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How the GHW Center evolved
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The George Henry White Memorial Health and Education Center began with the donation of an aging farmhouse and one-acre parcel of land in Clarkton, NC in the Bladen/Columbus County area that was the former home of Mattie Campbell and family. Donated in 2014 by Dr. Milton Campbell and Wanda Campbell to the BESDF for this purpose, the 120-year-old house had been vacant for years. Since 2015, the aging structure has been revamped, with new plumbing, electricity, roof, bathrooms, decks, handicap ramps, HVAC and cabling for security and internet.  Each step was accomplished with partnerships including business, nonprofit and volunteers.  Support has come from a wide range of sources; this is truly a grassroots effort.  The center opened its doors for activity in 2019, and has held classes, health fairs, meetings, and historical presentations ever since.  

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Milestones

  • The metal roof repaired and a major section replaced.

  • The exterior siding  repaired, primed, and painted with a high-quality paint.

  • The exterior windows repaired and secured with security bars.

  • Exterior doors secured with high-security storm doors and master-keyed.

  • The building interior wood framing, plumbing and finish work done

  • Two bathrooms installed, with handicap access

  • Structural deficiencies repaired

  • The interior floors and walls refinished and painted.

  • Permanent electrical service and meter installed to code and  inspection

  • Kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances installed and functional.

  • Deep well water pump installed, with masonry block pumphouse.

  • Landscaped memorial trees, a rose garden bed, lawn maintenance and flagpole (American and North Carolina flags).  

  • Plumbing installed for kitchen, toilets and exterior

  • Removed wall between two rooms and supported flooring to create large assembly room.

  • Installed handicap ramp to rear deck for full accessibility.

  • Rebuilt rear deck with built-in seating

  • Rebuilt and restored the front porch with benches and safety rails

  • Installed signage

  • Community watch provides security patrols

  • State-of-the-art security system with 24-hour camera surveillance and multi-user monitoring

  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System installed

  • Pantry renovation and shelves installed in all closets

  • Exterior lighting for night visibility installed

  • Basic level satellite internet service installed

  • Donated laptop computers, printers, and TVs installed 

  • Projector and motorized drop down screen installed

  • Central chimney removed, replace aging timber 

  • Metal roof paneling replaced

  • All windows replaced with custom energy-saving windows

  • Insulation added to attic area

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 Additions and upgrades needed to facilitate enhanced operations:

  1. Interior Doors needed throughout

  2. Remodel second floor

  3. Kitchen appliances, cookware, utensils needed

  4. Exterior restrooms (Eco-toilets) to support additional visits and events

  5. Permeable paving of driveway area

  6. Improved internet/phone access to support programming and classes

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How you can help:

 

Raising funds to complete the project and support operations is ongoing.  In addition to private individuals, organizations and businesses are invited to contribute materials, goods or services as "in-kind" donations and for assistance in facilitating the center's health and education programs.

 

BESDF, Inc., (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group established for educational, literary, and charitable purposes, among other functions), is leading the project.  The tax ID number is 56-2068902. Tax-deductible contributions to bring the project to fruition are welcome and should be provided to BESDF, Inc. as follows:

 

BESDF, Inc.

Attn: GHW Center

5607 Catskill Court, Durham, NC 27713
 

For questions on the project: Contact Vincent M. Spaulding, R.A. at 202-441-3589 or via email at vspauld78@gmail.com

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