Rescue Mission to reopen Oct. 13 after water damage repairs - Leader Publications

The Jefferson County Rescue Mission, which has closed since late July for repairs to it main building, is scheduled to reopen next week.

The nonprofit organization’s building, 8943 Commercial Blvd. (Hwy. 61-67), in Pevely sustained significant water damage sometime between July 24 and July 27 after a pipe burst under a kitchen sink and flooded the structure.

It ceased operations at that time but is about to gear up again after extensive repairs, said Rescue Mission board member Judy Fisher.

“We are going to be reopening next Tuesday (Oct. 13),” she said. “We’ve been completely shut down since July 27.

“On the main floor, we had to tear out all of the flooring and the bottom cabinets had to be removed. Some of the plumbing had to be repaired. They installed new flooring and new cabinets on the main floor. Most of the basement was gutted – the first 4 feet of drywall was gutted, taken out and replaced. The basement ceiling caved in and had to be repaired. We had to put an all-new electrical system in the basement.”

Fisher said some repair work will continue up until the reopening. The cleanup and repairs will cost an estimated $50,000, she said.

“Insurance paid for most of it,” Fisher said. “We have also been blessed with donations and have everything repaired and replaced. We are grateful for all the donations.”

She said those who run the Rescue Mission look forward to getting back to helping people.

“On Tuesday, we will start our normal services, although we have to adhere to COVID-19 directives,” she said.

She said due to the pandemic, the Rescue Mission is not offering clothing to those in need at this time, but will resume its food distribution program and other services, such as providing Christmas/Hannukah baskets to families in need this holiday season.

“We are in need of toy donations right now,” she said. “We always need donations to help feed the poor.”

The said the company that made the repairs to the building went above and beyond what it was hired to do.

“We went with Servpro restoration and construction,” Fisher said. “We want to thank Servpro. They donated some of the work.”

Fisher said Louise Sardo, who co-founded the Rescue Mission with her late husband, Mike, continues to run the organization after 41 years.

Donations may be mailed to the Jefferson County Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 211, Pevely, 63070. For more information about the organization, send an email to jeffersoncountyrescuemission@yahoo.com.