06/28/06 gb
The Discovery House in Spirit Lake has fallen on hard times. Board member Bob Shaw says the residential center located at 15th Street and Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake was run by one woman for the past 13 years. But founder Phyllis Kempema developed health problems and now lives with her son. Shaw says that presents the board with two problems: First – Kempema was good at finding donations to keep the doors open, and now Discovery House needs 20 thousand dollars to make it to the end of the year; and second: Kempema needs to sell the house, so the organization needs to buy it; find another location; or simply cease to operate.
Shaw says Discovery House is a Christian-based charity and is not eligible for government funds. He says about 8 people are served a month at a cost of 5 thousand dollars. Anyone wishing to help should contact the Discovery House in Spirit Lake.
