The directors of Christ Central cut the ribbon during the grand opening ceremony Friday of the renovated Mission Ridge Golf and Leadership Center in Winnsboro. From left are mission directors Ted McGee, Barbara Franklin, CEO Jimmy Jones, Lee Kizer and Roger Floyd.
WINNSBORO – About 100 community members and elected officials attended the ribbon cutting for Christ Central’s newly renovated and expanded Mission Ridge Golf and Leadership Center, formerly the Fairfield County Club. The facility, which includes a 9-hole golf course, will be used for leadership training for Christ Central missions as well as for local organizations and governments, according to Jimmy Jones, CEO and founder of Christ Central. Jones now has 90 facilities around the country that minister to the homeless by providing housing, education opportunities and jobs. Mission Ridge, with several furnished bedroom suites on the second floor, will also accommodate private social events including weddings, receptions and other celebratory events.
Gov. Nikki Haley, who had been scheduled to speak at the grand opening ceremony, was unable to attend but her prepared message was read by a spokesperson.
“You and your leadership team have truly set the example for neighbors helping neighbors,” Haley said in her message.
The training center will focus on ways to serve the community and will serve as a retreat for mission directors. Jones explained how Christ Central began operations 17 years ago on a street corner in Columbia serving homeless people with meals and other services. Jones said that besides feeding the homeless, Christ Central housed them and prepared them to find jobs and get an education.
Jimmy Burroughs, a lifelong resident of Fairfield County and Director of Christ Central in Winnsboro, told those attending the event, “This is a great facility for Fairfield County and now it’s a public facility for the entire area to use.”