With a roughly one-million-dollar project ahead to address fire safety concerns, a DeWitt County non-profit is going to be taking on some fundraising efforts this summer.

Encore Developmental Services are trying to find ways to fund what will end up being a roughly one million dollar expense for fire improvements to its facility on the east side outside of Clinton. Executive Director Stephanie Coonce indicates the first fundraiser is Saturday at Encore Developmental Services.

Encore is planning to have a couple of fundraisers at the IGA cookout location in front of the Clinton store. Coonce also indicates they have a few special things planned later in the summer and will be back at the Apple n' Pork Festival.

Late last year, there was an inspection of the Encore facility and it was devastating to the agency. Coonce explains a new inspector from the Fire Marshal's Office went through things with a fine-toothed comb and they were hit with a comprehensive report of violations that needed immediate attention.

The good news for Coonce is they are going to likely be able to break the project up into phases and they are starting to gain some moment in prioritizing those projects as they build up funding.

Coonce explains the Fire Marshal's office has been good to work with and flexible with the agency but that will be put to the test when they receive the plans put together by its architect. They await word on the approval from the Fire Marshal on those plans. 

Get details on the happenings at Encore this Saturday by finding them on Facebook.