CrossNet Capital Campaign Aims For Last Stretch
For several years, CrossNet Ministries, with locations at 110, 123, and 127 Franklin St., New Holland, has been searching for more space. "We have kept our eyes on this building," said Meredith Dahl, CrossNet executive director, gesturing out the window of her current office to the large warehouse located on the south side of Franklin Street. "Last year, we went to the owners and talked to them about our vision, and they said they would be interested in selling to CrossNet."
CrossNet administrators responded by calculating the amount that would be necessary to both purchase the two buildings located between Custer Avenue and the apartment building across from the New Holland Ambulance Association. "We needed $1.5 million to purchase and $1.5 million to renovate," said Dahl. CrossNet set a goal of $3 million, and then representatives spoke to local foundations. One agreed to match funds if CrossNet could raise $1.5 million. In March, a capital campaign kicked off. "With the match, we are at $2.2 million," said Dahl. "We need to raise $800,000 more." Dahl is hoping to raise those funds by Saturday, Dec. 31.
On the CrossNet wish list is expanding the current youth center, which now offers programs throughout the week. "We would like to have full-court basketball that we could offer to the community," said Dahl, who noted that workout classes and other activities could be held in the gym when it is not being used by CrossNet.
Office spaces have been cramped for the members of the CrossNet staff for some time. "We need additional offices for caseworkers to meet with participants and to bring other agencies in to offer their services," said Dahl, who listed counseling space and an expanded food pantry among the ministry's needs. Although CrossNet partners with Anchored Ministries for clothing giveaways, space to keep some clothing on-site would be helpful. "We would like to have some prekindergarten space," said Dahl. "We need a donation receiving and sorting place for food and clothing donations," she added, noting that space is especially needed for coat donations in the fall and Christmas donations in November.
CrossNet owns the buildings at 123 and 127 Franklin St, without debt. Dahl said that those buildings could easily become crisis housing units. "We wouldn't have to do much to these two buildings to be ready for that," she said.
Although CrossNet needs the new space to offer more services, Dahl does not see the expansion as benefiting only the ministry and those it serves. "We will be able to expand current programs and expand housing programs and create like a community center," she said. "We want to make the space beautiful so that it feels like a safe space for people and so all people can access services here. We want it to be a community."
Readers who would like to learn more about the capital campaign may visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CAPCAM.
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