Transforming, Lives, Families, Communities

One Man at a Time

Dennis M. Grim Director 772-342-7192
dgrim.tlc@gmail.com
www.transformationlifecenter.org



2010







The Proposed
Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
1450 Bell Avenue
Ft Pierce, Fl 34982
The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
2010

1

Contents
Introduction and Overview .............................................................................................................. 2
The problem ................................................................................................................................. 2
A Solution ..................................................................................................................................... 4
How it will work ........................................................................................................................... 4
Stakeholders ................................................................................................................................ 5
Services ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Organizational Chart ........................................................................................................................ 7
Capital Budget Worksheet ............................................................................................................... 8
Offices .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Dormitory ................................................................................................................................... 10
Food Services ............................................................................................................................. 11
Modular Construction and Manufacturing .................................................................................. 11
Vocational Shops ........................................................................................................................ 12
Automotive Service & Repair ....................................................................................................... 12
Auto Body ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Heavy Equipment Service & Repair .............................................................................................. 12
Small Engine Service & Repair ...................................................................................................... 12
Cabinet Making & Furniture Repair and Refinishing ................................................................... 12
Welding & Fabrication ................................................................................................................. 13
Landscape Foliage, Horticulture, & Aquatic Farming .................................................................. 13
2nd Chance Restoration ............................................................................................................. 13
Management Summary ................................................................................................................. 14
Dennis M. Grim, TLC Director .................................................................................................... 14



The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
2010

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Introduction and Overview
The problem
Would you use a parachute that only opened 37% of the time? Would you fly on an
airline that landed their planes safely 37 % of the time? Of course not! Why then do we
continue to allow what is happening to ex-offenders when they are released from
incarceration from our jails and prison? Today 1 in 31, or 3.2 percent of all adults is
under the control of the correctional system in the United States. Florida has one of the
highest rates of recidivism, 63%, and yet
little is being done. Statistics show that
within a year after an inmate has been
released, they will either commit a new
crime, or violate the provisions of their
parole or probation, and will return again to
jail or prison. Why? Because those who have
been released back into society have little
moral, social, or vocational training. It is well
documented that men base their sense of
worth on the work they perform and their
ability to provide for their families and contribute to society; however when they are
released from incarceration a large percentage have one or all of these problems:
Little or no moral training
Little or work experience
Cannot read or write
Have burned their bridges to family members
Have not finished high school
Today, society says they deserve what they got; if you cant do the time, dont do the
crime. What they do not realize is that if we sit back and do nothing our jails and
prisons will continue to be over crowded and the need to build new ones will bankrupt
this State.
In 2008 Florida: (Statistics in the State of Florida)
1 out of every 31 adults was in prison, jail, on parole, or on probation.
spent $2.82 billion which was 10% of the state budget on the prison system
around $19,600 was spent per incarcerated inmate.
had 15.1% of all state workers working for the Department of Corrections.
had the largest increase of prison population than any other state
for every dollar that was spent on education, $.60 was spent on incarcerating its
citizens.
tax payers were forced to carry the burden.
Recidivism
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Vocational Training Center
2010

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The need for a reentry program that provides the
basic needs of ex-offenders is crucial for those
returning to start a new life. The safety of the citizens
of Ft Pierce, St Lucie County, the State of Florida, and
our great nation depend on how we will react and
solve this social problem.







The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
2010

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Transformation Life
Center
Housing
Job Placement
Support groups
Bell Avenue
Vocational center
On site Vocational
Training
2nd Chance
Restoration LLC
Job Site Training
A Solution
Transformation Life Center is dedicated to help ex-offenders obtain the necessary
spiritual training, job skills, and help them start a new life after incarceration. TLC will
lower the 63% recidivism rate by providing onsite housing, vocational training, and job
placement in areas such as:
Automotive Repair Heavy Equipment Repair Auto Body Repair
Boat Restoration Small Engine Service & Repair Cabinet Making
Shed Construction Modular Buildings Food Services
Furniture Repair and Re-finishing * facilities and training programs will be added as
needed.
By partnering with area businesses to set up shop at our Bell Avenue facility, together
we will provide classroom and lab training in these vocational areas. Therefore all will
have a stake in the retraining of the ex-offenders and to make a positive impact on our
community.

