The Free Meal Center Expects Funds by Summer’s End

BURLEIGH – There is a “for sale” sign on The Free Meal Center, 1206 Route 9 South, but five board members remain resolute that the building will become a place where hungry families will eat. That hope, undimmed by time and lack of funding, is so strong that, the organization’s website, in a June 21 update proclaims, “There is significance to this posting being on the first day of summer. That’s because we are finally expecting our full funding to arrive this summer.”
Douglas Jewell, board president, feels the frustration and understands how perplexed some have become, having donated money, time and material to make the center a reality. Thieves broke in and stole metal and other property of the center’s and Jewell’s personal property.
In a June 27 telephone interview, Jewell told the Herald, “There is nothing wrong with what we have done with the money. We are totally on the up-and-up. We (board of directors) would never allow that. The timeline is not what we thought, but it is going to happen, and it will outlive you and me.”
When the undisclosed benefactor’s cash becomes available, as Jewell has faith it will shortly, that will enable the board to pay cash for the structure and its surrounding 2.3 acres.
No mortgage will be held on the property, he said. Further he cited all volunteer contractors who have pitched in to make the structure what it presently is, with new roof and renovated interior.
The board plans to hire an executive director whose job it will be to secure funding, he added.
“The public lost faith in us,” said Jewell. “This is going to turn around real quick.”
The board of directors with Jewell includes Bobbie Greenwood, vice president, Joyce Jewell, secretary, Burgess “Butch” Hamer, and Charlotte Bohan.
“Those five people mush when it comes to people who are disadvantaged in life,” Jewell said. He noted that Hamer has spearheaded a Christmas party for less fortunate children, and seeks coats and toys for them. Similarly, he noted Bohan and Greenwood are tireless seekers of donations to aid the center.
“The board of directors knows where the money is coming from,” he said. “They just cannot put their finger on a date.”
Of the $26,500 raised when the center sought $50,000 by April 1, 2012, Jewel said, “WE told them if we did not raise $50,000 we would return their checks. We got everybody back their money in one week.” Additionally, he noted, every check from directors requires two signatures.
“We understand, people say ‘You are still doing that?’ Yes, we are committed to it. People do not realize how much work we put in ourselves,” Jewell said.
Since March 2012 the board has the future operation, no longer on the rehabilitation of the structure, he said. A general contractor has been secured.
Of the center’s detractors who criticize behind a veil of anonymity, the website states, “If you have any questions about TFMC, feel free to give one of the BOD (board of directors) members a call. We’ll bring you up to snuff and allay your fears.”
Some have criticized the center’s location, since they allege, it is not convenient to public transportation.
“It is easy for transportation,” Jewell replied, noting that New Jersey Transit runs past its front door, and the Cape May County Fare Free Transportation would take people to the center, if they called 24 hours in advance. “We had many churches with vans say they would pick up people every day and take them to the center.”
Of its location, which some have criticized, Jewell said, if it was located in a busier center, where other stores were located, it is likely merchants might criticize those who use the center for congregating outside.
“There is nowhere to hang out in Burleigh,” Jewell said. The hungry will
come, eat, and will still have education classes, there are so many things we will do,” Jewell said.
Knowing the demographics of the area, Jewell estimated that about half of potential diners would be senior citizens living on fixed incomes, who might have little to eat otherwise.
He admits that “Food is, for families, the carrot to get them in the door.” Once inside, “We will have an opportunity to refer them to the right agencies. We have someone who can refer them to help with their problems. We will be doing more than just putting turkey and stuffing into their stomachs,” he said.
Jewell also sought to dispel the notion some have that the directors are living well off the center. None are gaining anything from the center, he said.
“I drive a 2003 Dodge Dakota with the paint chipping off. We are comfortable, and we all want to help people who are not comfortable,” he said.
What might happen if a buyer came forward and took the property off the market?
“We are destined to be there,” said Jewell. Tom McMullen is the listing agent. He is on board with us, He helped sell the concept. He is 100 percent behind us. It was listed for five or six years before we came along, and today the market is worse than ever. It has no liquor license. This is meant to be. Do what you have to do. We understand the world of real estate.”
“The Free Meal Center is going to happen,” Jewell said. “It would be easy to say ‘Close it down.’ We could all go on with our lives with no stress. That would be the easy way out.”
The following is from the center’s website:
UPDATE June 21, 2013 – There is significance to this posting being on the first day of summer. That’s because we are finally expecting our full funding to arrive this summer.
It’s been a long wait. All of the Board of Directors are frustrated, you are frustrated, and hungry families are especially frustrated. We never thought it would take this long to get The Free Meal Center up and running. But the bottom line is that TFMC will become a reality. Isn’t that what we all want? We know that many locals have lost faith in us completing our mission. That’s okay. You can jump back on our bandwagon real soon.
The implications of the coming large donation are exciting. We will have sufficient funds to 1.) purchase the Route 9 property outright with no mortgage, 2.) pay for all the building renovations plus all the contractors, and 3.) have enough money left to get the food operation off the ground. We will be in an enviable position that few non-profits share in these times of tight purse strings.
We have hired a highly-reputable local General Contractor to oversee the construction. This company has restaurant building experience and will be a considerable asset in getting the renovation stage completed. We’re excited!
On another note: Since Day One, a certain local newspaper has been the head cheerleader rooting for The Free Meal Center to fail. It continues to publish erroneous tirades by uniformed (and mostly anonymous) malcontents. These finger pointers are an insult to the Board of Directors who have put hundreds of hours apiece into TFMC and the hundreds of volunteers who have given us sweat equity working on the property. None of these “authors” has ever approached us to ask how TFMC is progressing. Instead they lash out at us via the internet and one media outlet after drawing conclusions that are blatantly false. If you have any questions about TFMC, feel free to give one of the BOD members a call. We’ll bring you up to snuff and allay your fears. Thanks.
The Free Meal Center site: http://freemealcenter.com/