Crossroads Ministry
Providing a Protective, Safe Environment for Single Mothers and Their Babies Who Have No Place Else to Go

The piece of property known as "The Oak Ridge Motel" is located on approximately 1.59 acres on Elza Drive in Oak Ridge (outside the city limits) and is a piece of history we need to preserve, having been built with concrete block inside and faced with Crab Orchard Stone in a unique tudor styling.

The gentleman who built this motel in 1949, Charles W. Mars, lived and his son Frank Mars still lives, in the house overlooking the motel. The motel was renovated in 1982 for the World's Fair and closed in 1989 as Oak Ridge had grown and new hotels and motels were built closer to town. Many years ago Elza Drive was replaced as the main route between Oak Ridge and Clinton by the Oak Ridge Turnpike. This road also had the "Elza Gate" which was one of the gates into Oak Ridge during the war.

But, for the use we intend to make of this motel, the location is ideal. After the motel is renovated the housemother will be able to live in the two-story detached unit in order to be on-site loving support for the young mothers living there.

The motel will be renovated into six one-bedroom apartments, and one single apartment for emergency use, where they can spend up to 36 months after their baby is born getting their feet on the ground, being surrounded with others in the same season of their life, and having a place to become grounded.

There will be three one-bedroom apartments, and the kitchen open to the community room on the long end of the 'L' units. The short 'L' area will contain a laundry room, sitting room, playroom, and craft room. This way the mothers could visit while doing their laundry, plus have a place to pursue a passion for the arts, i.e.; painting, sewing, cooking, and crafting of all kinds.

The unit next to these will have three one-bedroom apartments, the single apartment for emergency use, and a single unit to be used as a reception room/safe meeting place. All residents will come by referral through area pregnancy centers or a local church that will sponsor them. The women will be encouraged to participate in pre- and post-natal counseling and classes at the referring pregnancy center or, if referred by a church, will participate in their mentoring program.

The meeting room will also be used as an extension classroom for those studying for their GED or continuation of classes received at the Center, and will provide a place to host additional special interest programs.

Being gardeners we envision the property at the side of the apartments as an area for fruit trees, vegetable and flower gardens, and a picnic area, in which each individual would be encouraged to participate. These gardens would benefit the mothers and children as well as others who live on that street. Who wouldn't rather look at flowers and trees than buildings? Nature is a great healer and even if gardening isn't one of her interests, living with access to one is.

I don't know one person who does not enjoy just "getting out" to enjoy a walk or read or just be by themselves. This area would provide that capability. The common area between the apartments and the housemother's unit will have play areas for the children, a patio, flowers, and a central covered walkway.

This type of housing is an important need in our area and having a place centrally located between Clinton and Oak Ridge would help young women from these two cities and the surrounding areas get their feet back on the ground and headed in the right direction. One poor choice should not keep them from going to school, getting a decent job, or being a good mother, but not having a place to live could.

The results of this is all around us and we need to give these young women a chance to be an active part of our communities and be proud of their accomplishments and Crossroads Ministry wants to be one of those organizations doing just that.