Aldersgate Enrichment Center Executive Director Michelle Thomas reported a burglary at the Aldersgate campus on Sunday morning according to Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Thomas, she returned to the campus around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday to receive a donation delivery and found the administration building had been broken into along with two other buildings. She reported that doors had been kicked in; cabinets destroyed as well as soft drink machines badly damaged. Approximately $550 was taken from the administration building, an unknown amount of money from the soft drink machines, a welder, and several hand tools. She explained that the thieves used cutting torches to access money in the vending machines and to cut locks off of doors.
“We’re blessed in spite of what has happened,” said Thomas. She stated that the residents have been shaken up from the news that someone came into their campus and damaged their property.“The ‘kids’ (as she affectionately calls the mentally handicapped and disabled residents) don’t understand—they have asked why would someone do that? We are so giving. Some felt fear, they know ‘stranger danger’ and know that someone invaded their safe space and damaged their coke machines (which they enjoy),” said Thomas
She explained that this break-in was traumatic to the residents, but that they have learned an important life lesson.
“They were really most upset that someone would take their offering money that they give back to other organizations in need” said Thomas. “This opened up some avenues of discussion; we were able to teach them that this is when you pray for your enemy.”
Thomas explained that the staff at Aldersgate had held a dance for the residents Saturday night and she returned on Sunday to receive a donation of Regis Products from Above and Beyond of Lubbock. When she opened the building, she noticed things were not right, from the foyer of the building, she could see cabinets that had been destroyed, doors that had been kicked in and more.
“We are blessed because they could have taken more,” said Thomas. “We also know how close they were to our residents who live right up the hill from where this happened.”
Thomas said that the staff is still finding small equipment missing, such as a chainsaw and a few other things. She stated that the damage and stolen items probably only amount to $2000 but that is not the worst part of being the victim of a burglary.
“The violation and destruction is what really bothers us,” said Thomas. She explained that the residents of Aldersgate are mentally challenged and physically handicapped, most are 19 years-old to mid 50s.
Although they are handicapped, they are able to live with assistance at Aldersgate and are taught employable skills. Aldersgate has contracts for work that the residents fill with several agencies and businesses including:
*Texas Department of Transportation: litter pickup in nine counties and landscaping contracts in 11 counties, taking care of rest stops and major intersections with landscaping.
*State of Texas: Building air filters for state facilities such as prisons, Department of Human Services, and Department of Public Safety buildings.
*Kohler: Packaging, putting together assembly kits and previously constructing palettes.
*DanHil Containers: Box assembly.
Thomas explained that residents of Aldersgate are involved in the community, in fact, many of the also participate in the Aktion Club, which is a Kiwanis Club for adults with disabilities. The Aktion Club at Aldersgate is in its fourth year and was the 5th charted club in Texas. Its members will soon take part in the Brownwood Reunion as members of the “Green Team,” helping to recycle waste such as plastic bottles during the celebration and in helping with the clean up, according to Thomas.
