McLendon Enterprises of Vidalia, Georgia, has provided the resurfacing and new paving for many projects in Tattnall and surrounding counties. Owner Benny McLendon feels blessed by the business he has been provided locally, and he has worked well with Tattnall County over the years.  His low bids and quality workmanship are a vital part of his success.

Giving back is always a satisfying feeling, and when Benny was asked if he could help provide a driveway for the Promise of Hope-Tattnall facility, a residential recovery home for women with addiction, he responded quickly and with a resounding, “YES.”

McLendon Enterprises recently completed the addition of passing lanes on Hwy. 23/57 between Glennville and Reidsville, actually finishing ahead of schedule by several months.  With Tattnall County High School (TCHS) on this road, parents and students alike are looking forward to these new passing lanes.

Steve Kimbrell, Promise of Hope Board member and former pastor of Collins First Baptist Church, first approached Rocky Flowers, a foreman for McLendon Enterprises and also a member of his former church. Steve explained that since the equipment on Hwy. 23 was fairly close to the Promise of Hope property off Old Anderson Church Cemetery Road, perhaps assistance with a drive could be provided.

Benny, who has a heart for those going through recovery from addiction, already has a relationship with the Hope House in Toombs County, a men’s ministry, by offering a helping hand for this recovery center for men. Several have been provided jobs at McLendon Enterprises after they have been through a recovery program, and Benny knows that these individuals often need a “hand up” after a recovery process.

The project at Promise of Hope-Tattnall is one that had been an issue for the center for several years, with no additional land available and the county unable to help since the residential home is on private property.

Steve Kimbrell relayed the Board’s appreciation for this provision, which includes an approximate 12-foot wide, 900-foot length drive and a parking area in front of the Promise of Hope house.  The estimated cost for the grading, gravel, and other items is estimated to be approximately $25,000, with all materials and labor completely donated by McLendon Enterprises for the “crush and run” driveway. This replaces the rutted dirt path that had led to the house.

“I was really just glad to do it, really pleased that I was asked. These folks need a break, and almost every family has experienced their own addiction issues with a child, sibling, parent, or other relative.  This type of facility is dear to my heart, and Tattnall County is just fortunate to have it here,” said Benny.

Steve shared that Promise of Hope-Tattnall has been extremely blessed since its inception in 2017. Director Mandy Willis Hall benefitted from a recovery program and brought the idea of a women’s residential recovery center for Tattnall.  The large two-story 3800 square-foot home secured for the facility has six bedrooms, and the rent was only $600 per month. The facility serves 12 to 15 women as residents. However, when the owners, Blair and Amanda Driggers, were ready to sell the property, they offered it to Promise of Hope-Tattnall for $145,000.  Yet, no funds were available for such a purpose, but the Strickland Foundation came through with a check for the purchase. (Blair’s parents, Mary Grace Driggers and the late Simmie Driggers, were foster parents to dozens of children for many years, thus the house was put to a humanitarian purpose once again.)

When the office area was needed for another bedroom due to new residents, a used mobile home was sought. Todd Padgett came through with a repossessed double-wide mobile home, which he sold to them for $15,000 along with providing a new roof and other needed repairs, delivering it to their site.

“We also have regular monthly financial supporters who make sure our needs are met, even though our residents are required to secure a job after several weeks in recovery, with Promise of Hope-Tattnall (POHT) providing transport to job sites. We also have annual fundraisers, such as our golf tournament, Pack the Pantry Sunday, selling hotdogs and hamburgers at the downtown Glennville Farmers Market this summer, a dinner auction, and others to help supply our needs,” said Director Mandy Hall.

POHT is a faith-based facility, and, therefore, does not receive any state or federal funding, which makes local support even more vital. 

“We appreciate Benny McLendon’s generosity and donation of this new driveway and parking area for us. We are grateful for those like Benny who pay their blessings forward,” said Mandy.

In addition to Steve Kimbrell, other Promise of Hope-Tattnall board members are Steve Stiegman, Faye Edwards, Glenda Monfils, Pat Tatum, and Jason Whitlow. Several churches and volunteers also offer their time and resources to the residents.

(Benny is married to the former Susan Metzinger of Glennville, sister to Sandra Metzinger Durrence, and Benny’s brother-in-law is Glenn Durrence.)