2nd Chance Restoration LLC, a licensed contracting firm, has been formed to work in
the community. It will establish commerce with municipalities and the community to:
Allow us to work in the community on low income housing projects for and those
who need a helping hand.
Provide on the job training in areas of work, including but not limited to, Building
Construction, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Welding, Landscaping, and Building
Maintenance.
To introduce back into society those who have been institutionalized by working
in the community
How it will work


The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
2010

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Stakeholders
Included are the following:
Non violent ex-offenders currently being released
o Need help with:
Spiritual training
Shelter
Food
Vocational training
Support groups
Job placements
Mentoring

Families of Inmates currently incarcerated
o Support Groups
Help them to adjust to an incarcerated loved one coming home.
o Help with everyday needs
Clothing
Food
Shelter

Local Businesses
o TLC Vocational training center
Partner with TLC at the Bell Avenue Vocational Center
Run their business operation from the Vocational Center
site to provide classroom, lab, and real life business
transactions with the general public, training and providing
employer / employee nurturing.
o Hire ex-offenders who graduate from the program to work at their other
business locations.

Churches and other non-profit organizations
o Family Support Groups
Provide family support during the time of separation from their
incarcerated loved ones.
Provide for their physical and spiritual needs
o Alcohol and Drug dependency programs and support groups
Provide onsite counseling and support for those who have a
problem with dependency.

Transformation
Life Center
Department
of
Corrections
Local
Business
Churches &
Civic
Groups
Supporting
Agencies
State,
County and
City
Agencies
Citizens
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Vocational Training Center
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City and County government officials
o Provide grants for reentry program
o Moral support

Florida Department of Corrections
o By working with TLC the recidivism rate will fall dramatically
o By allowing TLC access into the system prior to release will help inmate to
prepare themselves for reentry because it is an outside entity dedicated
to help them succeed.

Institutes of Higher Learning
o Partnership with TLC to provide opportunity for ex-offenders to improve
their education through grants

The Citizens of the Treasure Coast area
o Can provide tutoring and mentoring to an ex-offender at the center and
help them with acceptance as they return to society.
o Reading, writing, and social interaction

Services
TLC will provide the following services:
Vocational Training Center
Housing for released offenders that have no home to return to.
Substance abuse counseling and support groups.
o This is not a detoxification center. All those accepted who have had an
addiction problem must be clean before entering the center.
o Periodic mandatory drug testing will be given to maintain a safe
environment for all.
Vocational counseling to discover what skills they have.
o Placement in one of our vocational areas
Real world training and customer service.
Mentoring for job skills and work ethics.
Educational testing for placement for higher learning
o Tutoring
o GED classes and testing
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Vocational Training Center
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Organizational Chart
Transformation Life Center
Board of Directors
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Vocational Training Center
2010

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Capital Budget Worksheet

The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
2010

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Phase 1
Offices

The original foot print of the first floor of the existing office space will remain as is. A new HVAC
unit along with electrical outlets, lighting fixtures will be installed. The bathrooms will be
updated.

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Vocational Training Center
2010

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Dormitory

The 2
nd
floor will be completely gutted and new dormitory will be constructed as shown,
providing housing for 23 men.

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Vocational Training Center
2010

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Food Services


Food Services will allow our students to have real life experience working in an active
kitchen and will provide 3 meals a day, 7days a week. We will train in all aspects of food
preparation, service, and management. Food Services will also provide the meals for our
residents and the employees working in the facility. The Food Services Manager will
teach in the area of Restaurant Management and service while a Certified Chef will
teach food preparation and presentation.

Modular Construction and Manufacturing
This onsite manufacturing plant will build first Storage Sheds to be sold to the general
public. It will then start to manufacture modular housing and office units to be sold to
new low income home buyers and business.
The modular housing units will first be manufactured and placed on the property and
used to house families of those who are working at TLC. This will allow close contact for
an ex-offender and his family, allowing them to get back on their feet and to live
together as a family. This area will be a safe environment for the family and amenities
will be available for the children.

