CENTERBURG — One year ago, Carolyn Fergus and the Interchurch Social Services board had a wish list for a new Centerburg Interchurch facility.
Wishes included space for a washer and dryer, a covered room for drop-off donations, a break room, offices, and storage for seasonal items. Twice as much space for the food pantry topped the wish list.
The board also hoped to have the new facility ready in time for Centerburg Interchurch’s 40th anniversary in 2024.
Yesterday, every one of those wishes came true.
In her role as executive director of ISS, Fergus signed the papers to buy the two-acre parcel at 56 Johnsville Road.
The process only took three weeks. And the new facility comes with a washer.
“All of the pieces have just flown together,” she said.
Fergus said that ISS is financially healthy and has savings for the purchase.
“As a nonprofit, my board decided it’s not a good thing to have a lot of money in the bank, and we needed to update our facilities,” she explained.
The board upgraded its Fredericktown site, and the Danville site is a rental.
“Centerburg had by far the next biggest need,” Fergus said.
Wishes become reality
Initially, plans called for Centerburg ISS to demolish its current building on North Clayton Street and build new. In her quest to find rental space during construction, Fergus visited Tyler Griffith at RE/MAX Peak.
Griffith and his wife, Amanda, owned the Johnsville Road parcel and leased it to Creative Learning Workshops (CLW), an adult day service provider.
“After 13 years, they moved out around the end of February, so we had the building for lease,” Tyler Griffith explained.
Fergus said the 5,500-square-foot building was too much space for ISS to lease.
“But once we saw the building, we couldn’t afford not to buy,” she said. “With that much space, we couldn’t afford to build something that big.”
“All of the pieces have just flown together.”
Carolyn Fergus, Interchurch Social Services director
“It’s best for the community,” Griffith said of ISS buying the property. “The biggest reason is it’s a community need.
“After seeing your place, it’s the right decision,” he told Fergus.
Amanda noted that a light industrial company expressed interest in the building but said ISS is a better fit.
“Having space for all of those seasonal items and at food pick-up times, this space will be so beneficial,” she said.
All agree the new location accommodates better visibility, signage, and greater exposure to Memorial Park visitors. Additionally, a separate entrance to the food pantry provides privacy for families.
A perfect fit for Centerburg Interchurch
The building is on one floor with multiple entrances. The interior lacks walls in the center; offices, storage areas, a break room, and a donation drop-off area line the eastern and southern walls.
“It’s just perfect. The only thing we have to do is add one wall to separate the food pantry from the thrift store,” Fergus said.
With the cramped space at the current site, ISS staff have to fill a food box and take it out to visiting families.
“Now, they’ll be able to shop,” Fergus said. “And with that huge parking lot — that’s something we never could have where we are.”
The organization feeds 40 to 50 families each month. Clients receive three meals for 10 days.
In addition to adding the wall, ISS staff plan to paint the interior and replace old office carpeting with tile.
Previously ordered commercial shelving from Mid-Ohio Food Bank arrives later this month.
Because items overwhelm the current Centerburg ISS site, staff will begin moving things into the new building today. Fergus said a storage trailer in the back of the current building violates Centerburg’s zoning.
“The village has been very generous letting us keep it there,” Fergus said. “It will go to Hope Now Furniture Bank.”
Fergus said she would like to be in the new location by the end of July.
Once the move is complete, ISS will put the current building up for sale.
Happy 40th anniversary, Centerburg Interchurch.
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