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Joseph's Hammer remains firmly committed to construction of a new worship center and building new beginnings for more than 1,000 women incarcerated at the Halbert Unit. Contributed rendering
One determined non-profit group decided to build a new worship center five years ago in Burnet.
The “Joseph’s Hammer” group planned to construct the center at 800 Ellen Halbert Drive, where the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ellen Halbert Unit is located. The unit is a substance abuse felony punishment facility for female offenders.
“The Joseph’s Hammer team worked with architects, engineers and a general contractor to navigate successfully through the (state) building approval process,” recalls Pam Stevenson, the group director.
Soon after state officials signaled Joseph’s Hammer could proceed, the group conducted a groundbreaking cer- emony at the unit five months ago.
Several dignitaries attended the groundbreaking, including Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Patrick O’Daniel and Halbert Unit Senior Warden Patricia Williams.
"We were waiting on final bids at that time,” Stevenson recalls.
The Hammer group had estimated it could cost about $1 million to begin building the center last month, with an eye toward completion of the project by the end of 2023.
To date, the group has saved $1.7 million for the project, Stevenson says.
However, labor and material costs have risen significantly during recent weeks, to the point where the group figures now it needs to raise another $650,000 to start building the center, Stevenson adds.
“Even though our board has saved more than its initial goal - that goal was based on original plans,” Stevenson says. “If it takes longer to raise more funds, construction bids could go up or down, given the current economic climate. In hindsight, maybe we should have suggested a delay for the groundbreaking ceremony.”
Regardless, Joseph’s Hammer remains firmly committed to construction of a new worship center and building new beginnings for more than 1,000 women incarcerated at the Halbert Unit, says Stevenson.
“It is a community effort to help hurting families all over Texas,” Stevenson adds. “The women have more than 4,000 children waiting for them to come home with the tools they need to change their lives. I trust the faith community in our area will gladly pitch in to get the (worship center) project finished as soon as possible.”
For more information, visit https://www. josephshammer.org or e-mail info@josephshammer. org