About The Family Center
1800 N. Blanchard St., Findlay
419-425-5988
As The Community
Foundation looked for
cost-effective ways to build quality infrastructure of nonprofit
organizations, one solution appeared to make increasing sense--the
establishment of a multi-tenant nonprofit center. A multi-tenant nonprofit
center is a stable, affordable, highly visible
facility that
enhances the mission of its tenant
organizations through programmatic collaboration, shared services
and shared space.
This
was not a new concept; although when first conceived,
we thought we were inventing the wheel. Actually, across the country
there are over 120 centers of this type. Nonprofit organizations are
critical to the health of a dynamic, democratic civic society, including
our very own community. However, nonprofit organizations so
often find it
difficult to secure and maintain stable, affordable and mission-enhancing
work environments.
These existing centers are located in small rural towns, on
reservation lands, in national parks, inner city and city
neighborhoods and major downtown centers. They house direct services,
community agencies and advocacy groups.
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As different as all of these centers seem to be, they are all
realizing a future in which organizations provide high-quality, cost
effective community service without the fear, the programmatic
disruption and the financial burden of being displaced.
Recent experience has shown that these centers can be dynamic
hubs for the community. They also provide a unique financial
opportunity to combine philanthropic capital funding with traditional
capital campaigns.
Shared space
Sharing of common space at The Family Center
includes:
-
Conference rooms & equipment
-
Common work room & equipment
-
Kitchen, reception and custodial services
-
Restrooms
-
Corridors/lobbies
-
Mechanical and storage facilities
-
Parking and security
Stability
Many nonprofits are often relegated to whatever space is
available, not what space will best further their mission. This may
mean operating in low quality, overcrowded, outdated facilities that
may be inaccessible to clients who have limited transportation or
physical abilities. The Family Center is a beautiful,
well-located and handicapped accessible building that has
provided its tenant agencies with a positive and productive work
environment from which to serve their clients.
Affordability
Increasingly high rent costs make it difficult for nonprofits
to maintain adequate facilities to house their staff and provide their
services. The Family Center offers affordable, controlled lease
opportunities for local nonprofit agencies.
Location and Visibility
Nonprofits are not always located in places
that are easily accessible for clientele. In Findlay, our agencies were
scattered from one end of town to another. People needing services
often didn't know where to go to get help—or they needed help
from more than one agency. The Family Center
building is well-located which makes it easier for people to find the
help they need. The Family Center also provides the visibility
needed for our community to recognize
the important role the nonprofits play in making our community a better
place to live.
Nonprofit Collaboration
By enhancing program delivery space, an
amazing synergy has been created. Prior to creation of The
Family Center, many of our tenant agencies were unfamiliar with
what services the other agencies offered. Now, they are able to
work together as partner agencies to best assist local
people in need. It's not uncommon to see one agency staffer
walking clients down the hall to another agency to find
additional help with their situation. We are blessed to have many professionals and
leaders in the nonprofit sector who are talented, caring and well-prepared to improve the lives of our citizens.
