Eagle Concrete Systems Donates Materials, Services for New Abuse Shelter

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2008) – Eagle Concrete Systems is donating labor and materials for the concrete work of a new women’s abuse shelter designed to help woman rebound from abuse. Mary’s House of Hope, a 3,200 square-foot transitional housing complex for abused women and their children, is expected to open in late March or early April 2008.

“The services and resources provided by Mary’s House of Hope help women turn their lives around,” said Michael Leannah, president of Eagle Concrete Systems.  “We are pleased to be a small part of that effort.”

Wanda Hurt, who founded the non profit organization, said Mary’s House of Hope is a stepping stone from short-term abuse centers to long term housing opportunities.  Mary’s House of Hope will be a 10-bedroom duplex that can house up to four families.

“Our goal is to help these women reclaim their dignity, rebuild their spirit and build a better life for their children,” said Hurt. “We want to help these women make enough money to support them and their children so they will not find themselves back out on the street.”

The two-year program includes lessons in building life skills, helping residents become self sufficient and develop their talents. Programs include resume building and interviewing techniques, establishing credit, cooking and maintaining a home. Social etiquette skills will also be taught to children staying at Mary’s House of Hope, along with art and music lessons.

Mary’s House of Hope will begin accepting applications in March. Women accepted to the program will meet with a case manager to map out a strategic plan for the family, including personal and educational goals. Within the two-year stay each mother is required to save up enough money to pay for a down payment needed when applying to a Habitat for Humanity home.

 “We still desperately need support from the community to pay off the construction and operational costs for the first year,” said Hurt.

Anyone interested in donating to Mary’s House of Hope can call (239) 878-3702, or mail donations to 1104 SE 12th Ave. Cape Coral, FL 33990.

Founded in 1991, Fort Myers-based Eagle Concrete Systems is a full-service structural concrete company, specializing in commercial and industrial construction. Services include layout, structural concrete forming, flatwork placement and finishing, masonry, tilt-wall and structural steel construction. In 2001, Michael and Carmel Leannah purchased Eagle Concrete Systems and have focused the company’s efforts on mid-sized and large commercial projects. Four full-time estimators on staff have more than 35 years of combined experience, and the project management team offers more than 150 years combined experience in tilt-wall and masonry construction. For more information, call (239) 337-1972.