When Martha Jo Jordan lived in the brick home on North River Street, she probably did not envision her living room as a reception area complete with service counter, sliding glass window, and handicapped accessible restroom.

Since the Children’s Advocacy Center obtained the Jordan home last year and began an extensive renovation project, that is exactly what has happened to the large front room, with many other renovations still in progress.

City of Centre Mayor Tony Wilkie is excited about the way the house has been transformed from private home into a perfect setting for the work of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

“I think the whole staff of the Advocacy Center is going to be thrilled with their new space,” Wilkie said. “There is approximately 3,000 square feet here. We have put up new walls to create a file room and made a half wall in one area to create a play area for the youngest children, to name just a few of the changes being made.”

Wilkie also noted that there is all new wiring and plumbing in the house. A brand new sidewalk was poured at the front entrance and a ramp installed that met state code requirements.

Bedrooms have been turned into three large offices for staff.

The old den was divided into two interview rooms with windows overlooking the shady back yard. These will be equipped with the technology the Advocacy Center staff needs to work with children who have been victims of abuse.

In order to cover the renovation costs, the Advocacy Center was able to secure a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the city of Centre, which served as the host agency for the grant.

Alford Construction Company of Hokes Bluff is the general contractor on the project, and Ronald Canon of Gadsden is the architect.

Mayor Wilkie said it has been a team effort to get the renovation work done within the budget.

“City employees have done some in-kind work on the place. They did the demolition work on a chimney, that sort of thing,” Wilkie said.

“It has taken help from everyone to get us where we are now.”

Wilkie has pitched in with the rest of the team, painting walls and replacing boards on the covered carport adjacent to the screened in porch on the rear of the facility.

“My goal is to have the Advocacy Center staff in place by Thanksgiving,” Wilkie said.

“This organization serves our entire county, and I’m pleased that they are going to have a facility that is so easily accessible and will serve them well.”