There are four phases to this project.

Phase 1 – Acquisition of property. Close date: April 3, 2026
Phase 2 – Ministry and development Planning. Expected completion: Fall 2026
Phase 3 – Development of Property: Expected Start Date: Spring 2027
Phase 4 – Execution of Ministry Plan: Expected Start Date: Fall 2028

We anticipate construction will be complete by Fall 2028, with families moving in then.

The property is valued at $1.4 million. We are estimating our initial development cost to be $2.5 million. Additional renovations to the property are estimated to cost approximately $500,000. In total, the preliminary estimated cost is $4.4 million.

Assuming a loan payment on the full $1.4 million, the mortgage payment would be in the range of $8,000-$9,000 per month. We are hopeful this amount will be significantly lowered through the generous giving of those in our community. In addition, utilities, insurance, and maintenance are estimated to cost between $75,000-$100,000 per year.

There are multiple revenue-generating opportunities associated with this property. Because of our Non-Disclosure Agreement, we are not able to disclose these sources at this time. However, the goal is for this to be a net neutral property that doesn’t require operating budget expenses.

First Baptist Woodstock has been supporting ministry to single mothers through Serenade Heights since 2013. We have been engaged both financially and through volunteer support. After meeting with local leaders and Serenade Heights leadership to understand the specific needs of single moms, we believe God is leading us to a deeper commitment to this vulnerable population, which will directly impact hundreds of lives in the coming years. Our needs assessment and research clearly showed that affordable housing is the primary issue facing single moms and has the greatest influence on their ability to effectively thrive and become self-sufficient.

While we could simply rent housing for single moms, in the long run, we would not be able to control rent prices, increases, or the quality of housing. In addition, there are existing issues facing single moms that this property can directly address, particularly on-site childcare.

We also believe that the acquisition and development of this property provides a stable, income-producing asset that would be desirable and marketable if we ever needed to dispose of it.

Serenade Heights is an expert in wrap-around care for single moms that leads to sustainable, long-term results. Serenade Heights is a local ministry started by Nancy Tucker out of First Baptist Woodstock. We have partnered with them since the inception of the ministry to support and encourage single mothers in rebuilding successful lives. Serenade Heights will facilitate all aspects of the ministry program to single mothers, including the initial vetting, education, training, and ongoing assistance.

First Baptist Woodstock will provide property and facility management as well as spiritual support for both the ministry and single moms. This partnership will be formalized and established through a mutual agreement.

Other churches, ministries, and individuals are seeking to address these issues. We are grateful to partner with them through Serenade Heights. We joyfully welcome and will advocate for other churches to get involved in helping Serenade Heights support all the single moms they serve.

We look forward to the family of God assisting during the development of the homes on this property. Although no churches have stepped forward yet, many in the family of God have expressed a desire to assist, whether through providing resources (such as flooring), expertise, manpower, or funding. It is our hope that this process will lead to the inclusion of additional community partners who will provide funding and ministry support to this effort.

No. Serenade Heights will manage the vetting process and place moms in homes. That vetting involves reviewing applications, initial screenings, phone interviews, and additional assessments, including housing interviews, background checks, drug tests, and orientation meetings.

We are praying that, over the next several weeks, funds will be raised to reduce or eliminate any borrowing needed for the property purchase. If sufficient funds are received, financing may not be necessary at all—that is our ultimate goal.

Because the timing of this opportunity coincides with recent and upcoming expenses related to the new location, the finance committee believes it would be unwise to reduce our reserves by the full purchase amount and remains confident in and supportive of the vision and mission that Pastor Jeremy has cast for the future.