The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
2010

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Vocational Shops
Automotive Service & Repair
Technology is changing even the way we drive and maintain our vehicles. Our ASE
Master Certified Instructors will guide our students to learn by working in an actual
business environment.
Our Automotive Technology program will provide comprehensive instruction in all
phases of Automotive Service and Repair Technologies. Our classroom and hands-on
instruction will provide the "real-work skills" required for entry level employment for
those who finish the program.
Auto Body
Our onsite body shop along with an industrial sized paint booth will allow diverse type
of body work and fabrication. Working along with the welding and fabrication shop men
will learn all phases of body work necessary for todays demanding market. From VW
Bugs to tractor trailers, this shop will be diversified to handle the demand.
The Vocation Center will be excepting donated vehicles from the general public that will
be repaired and refurbished by both the automotive service and the Body Shop.
Heavy Equipment Service & Repair
Heavy equipment such as dump trucks, tractor trailers, farm equipment and citrus
haulers require special services and repairs to keep them on the road. Commercial duty
trailers are in constant need of maintenance of their brakes and wheel bearings. The
maintenance of diesel and gas fueled engines need periodical maintenance so that they
run in top condition. This shop will train individuals to have the knowledge and skills in
this specialty field.
Small Engine Service & Repair
With all the commercial and residential lawns, crops and groves throughout the
Treasure Coast, the demand is great to keep lawn maintenance and agricultural
equipment in good working condition. This program prepares our students for a
rewarding career in repairing and maintaining 2 cycle engines. Our shop and lab will
allow working on real equipment as it is brought to the Vocational Center for service.

Cabinet Making & Furniture Repair and Refinishing
This unique classroom and working cabinet shop will train individual to become real
craftsman. This shop will make all the office furniture, beds, desks, cabinets, wardrobes,
countertops, vanities, and other miscellaneous furniture needed for the vocational
center and for the general public. A showroom will be provided to display for the public
the many items that will be custom made such as kitchen cabinets, vanities, wall units,
and Murphy beds. We will also provide services to install these items in the community.
The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
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Welding & Fabrication
Mig and Tig welders are "in demand" in many industrial trades such as air conditioning,
automotive, construction, and manufacturing. This shop will train men to become craftsman in
this area of work.
Landscape Foliage, Horticulture, & Aquatic Farming
The proposed facility sits on 32 acres of land and much of it is open area. It is proposed that we
use this area to grow crops, landscaping foliage, and aquatic farming for the use at the center
and to sell to local markets. We are looking into Hydroponics so we can be sensitive to the
environment. We are looking to reclaim water that is shed from the buildings to provide water
for irrigation. Additional possibility is to raise livestock to provide food for the center and to sell
at local markets
2nd Chance Restoration
Real life on the job training will be the main focus of this vocational business. We will be working
in the community on low income housing, community projects for charities and non-profit
organizations. We will provide both classroom and jobsite instruction in the following areas:
Structural
o Education regarding layout, footings, foundation, wall construction, roof
trusses, roof covering, interior & exterior finishes, and trim work
Plumbing
o Instruction in layout and installations of plumbing systems. The use of new
technology in waste water and potable water systems. Solar hot water heating
systems and solar swimming pool systems.
Electrical
o Instruction in the layout and installations of electrical systems
HVAC (Heating ,Ventilation , Air Conditioning)
o Instruction in the layout and installations of HVAC systems. Repair and
maintenance of existing systems
When students graduate from this program they will have the necessary skills and experience to
obtain work in his field of study.

