The Thompson Social Services Facility
Happily Ever After!

Once upon a time in a land called the Quiet Corner, a bell was rung. This bell called a community to work for itself; to give of its time and treasures for a common purpose. The project was unique in this modern age. Citizens were asked to come together to support building a new structure that would be owned by all.

Not since the days of yore when barns were built by many hands had such a task been undertaken. But the leaders of the community were confident it could be done.

The most exciting aspect of our new facility is that it was built the TEEG way. In partnership with many throughout the community, this construction project was very different from any other municipal initiative. Our new home will be forever distinguished by the mark of the community who came together to build it with shared effort and commitment to serve.

Our project raised almost $1 million in donated time and materials. A total of 217 individuals from 12 different towns volunteered a total of 14,963 hours (read more about our building below). Its successful completion is testimony to what can be accomplished when dedicated people set their minds to a task.

It really does take a village, and the villagers of the Quiet Corner are still willing to roll up their sleeves and be part of creating their own solutions. Thank you Northeast Connecticut for being THAT kind of community!

More About Our Building

Click here to open a PDF file for a glimpse past work as it progressed.

Recognizing that TEEG had grown to be a regional social service agency but wanting to keep it located in the community that founded it, Thompson voted at Town meeting to dedicate a parcel of town-owned land contiguous to its public school campus to site this facility. Once the location was determined and approved by the voters (Phase One), it was funded through the proceeds of a STEAP grant and the project was underway.

Being funded with public grant dollars, the award for a site preparation contractor was put to public bid in search of the lowest qualified bidder. This contract was awarded to Jason LaValle of Thompson, CT.

Phase One work included all site preparation and construction of the foundation. This project was planned in a way that allowed construction to be phased as grant resources became available.

Phase Two was funded with public grant dollars, the award of the building contract was required to be put out to bid. The committee worked to create a set of specifications that provided for as much local purchasing as possible. Ultimately, in accordance with State regulations, the contract was awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, Sarazin Construction of North Windham, CT.

With the site work design by J&D Engineering of Thompson, CT complete and the shell of the building erected, the project was moved to Phase Three, which included the build-out and finish work of the interior. This is when the true spirit of TEEG made the project come to life.

Phase Three, used the limited remainder of grant funds, leveraged against donations and reduced pricing to secure the necessary building materials. These materials (sheetrock, electrical wiring, wood and steel studs, paint, flooring, etc.) were installed with a community volunteer workforce. In the spirit of collaboration, using limited State and Federal funding leveraged with community generosity and volunteerism, this “New England Barn Raising” approach allowed us to realize the completion of this very unique public/private partnership project.