Painting It Forward

Sometimes even those whose job it is to care for the wellbeing of others need a little TLC themselves. Such is the case with the South County Welcome House, a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, case management and housing organization celebrating its 25th birthday this year. The organization is hoping to make some big changes on an occasion it has labeled its “rebirth.” One of these changes includes a fresh coat of paint on its now faded red exterior. The house originally was hoping to receive some grant money to make this happen, but there were concerns that the grant would not come through. However, when Mike Moffitt, president of Dennis Moffitt Painting, caught wind of the project, he volunteered the manpower and materials to make it happen.

Dennis Moffitt Painting is a residential and commercial painting company operating out of Wakefield. The family-owned company started to do “makeovers” a few years back when the economy crashed. Mike Moffitt says that community outreach has long been part of his life. His father, and now retired co-owner, was volunteering his time and expertise at local churches for as long as Mike can remember. Now with two makeovers under their belt (previously the company did an internal and external repaint of Peace Dale Elementary School and built a handicap suite for a local 10-year-old boy in a wheel chair), Dennis Moffitt Painting is ready to take on the Welcome House.

On Saturday, June 22 the Dennis Moffitt Painting staff, South County Welcome House residents, workers, board members and community volunteers will paint the house a historic off-white color in just one day. The repaint is just one initiative in a larger master plan for the Welcome House. A civil engineer has also volunteered his time, and will be share plans for future improvements at the event. Some of these upgrades include a patio that is being constructed by a Peace Dale Eagle Scout and a natural amphitheater that a local theater group is creating and planing to use for future productions.

Mike says the desired outcome is to help people become more aware of the South County Welcome House and what they do. When asked why a painting company invests so much time and energy into local causes Mike say’s he’s “just trying to spread the karma.”

The South County Welcome House Rebirth will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 9am-5pm. For more information visit Dennis Moffitt Painting’s Facebook page. Volunteers should bring a paintbrush and dress in appropriate painting attire. Food and refreshments will be provided.