2 X 4’s for Hope back to its mission after months of turmoil

QUINCY — On November 11, Quincy Mayor Mike Troup and Quincy Medical Group CEO Carol Brockmiller stood alongside the then-leadership of 2 X 4’s for Hope as they put shovels in the ground to mark the ceremonial beginning of building another small home as a way to thank a veteran for their service.

But four days later, the Board of Directors of 2 X 4’s for Hope removed Mark and Chris Lawrence as the leaders of the organization they founded in 2015 amid suspicions of financial misconduct. The Board sued the Lawrence’s in civil court and the couple followed with a counter-suit against the board.

The Adams County State’s Attorney’s office also filed felony theft charges against Mark Lawrence in May. He has pleaded not guilty and a jury trial is scheduled for September.

Instead of waiting until the courts sorted out the situation, the Board opted to press on. They worked with Quincy Medical Group to secure the QMG Foundation’s financial backing 2 X 4’s for Hope and several volunteers stepped up to continue the mission.

“From putting that shovel in the ground to meeting veteran Bob and realizing that, you know, in less than two weeks he will have a tiny home means everything,” Brockmiller said. “And watching our employees and physicians volunteer and build something for a veteran is pretty darn rewarding. You know, for him and for us.”

So on Saturday morning, dozens of supporters turned out to get the organization’s 12th home build underway. Board President Kevin Murphy said it felt good to get 2 X 4’s for Hope back on track.

“Through the entire process it started back in November, this was our ultimate goal: to be able to continue the mission,” Murphy said. “Through the generosity of Quincy Medical Group and the foundation and generosity of the city to get to us these volunteers…that’s what’s driving us and what’s giving us to a vision for what our new future can look like.”

Bob Bindewald will be moving into the home at 1300 N. 2nd in about two weeks. Murphy said the frame and roof of the tiny home would be up by the end of Saturday and the entire build, including furnishing, would be done within two weeks.

“I can’t help much because of my arthritis,” said Bindewald, who is a retired contractor. “But I am so thankful. I can still show some of these volunteers what they can do. Just be careful around the tools.”

Bindewald then pointed at a table saw and said “Especially that thing. It doesn’t have a brain and it doesn’t quit.”