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Vineyard Transitional Center out of sight … not out of mind

Organizers eager to get halfway house rebuilt to help released inmates

By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com
Posted 4/27/23

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Every time Pastor John Sanders drives down Pine Avenue, he slows down to stare at an oversized empty lot. A year ago, it was home to The Vineyard Transitional Center, where …

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Vineyard Transitional Center out of sight … not out of mind

Organizers eager to get halfway house rebuilt to help released inmates


Posted

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Every time Pastor John Sanders drives down Pine Avenue, he slows down to stare at an oversized empty lot. A year ago, it was home to The Vineyard Transitional Center, where newly released inmates from the Clay County Jail could learn life skills and better adjust to society.

Next year, he hopes a new building a dormitory will be re-opened,

Until then, he can only close his eyes and envision the future.

“I go by the lot all the time,” Sanders said. “I always slow down and think about what it’s going to be someday. I can’t wait.”

What concerns Sanders most is the community forgetting about his mission during the delay between the demolition of the dilapidated building and the construction of a new building.

Sanders said The Vineyard will ramp up its fundraising soon. Plans have been drawn for a new mission with a completion date for next year.

The old building was in such disarray, contractors said it would be more cost-effective to tear it down and rebuild than to keep making repairs. The original building was knocked down last May, and it’s taken Sanders a year to collect enough of the total $500,000 needed to complete plans and schedule construction.

“We’re gaining momentum,” Sanders said.

The new mission will provide a safe shelter for men to rebuild their lives after being released from jail. The home will host as many as 16, and each will attend life skill classes and learn to be self-sufficient.

“We start the vetting process while they’re still in jail,” Sanders said. “They start the program four or five months before they’re released. By the time they get here, they already know what’s going on.

“I believe everyone deserves a second chance.”

The purpose is to provide an alternative to being an asset in society. By teaching men to deal with challenges by hard work and faith, Sanders said they are less likely to be arrested again.

The Vineyard also supports 50 people weekly with clothing, meals, temporary housing and other necessities.