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high school senior was mentored by a
local architect who helped him complete
his senior project and prepare a
portfolio for his college application.
Today that student is attending college
on a scholarship. Another KMI
student is being mentored by a retired
cabinet maker.
What the Future Holds
Renting downtown has its advantages,
but KMI needs a larger facility
if it is to continue to grow and provide
resources for more youth. Pierce
says the ABC TV series “Extreme
Makeover” has been in contact with
KMI to possibly help, but before that
can move forward, KMI must find
property on which to build.
KMI has also had many requests for
help in replicating the program in other
communities and cities. “My dream is
to not have to worry about money,”
Pierce says. “I’d love to be on the road
for a few days every month helping
other communities set up a program if
we didn’t have to spend so much time
writing grants and fundraising just to
keep our doors open.”
Pierce and KMI have received several
awards including the Governor’s
Crime Commission Award of
Excellence; the University of North
Carolina Wilmington Watson
School of Education Razor Walker
Award; the UNCW Cameron School
of Business and Wilmington Business
Journal Coastal Entrepreneur Award,
the UNCW Albert Schweitzer
Award, and WECT/Reeds Jewelers
Cape Fear Heroes Award; and has
been recommended as a National
Model Program by the federal Office
of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention.
But it’s not the awards that keep
Pierce and his staff coming back
day after day. “It’s seeing these kids
build self-esteem, mature and become
responsible adults and respected
citizens,” Pierce insists. “That’s what
KMI is all about—giving kids the
opportunity to create something
worthwhile, not only in the woodworking
shop, but in their lives.”