Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for the new awnings and sign at The Beaman Home. A grant from the Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation funded the awnings and sign, while W.A. Zimmer put the awnings in place. Pictured at the ribbon-cutting are representatives of The Beaman Home, Chamber of Commerce and W.A. Zimmer. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union.

By David Slone
Times-Union

WARSAW — Whether you’re driving by or stopping in at The Beaman Home, the first two things you might notice are a new awning on the north side of the building and a new sign.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to help The Beaman Home, 603 Parker St., Warsaw, celebrate two new awnings and sign. The second awning is in the building’s courtyard.

Renea Salyer, The Beaman Home executive director, explained, “We’re doing a ribbon-cutting on our new awnings that were done by W.A. Zimmer with a grant from the Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation.” The grant also supplied funds for a new sign as the old sign was an old canvas that was starting to deteriorate. “So we got a nice, new metal sign that will last a long time.”

She said they are trying to improve the facility little by little.

“We got the shelter painted through the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, and just trying to do little things to improve the shelter and keep it running and looking good,” Salyer said.

Ryan Lemon, W.A. Zimmer chief executive officer vice president, said W.A. Zimmer specializes in shade structures such as awnings, patio covers, pergolas and sunrooms.

“The ultimate goal is to be able to meet with somebody like Renea and design a project that meets the needs that they have. Compliment an existing structure, the way that this one does. It looks like it’s always been here,” Lemon said, standing in the courtyard next to the awning. “So this will provide rain protection, sun protection and even snow protection during the winter time.”

W.A. Zimmer is based in Huntington and just expanded to a branch in Elkhart. They service northern Indiana and southwest Michigan for a total of about 57 counties. About 95% of their work is residential.

The company’s founder, Bill Zimmer, was born and raised in Warsaw and currently lives in Winona Lake.

The Beaman Home is a domestic violence shelter for men, women and their children. They are an emergency shelter service, and people can come in and stay for a short period of time, Salyer said.

“We help them through the process of healing and giving them resources, helping them find a home and jobs and whatever it takes to be self-sufficient,” she said.

The Beaman Home’s bingo event is Oct. 12 at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center and tickets are on sale. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit thebeamanhome.com for tickets and more information.

“We’re very privileged and thankful for all the support the community gives to us,” Salyer said.