"…forget
not all His benefits…."
Unprecedented growth over last 15 years
Call
it "history" if you will, but what a joy it is to recall the
many instances of God's faithfulness. In recounting our history,
we proclaim His faithfulness in meeting physical needs in
big ways, such as buildings, or in small ways, such as a hot
meal and a clean bed. We proclaim His faithfulness in meeting
spiritual needs, in bringing hope, healing and restoration
to hurting people.
In
the previous two October issues of His Hands, we recounted
the highlights of The City Mission under the leadership of
George Soerheide (1910-1945) and Rev. Clifton Gregory (1948
- 1985). When Rev. Harry Banfield assumed leadership in 1985,
he could not have anticipated what God had in mind for the
future of The City Mission. Indeed, it was a time in which
God would do immeasurably more than anyone ever imagined (Ephesians
3: 20).
The
first major expansion began in 1986 with the construction
of the Clifton Recreation Center at Grand Valley Christian
Center. At the same time, an existing building, which was
formerly a hunting lodge, was renovated into a dining hall.
Meanwhile,
the downtown warehouse district was undergoing revitalization
and the building, which housed the Men's Ministry and Youth
Program, was designated as historic. The City Mission Board
of Trustees determined that it was not financially feasible
to remain at that site. There were many setbacks in the search
for a new home. Over the course of three years, 46 potential
sites were visited, but none worked out, often because there
was neighborhood opposition.
However,
behind these apparent adverse circumstances, God was paving
the way for The City Mission to acquire not just one building,
but nearly three and a half acres in the heart of the Midtown
Corridor with two existing buildings and sufficient space
for additional buildings, parking and open grassy areas. By
November, 1991, The City Mission held the deeds on six properties,
including a former business site, an apartment building, the
former site of the Jane Adams School, and three private lots.
With
deeds in hand The City Mission Board of Trustees and staff
caught the vision for an entire campus, consisting of an administration
building, a youth building, an apartment building for transitional
housing and a building for men's ministry. By June 1992, sufficient
financial commitments had been made to commence renovation
and construction. The cost of the entire construction project
was $6.25 million, all financed through private funding.
One
of the buildings, formerly the headquarters of the Blonders
Company was renovated for administrative offices. An existing
apartment building was brought up to code to provide temporary
housing for the Men's Ministry until a new facility could
be constructed. Later, this building, now known as the Banfield
Building, was renovated into apartments to provide transitional
housing for men who had completed the recovery program and
are saving funds to acquire their own housing. The Banfield
Building also houses families.
The
construction of the Crossroads Men's Building took seven months
to complete and was finished on time for the open house in
January of 1993. The Pathways Youth Building was funded primarily
by Mr. and Mrs. Theo Moll in honor of their daughter-in-law,
Dr. Sara Moll. Their contribution allowed construction timelines
were moved up, and the building was completed by the end of
February 1993.
These
new facilities have made it possible to provide services that
are more comprehensive. The Crossroads building houses a chapel,
three dormitories, classrooms, counseling services, a full-service
kitchen and dining room and an exercise room. The Pathways
building houses classrooms, a computer learning center, a
multi-purpose room, offices and a regulation size gymnasium
which is frequently used for banquets and other special events.
No-cost clothing outlets are also located on campus, providing
a ministry to men and women in the neighborhood.
Now
we are embarking on yet another major expansion, to meet the
growing need for ministry to homeless women and children.
With the purchase of the former Glenbeigh facility on the
Cleveland's west side, preparations are underway to open Laura's
Home in January 2002, to serve up to 100 women and children.
The
expansions we have seen over the last fifteen years are built
on the firm foundation laid by all those who came before us.
We thank God for our rich heritage in the many people who
have been instruments of God's faithfulness.
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