The Proposed Transformation Life
Vocational Training Center
2010

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Management Summary
Dennis M. Grim, TLC Director
3040 West Midway Road
Fort Pierce, Florida 34981 772-342-7192 dgrim.tlc@gmail.com
Education & Certifications
2009 Certified Chaplin American International Christian Chaplains
Association
2001 Certified Building Official International Code Council
2001 Standard Building Code Administrator Florida DBPR
2002 Standard Inspector Florida DBPR
2001 Standard Plans Examiner License Florida DBPR
1995 Certified Building Inspector BOCA International / SBCCI
1983 - 1994 Certified Building Contractor Florida DBPR CBC-26946
1977 Graduated: carpentry program South Tech Education Center, Boynton Beach, FL
1977 Graduated : Boca Raton High School, Boca Raton, FL
Experience
2009- Present Transformation Life Center, Ft Pierce, Fl
Director, Prison Chaplin
Oversee ministry start up, support groups, and Vocational Center
2007 - Present Grim Design and Contracting, Get It Done Handyman Services
2
nd
Chance Restoration
Owner Operator
General repairs, construction design, and installations
2000 - 2007 St Lucie County, Ft Pierce, FL
Code Compliance Manager / County Building Official
Responsible for overseeing Training, Permit Issuing, Plan Review,
Inspections, Zoning, Contractor licensing, and Code Enforcement.
Manage a staff of 74 Plans Examiners, Inspectors, Zoning Techs
Licensing Techs, and Code Enforcement Officers.
1993 to 2000 City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem, PA
Chief, Bureau of Code Enforcement / Building Official / Building Inspector, Plans
Examiner
Responsible for plan review and inspections of residential and
commercial buildings in a community of 83,000. Supervise a staff of
Inspectors, Secretaries and Zoning Officer.
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Vocational Training Center
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1984-1993 D M Grim Building & Remodeling, Breinigsville, PA
Owner/ Operator
Build new homes, additions, remodeling of residential and commercial
buildings.
1981-1984 DMG Quality Home Care, Boca Raton, FL
President
Repairs and interior remodeling on existing homes and commercial
properties. Licensed in Broward County, City of Pompano. Became a
Florida CBC in 1983, CBC-26946
1977-1982 Cypress Bend Condominium Association, Pompano Beach, FL
Maintenance Repairman /Maintenance Supervisor
Punch-out work for finished project. Supervised 6 employees.
Responsible for repairs and maintenance of buildings and grounds for
380 unit complex.
Awards & Recognition
2004 Building Official of the Year
Building Officials Association of the Treasure Coast
1998 Mayors Proclamation
City of Bethlehem, Mayor Donald T. Cunningham, Jr.
1997 Building Official of the Year
Pennsylvania Building Officials Conference (PENNBOC)
1992 Awards in Excellence
Lehigh Valley Builders Association, Allentown PA
Residential Remodeling under $15,000
Teaching Experience
Present seminars for the following organization on Building Codes,
Construction Practices and Marketing Strategies
Building Officials Association of the Treasure Coast
Building Official Association of Florida
St Lucie County Building Department
Pennsylvania Building Officials Conference
Eastern States Building Officials Federation
Pennsylvania Building Officials Conference Region II
International Remodeling Contractors Association
Lehigh Valley Builders Association
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Vocational Training Center
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Professional Organizations
2009-present Executive Director, Transformation Life Center
2006 State Board of Director, Building Official Association of Florida
2006 Treasurer, Building Officials Association of the Treasure Coast
2004 & 2005 President, Building Officials Association of the Treasure Coast
2001-2004 Secretary / Treasurer, Building Officials Association of the Treasure Coast
2000-2007 Board of Director, Building Officials Association of the Treasure Coast
1999 Interpretation Committee, International Code Council (ICC)
1999 State President, Pennsylvania Building Officials Conference (PENNBOC)
1997 -1998 State Education Chairman, PENNBOC
1996 -1997 President, PENNBOC Region II
1997 - 2000 Board of Directors, First Night Bethlehem
1995 - 2000 Board of Director, Eastern States Building Officials Federation
1994 2000 Editor, PENNBOC State News
1994 - 2000 State Board of Director, PENNBOC
1993 - 2000 Board of Director, PENNBOC Region II
1989 - 1990 President, Lehigh Valley Chapter International Remodeling Contractors Association
1987 - 1992 Board of Director, International Remodeling Contractors Association