MOULTRIE, Ga. — Moultrie’s Hero House, a child advocacy center, recently received a landscaping grant via Georgia Power’s Tifton office.

Georgia Power gave the grant, totaling $750, in November 2018. It was used August 2019, adding new plants, pine straw, grass and a small sprinkler to the grounds.

Hero House Director Regina Dismuke said it’s greatly appreciated by her and those who visit Hero House.

“[It] has enhanced the friendliness of the front of our building,” she said.

That friendly atmosphere is critical to Hero House’s job: providing a safe place where young victims of abuse can tell their stories to law enforcement officers investigating their cases.

Georgia Power Media Specialist Allison Gregoire said they were happy to help.

“[Tifton] decided to use some of their funds to support Hero House, the residents and those that get help there,” she said. “[They wanted to] give back to the community and show we are a part of the community throughout the state.”

The Tifton office used allocated funds from the Citizens of Georgia Power foundation, a “volunteer arm” of Georgia Power with 42 chapters statewide.

Dismuke used the grant to hire Russell Landscape Management, Inc. to put money back into Moultrie’s community. She hopes to be able to work with Georgia Power more in the future, as Hero House continues to build itself up.

Next in its wave of improvements is the addition of a S.A.N.E. (Special Assault Nurse Examination) Center. Hero House is working to renovate and replace the cottage sitting behind its current building for that purpose.

Normally, victims needing such a center would have to visit Thomasville or Valdosta, but Dismuke said this will change that. The project is currently in the hands of local contractors.

“Our bid is already approved, so we’re just waiting our turn in line,” she said.

Construction is said to start in the coming months.

To donate, volunteer or ask for more information about Hero House, call 229-891-1702.