Shepherd's Hill starts construction on dining hall

    Shepherd’s Hill Academy in Martin recently broke ground on a multi-purpose dining hall.
    It’s the first in a series of new buildings envisioned by the academy to reconfigure the facility after the four-lane Highway 17 project cut through the campus .
     “This is so significant because it is perfect timing! It’s our 20th year. We have been transitioning away from the four-lane highway since the moment the road opened,” Shepherd’s Hill founder and executive director Trace Embry said.
    “This is a monumental move for us. The ground breaking represents a whole new campus,” Embry said.
    The ground breaking is also an opportunity for growth for the organization.
    Plans for additional buildings are also underway. These buildings include school buildings for both the boys’ and girls’ wilderness programs.
     “From a logistics standpoint, the new buildings offer immense opportunity. We can now serve all of our students more efficiently,” director of operations Joshua Wallace said.
    “The new building also provides independent classrooms to continue to grow our program. We have plans for a stem-based sustainable development program and farm-to-table experiences with our garden,” he said.
    This new opportunity allows Shepherd’s Hill Academy to serve students in more ways than ever.
     From a therapeutic perspective, the added structure, logistics and overall feel of the campus will greatly impact the healing nature of the program.     
    Staff will also be positively impacted as their day to day operations will be enabled to run more soundly and smoothly.
    Not only will the new construction at Shepherd’s Hill Academy benefit the program directly, but it’s expected to bring added services to the local community.
     Those services include having an event space to host parenting classes and courses, digital addiction resources and events, and even community meal opportunities.
    Shepherds Hill Academy also invites the community to come and celebrate their 20th anniversary together.
    Save the date for Aug. 21.
    “In the immediate future, we are asking for prayer first and foremost,” said Embry.
    “We are also seeking businesses and individuals willing to support us financially through in-kind or monetary tax-deductible donations,” he said.
    Volunteers are also needed. If you are interested in being involved, contact Shepherd’s Hill Academy  at 706-779-5766 or email office@shepherdshillacademy.org
    Shepherd’s Hill Academy is a Christ-centered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offering therapeutic services to teens in crisis.     
    Located in Martin, Shepherd’s Hill Academy features a nature-based model combined with accredited academics and therapeutic services to offer hope and healing to teens around the globe.