It's been a few weeks since Rupert Boneham cut the ribbon on his new facility in Shelbyville, and ever since it has been a complete whirlwind for the former reality television star.
Earlier this month, Boneham and his nonprofit foundation Rupert's Kids opened its doors on the first expansion site outside of Indianapolis.
"Our program is designed to teach valuable job skills and instill a sense of confidence and self worth that will lead each of the kids towards stable housing, employment and relationships and helps them become independent and contributing members of society," Boneham said.
The response from the community has been "outstanding," according to Boneham.
"We had more volunteers sign up than any other day in Marion County. If you want, you can come in and sign up if you are in that situation where you need help and have been in and out of the system. We are your resource," Boneham said.
For Boneham, the facility shows that hard work pays off after several false starts with different city administrations.
Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun has embraced Boneham and his foundation with open arms.
"Having Rupert's Kids addresses several needs for our town. It will help with the abandoned buildings, it will help give some of the youth direction and vocational training and it will be a win-win for those involved," DeBaun said.
That has been music to Boneham's ears.
"In April of 2013, we talked with Mayor DeBaun and told him we wanted support from the community. We've gotten that and then some. Tom has been so great to us, and so has Shelbyville. When he said he'd be more than happy to have us here, that was great. Everyone has done what they said they would. We have got answers to various questions we had here in Shelbyville," Boneham said.
The reality star best known for his time on the CBS hit "Survivor," said he has been "blown away" with how much has been accomplished in Shelbyville in a short period of time.
"I can't believe we are this far along. We've got properties we are working on. We have an office. We are doing in days and weeks what it took five to six years to do in Marion County at this point. Accountability and neighbor awareness has given us the ability to move faster in Shelby County," Boneham said.
Boneham said Rupert's Kids offers a simple philosophy.
"We deal with the problem. We'll clean up properties, teach through vocational training and show kids how to work together side by side and how to make a legal living," Boneham said.
And, the results are already showing, according to Boneham.
"We've had people thank us for coming to Shelbyville and several have asked how they can get their child or grandchild in our program before it is too late. That is why we are here," Boneham said.