A time for every purpose, and a cool evening was a time for celebration at Greenhouse Ministries. Tours of their new 25,000 square foot classroom, counseling and life skills training facility at 307 S. Academy Street were enjoyed by many. The massive structure’s second floor includes 17 studio apartments for the men enrolled in its Life University program.

Greenhouse Co-Founder Cliff Sharp said, “The classes are intensive--not only offering life skills, but literacy and education support as well.”

It’s not a free handout, the male students will pay $700 per month and receive the classes, as well as the apartments with utilities. This will be an 18-month program. About a year and a half ago, Greenhouse quietly embarked on a capital campaign to fund the $5.2 million structure.

The present 3,000 square foot complex at 309 S. Spring Street will continue to serve as the location of the extremely popular upscale boutique known as the Garden Patch Thrift Shop. The original complex will also continue to house the food pantry.

The Garden Patch Thrift Shop has become a popular place where residents from throughout the area are able to find enormous bargains on clothing and a variety of unique merchandise.

The new 25,000 square foot structure is across the street at 307 South Academy Street.