Introducing the Hope Center for Families

The face of poverty in our community comes at a high economic price with unemployment, soaring healthcare costs, crime, and hopelessness. The Hope Center for Families is an initiative of the Omega Community Development Corporation (CDC) to empower low-income individuals and families of greater Dayton to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency with the life skills, work skills, and character to succeed through a two generational poverty reduction model. The Hope Center will be a place of hope and rejuvenation, an anchor in Northwest Dayton. We will be a hub in the community to provide unique services, and a bridge to community resources.

PILLARS OF HOPE
The strength of each pillar is girded in the foundation of compassion, advocacy and opportunity.

Workforce Development

Some of the major obstacles to employment are lack of literacy, basic education, skills training, as well as addiction, and physiological conditions. Omega’s workforce development program is designed to overcome the numerous barriers people are facing that prevent them from becoming job-ready and taking advantage of existing job development programs.

Health

According to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, Americans in poverty are more likely to suffer from a variety of chronic health problems, both psychological and physical. The Hope Center for Families will strive to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities that plague those in poverty while reducing violence in the neighborhood.

Education

A child born into poverty has fewer chances to move into the middle class given all the disadvantages poverty heaps on a young life, both mentally and physically. Starting with early childhood development, The Hope Center will house, a five -star childcare center serving over 140 toddlers and preschool children. In addition, The Center will offer after-school mentoring programs, credit and non-credit educational programs, internships and service learning activities, and educational programs dealing with life skill improvements for youth.

WHY HERE? WHY NOW?

The Hope Center for Families will be located on the 30-acre Harvard Campus in Northwest Dayton. While serving the entire region, the neighborhoods primarily served include a population of approximately 26,000 people facing many challenges:

THE MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME IS $36,191

30%

are high school
graduates

30%

live below the
poverty level

20%

are single moms

15%

of all births are from teenage mothers

Omega Community Development Corporation

The Omega Community Development Corporation is a community-based, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that focuses on three aspects of community development: youth development, family development, and economic development. Founded in1997, it is the sister organization, social services and economic development arm of the Omega Baptist Church. With a track record of success in dealing with community-wide issues, such as joblessness, gun violence, illiteracy, and education – Omega CDC is ready to use its reach, resources, and network of community partners to transform the face of poverty in Northwest Dayton.

Fundraising

Capital Campaign Co-Chairs

Debbie Feldman (President and CEO, Dayton Children’s Hospital)
Beverly Shillito (Attorney and Co-Founding Shareholder, Sebaly Shillito + Dyer)

Capital Campaign Fundraising Committee

Dan Foley (Commissioner, Montgomery County)
Vicki Giambrone (Managing Partner, CBD Advisors)
Eric Spina (President, University of Dayton)
Holly Wiggins (Director, Community & Corporate Social Responsibility, Dayton Power & Light Company)
Al Wofford (President, CDO Technologies)

Frequently Asked Questions

How will this be financed?

The Hope Center is being financed through a combination of Fundraising ($3million goal), New Market Tax Credits ($2.5 million in realized gains), and traditional long term financing ($2-$2.5 million.)

What is the timeline?

The City of Dayton has approved our master plan, a strategic plan has been established, and we anticipate finalizing our financing and our fundraising commitments to begin construction in 2018.

Who are the lease partners?

We are excited that we will be sharing our space with partners from Dayton Children’s Hospital, Miami Valley Urban League, Mini University, Montgomery County, and Sinclair College.

Where will the facility be located?

The Hope Center will be located on the 30-acre Harvard Campus in Northwest Dayton, on grounds designed by the nationally acclaimed Olmsted Brothers and also home to the former United Theological Seminary.

Are there plans for further development?

Our long-term vision for the entire 30-acre campus is to include senior housing, outdoor recreation opportunities, and spiritual reinforcement. The Hope Center is our centerpiece to this long-term plan.