The section of The Beaman Home that was not part of the 2016 new construction requires a complete roof replacement. InkFreeNews photo by Madison Hart.

By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Beaman Home’s emergency roof replacement will be possible through the generosity of two anonymous donors.

This spring, Beaman Home began experiencing a roof leak. Roof repair workers found that the leak was actually the symptom of a larger problem that would require a portion of the roof to be replaced entirely. The cost to replace it was $85,000.

Beaman Home Interim Director April Slone was able to get partial funding through the American Rescue Plan Act and a grant, but the Beaman Home still needed over $40,000.

“It was waking me up at night — brainstorming how to come up with the money,” said Slone. She said she felt the responsibility of maintaining a safe facility and a good shelter, which “is the entire foundation of what Beaman Home is.” After 27 years working there, Slone said she wanted to make sure every part of Beaman Home was successful.

Two anonymous donors became aware of this problem and, through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, offered to pay the $40,747 needed for the roof replacement.

According to KCCF CEO Stephanie Overbey, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation is a great way for donors to stay anonymous.

“We are a matchmaker,” said Overbey. “We know what causes our donors to want to support, and we know what nonprofits need.”

When Overbey reached out to Slone about the donation offer, Slone replied, “Stephanie, I don’t even know what to say. This is absolutely amazing. I started to cry when I read your email, you don’t know the stress that has been lifted. Please tell the anonymous donor, ‘Thank you a million times over. I’m so speechless I can’t even think.'”

Over email correspondence with Overbey, one donor answered, “The response makes the gift more than worth giving.”

Slone said no words can describe what it felt like when the need was met. She had been “fearful” this expense might require adjusting programs and services the Beaman Home could offer to clients. Slone is also a mental health therapist in addition to being the interim director, and she said the effort going toward raising funds was taking from the time she could spend counseling.

Now with the funding, Slone said she feels immense relief and gratitude. Roof replacement is planned for November.

“The Beaman Home values this community so much,” said Slone. “We’re so thankful for all the support and encouragement from the community. We could not do what we do without all the supporters.”