ASAP owes Anderson County Schools a huge debt of gratitude. When ASAP started in October 2010, we had a small space at the Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County (CACAC). They served as ASAP’s fiscal agent for our first two years of funding until we could secure our IRS 501c3 designation and state nonprofit status. We stayed in the CACAC office for a short time until District Attorney Dave Clark freed up space to house us in his office in the Jolley Building. A year later, another staff member was hired as ASAP grew. Then Director of Schools, Larry Foster, granted ASAP the use of offices on the fourth floor of the Jolley Building where we have been since 2011.
This space has served us well. In the years ASAP has been in this space, we have increased our annual operating budget by 300%, increased our staff by two full-time and three part-time staff and have collaborated with community partners to reduce youth substance use by 53.5%, as measured by past 30-day use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs.
We take the next step in our journey to initiate positive community change as we move across the street into 131 S. Charles G. Seivers Boulevard. Dr. Tim Parrott, Director of Anderson County Schools, and the Board of Education has granted ASAP an incredible opportunity to grow and serve the people of Anderson County, for which we are incredibly grateful.
Executive Director Stephanie Strutner taking “other duties as assigned” to a whole new level
While the building needed a bit of work in order for us to move in, there have been so many volunteers to step up to make this new office space a reality for ASAP. Home Depot in Oak Ridge has granted us discounted supplies, Sheriff Russell Barker and his team have allowed trustees to oversee the labor of laying new flooring and installing new doors. Coalition volunteers have painted and cleaned and the Clinton Lions Club is overseeing installation of new entrance steps and a handicap-accessible ramp.
So far, over 260 volunteer hours have been recorded in building renovations, totaling a value of over $6,300.
Coalition Member Amanda Brackett with CASA of TN working hard on painting our new trim!
Coalition Member Brandon Pelizzari might’ve been our quickest and most efficient paint roller!
The best news yet is, we are ready to move! After June 24, 2019, come see us in our new space. Once we are settled in, we will be able to host our own coalition meetings and will plan a special dedication and open house.
This is a special time for ASAP. Please help us show our appreciation to Anderson County Schools, Home Depot, Sheriff Russell Barker and Correctional Officer Pete Sexton, the Clinton Lions Club, and the numerous coalition volunteers including, but not limited to: William Guinn, Amanda Brackett, Michael Foster, Redith Edwards, Brandon Pellizzari, Bryan Grubaugh, Julie Grubaugh, John Kelsey, Matt Strutner, and Pete Sexton.
