“Not a week goes by without us being reminded why we serve our community,” Nancy DeRoberts-Moore says. Nancy is the executive director of the Bishop Griffin Resource Center, which serves “working families, grandparents raising grandchildren, single parents, veterans and an increasing number of new immigrants and children. The men, women and children who visit the BGRC receive critical assistance, emotional support, and hope. The work of BGRC is about community and what we can accomplish by working together.”

BGRC recently reopened after a renovation project that has allowed it to serve a record number of families upon completion. “We are currently supporting almost 3,000 visits a month across our programs. This represents more than a 100% increase over our monthly service numbers through June 2023,” she says. The new center has allowed them to expand their vision for service delivery. “Our new center is designed to not only assist our neighbors in meeting their basic needs but empower them to move beyond their current circumstances. Our goal is to provide those facing systemic poverty with tools, resources, and services to overcome barriers and create viable pathways to independence. Our new model is grounded in forging deeper connections with our community partners as well as with the families we serve. The new is anchored by both a larger Clothing Store and a Mid-Ohio Market that provides more fresh, healthy food choices. The Center provides increased access and expanded resources with space for our community partners to work alongside us. The new BGRC includes programming in Basic Needs, Health and Wellness, Education and Training, and Financial Literacy.”

“Two of our new partners have already joined us on-site at the BGRC,” Nancy says. “We currently host the Dominican Learning Center that provides free weekly ESL classes and the Mt. Carmel Street Medicine mobile coach that provides free health care to anyone who has barriers accessing medical care.” She plans to continue to enhance services to families throughout the coming year.

BGRC has a small staff and a large group of “amazing volunteers” who want to make a difference in the lives of neighbors in need. and the organization is funded by donors, grants, fundraising and local organizations like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, local retailers, church sponsors, schools and St. Vincent De Paul conferences.

Residents inspired to give can help by donating new and slightly used resources to support their Community Store, food staples and monetary gifts. The BGRC’s need for support is greater now than ever with the increased demand for their services.