to have to tear down this one” Jeff said as he described the house that was built in the 1930’s and in great condition for its age.

The Vick’s replied with an unequivocal yes, we’ll take it.

Now the task of moving the approximately 150,000 lb residence down muddy gravel roads, under power lines and across a bridge or two which is certainly not for the faint of heart.

However, another friend, Steve Hubbard volunteered to serve as general contractor to oversee the entire operation which reportedly went just a planned and included cooperation with Osage Valley Electric, Evergy and many others.

Upon arrival in Adrian Police Chief Chris Dillon jokingly had a little fun noting that “The house parked in the street at 6th and Max Stevens will be towed if not removed in the next 48 hours.” There was a bit more fanfare too, as many local residents lined the streets and cheered as the house crawled its way into the city limits. 

And finally 7 nerve racking hours later, the house sits very close to its new foundation along 6th street in north Adrian, ready to be placed and plumbed as soon as the ground dries out a little.

For anyone who is not already aware, Lily’s House was the brainchild of Jeff and Sara Vick in 2017 who saw the need for “a safe place where families who are currently in crisis due to the influences of addiction, abuse, poverty or abandonment are provided the resources to heal and grow together” according a statement on their website lilyshouse.org.

Little did they know that following their move to Adrian, as foster parents the Vick’s made the life changing decision to take on the monumental tasks of seeking funding and other resources to open a thrift store, purchase a van then open the doors to some 15 mothers and 29 children who sought shelter at Lily’s House. 

Along with grants and other programs to help fund Lily’s House, the Vick’s have implemented a tax credit program that benefits everyone to which of the $271,000 that were available, only $12,000 are left and anyone wishing to donate should “jump on board” as soon as possible.

Many success stories have come from graduates of Lily’s House in their own words: A young mother came to us from jail. She was a repeat offender who made the decision in her heart to start a new life but did not have a support network. She spent 14 months with us at Lily’s House, and is now a faithful employee at a local store. Through hard work and determination she was able to regain custody of her two young boys and she is living life clean and sober.

Another resident was a user from the young age of 14. During this time she was in and out of jail on numerous charges. After waiting 7 months for her to be released from jail, she came to us 9 months pregnant. Now she and her son are thriving! She is working at a local store in our community and is 15 months clean and sober.

Another mother at Lily’s House has been in and out of unhealthy relationships and several cycles of addiction. When she determined she was ready to live a different life, she lacked the support that would allow her to create that opportunity. Lily’s House offered her that community. She is now clean and lives a life free of fear and abuse with her child. 

A recent graduate, Ashley Sehorn says “I can confidently say that I have become the person I have only dreamed of being. I love me today, I love my kids, I love my family, I love every person involved with the Lily’s house because without all of you I wouldn’t be me today”

Today, Ashley works on staff at Lily’s House and as part of the program she and her children will be living in this home that will be used as transitional housing for graduates.

To learn more about this labor of love, visit www.lilyshouse.org as well as Facebook. And yes, donations no matter the size, are always welcomed.