A clever ploy brought about an emotional, welling gratitude and thanks during Monday night’s Trigg County Fiscal Court meeting, when Judge-Executive Stan Humphries surprised Carl Heckmann, of The Way Christian Youth Center, with the 2023 Reverend Dr. Tom Martin Award for Community Service.
Heckmann — along with the non-profit’s board treasurer Greta Smith — were on hand to deliver a six-month update on operations, on-goings and fundraising efforts for the new expansion — when Humphries finally tipped the reason for the summons.
Located on Lafayette Street just behind the Trigg County Schools’ campus, things have come along for The Way since its inception nearly 13 years ago. Heckmann and more than 60 volunteers have essentially created a second home not only for themselves, but for so many others seeking support and guidance.
Through the anchoring of nearly two dozen churches, multiple denominations — both in fiscal and spiritual capital — and a growing base of students, a number of possibilities have become reality.
On average, the facility:
— Serves more than 300 students annually;
— Maintains a daily average attendance of 80;
— Hosts nearly 10,000 meals for children and families per year;
— Teaches scores of classes in life skills, the workforce and faith;
— Now serves teens with a clothes closet;
— And more.
Aside from being a popular after-school catch-all, it’s also become a bastion for local citizens on a number of needed fronts, including adult education and GED studies, senior citizens exercise and medical training for career alternative certifications.
As a community building, it’s a first-priority warming center and storm shelter in the event of severe weather, serves as one of the county’s most popular voting hubs and since the COVID pandemic has operated as a key location for job fairs.
Smith and her husband, Danny, returned to the area six years ago, and she’s been involved with operations ever since.
This exponential growth and belief, Heckmann added, has only embossed the need for expansion, and these efforts are well underway. A capital campaign has already brought them halfway to a $450,000 goal — and some in-kind work and supplies may lower construction prices.
Magistrate Mike Wright took a moment to reflect on those early iterations of the fruit.
Those interested in donating to The Way have a list of options:
— Call (270) 498-1933.
— Mail checks to The Way, PO BOX 572, Cadiz, KY 42211.
— Use PayPal, located on The Way Facebook page.
— Or stop by the brick-and-mortar location at 197 Lafayette Street.
