G.E.D. Graduates Alonna Smith & Trisha White

On Sunday, May 19, four students in our G.E.D. program at Fort McKinley came to celebrate their achievement during 2 worship celebrations at Fort McKinley Church. Students who came to the church service to celebrate their achievement  received a reconditioned lap top as a graduation gift from New Path.

The students reported they have already made plans to continue their education, one has already been accepted to a nursing program and 2 others are enrolling in college. They have been so encouraged during their studies through the G.E.D. program that they feel their future has a whole new picture.

Jeremiah 29:11 say’s “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, not for harm, but for hope and a future.” This is a word from God that has been planted and is bearing fruit for these young people. They are looking forward to more success in their future studies!

Paws4Hope is seeking a servant leader for this ministry. Qualifications are:

• Must attend Ginghamsburg Church, Fort McKinley or The Point regularly
• Must be a Member of the church and taken ” A Followers Life” class
• Must be willing to be an unpaid servant as the ministry does not have a budget income.

Contact newpath@ginghamsburg.org to schedule a meeting to discuss the possibility.

The idea for The Gleaning Place was always a twinkle in the eye of super servants Evelyn Alder and Carol Dunkel since the “dynamic duo” began the Mega-Sales several years ago. When the store finally opened in West Milton May 2011, little did they realize the store would also become a place of ministry.

Many townspeople regularly frequent The Gleaning Place to purchase goods and enjoy fellowship. Individuals with disabilities from Miami County Community Housing are served through The Gleaning Place. Case workers note their clients are always treated with respect and dignity by the servants who assist them. Evelyn and Carol credit dedicated servants for the store’s continued success.

To serve with The Gleaning Place,contact Evelyn or Carol at 937.522.5477.
Donations of furniture and household goods are always put to good use. Call Suzy at New Path 937.669.1213 to schedule a pick-up or to serve on the furniture pick-up team.

Federal stimulus money is awarded to locations around the United States that have the best chance of success. Obtaining the NSP funds was no easy task for the Fort McKinley Homes Program and took the cooperation of TEN partners, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Montgomery County, COUNTY CORP, Oberer Residential Construction, Ltd., The Oberer Thompson Company, Ginghamsburg Church/The New Path, Inc., Harrison Township and KeyBank.

Greg Smith with Oberer Land Developers, Ltd. explained why this unusual partnership was successful. Smith explained, “There is fierce competition for stimulus dollars, and our group had already applied and been denied twice for federal grant funding. It was only when we partnered with the Fort McKinley Campus of Ginghamsburg Church and The New Path, Inc. that we were awarded NSP funds. Ginghamsburg brought a connection with the neighborhood and its residents while New Path brought a holistic approach to urban renewal. Combining the high quality of these homes with the support and stability factors made a strong case for the Fort McKinley Homes Program.”

Each home has at least 1,619 square feet. Six are 4-bedroom ADA compliant homes with 2-car attached garages and the remaining 19 include a full basement and 1-car attached garage. All homes meet the Energy Star rating requirements and have received certification from the Enterprise Green Communities Program and are expected to be completed by April 2013.

The families selected for the Fort McKinley Homes Project will pay rent structured to be affordable to households earning 50% of the area median income and will start out at less than $600 per month; any increases will be restricted based on increases to area median income. Families rent for 15 years and in year 15 have the option to purchase the home at a reduced acquisition price determined by HomeStart, which will be affordable to that resident to acquire (as required by OHFA Lease-Purchase Program requirements).

Fort McKinley Homes Project participants will be supported through Jobs for Life, as well as have access to year-round GED programs. A program called Heavenly Housekeeping will help the new tenants get a handle on organization and upkeep of their new properties. All of the programs are located at the Fort McKinley Campus of Ginghamsburg Church. New Path Executive Director Marcia Florkey explained why New Path and Ginghamsburg Church became involved. “Our goal as a part of the Fort McKinley neighborhood is to make it one of the best neighborhoods in Montgomery County—a place where families grow together and support each other in a safe and healthy community. The partnership with COUNTY CORP, Harrison Township and Oberer is a natural fit with our common goal and great teamwork,” said Florkey.

Cheundra Cooley is excited to begin her new life with the Fort McKinley Homes Program. Ms. Cooley shared, “This is such an amazing program. I feel truly blessed to have qualified for a Fort McKinley home.” Those interested in being added to the waiting list may contact Oberer Property Management at 937-226-1415 or daytonviewmanager@oberer.com. Those contacted from the waiting list are asked to complete an application with several screening components.

Each Energy Star Certified home comes with a stove, refrigerator, disposal, microwave and dishwasher.