VINTON — The Field of Hope Community Campus (FOHCC), located on the former North Gallia High School property, is taking another step toward its development into an outreach that serves the community through reasonably priced vehicle repair, an expanded food pantry, youth center, work and life skills training, and, eventually, a residential substance abuse rehabilitation facility.

Two major construction events will begin soon. Asbestos abatement will begin — possibly in November pending contractor schedule — to remove the remaining asbestos containing material from the school structure. Completion of this major milestone will allow building revitalization efforts to continue unencumbered by the presence of asbestos. The FOHCC is working with environmental consultant ATC from Cincinnati to spec out and obtain a suitable contractor for the work. The significant cost is being covered by an EPA Brownfield grant awarded to the FOHCC.

A second major construction effort is replacement of the gymnasium roof before winter in order to preserve the existing hardwood floor. According to the group, the roof has been patched for the last time, the synthetic material is failing and it needs replaced. Local contractor Hash Construction was the successful bidder, and they will likely start roof replacement soon. That cost has been mostly covered by donations, but there is a $12,000 need for full funding of the roof replacement. Individuals wishing to donate to the project can send checks directly to the FOHCC at P.O. Box 38, Vinton, Ohio 45686, or through the donate page on the website at fohcomcamp.com.

“Your donation is an investment in the future of our county and our country,” stated Project Director Kevin Dennis. “The FOHCC vision is to work together with you and other community groups to win the battle against poverty and substance abuse.”

A community meeting with a free dinner prepared by Chef Steve Forge’ (alias Forgey) will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15 in the Vinton Baptist Church fellowship room to discuss details of the upcoming projects and answer any questions from community members. FOHCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. Please direct questions or comments to Kevin Dennis at (740) 794-1027, or Chester Hess, CEO at (740) 388-8454. Contact may also be made through the website.