ThisWeek CW 03/13/2014
http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2014/03/07/canal-winchester-human-services-opens-biannual-meeting-to-public.html
As Canal Winchester Human Services continues to increase its programming, the organization hopes to grow its membership.
The Human Services organization provides aid to senior citizens, school children and families in need, particularly through its operation of the Community Food Pantry.
“Several of our current volunteers are passionate about the services that are provided but, because they are not affiliated with any of the member organizations, they haven’t had a seat at the table for the organizational meetings,” Human Services Administrator Penny Miller said. “Especially since the acquisition of the food pantry, many local businesses supporting the programs would like to be further involved but previously have not had an official connection, so we hope to change that.”
Accordingly, the Human Services’ executive board will open their next, biannual general meeting to the public. It’s scheduled at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 11, at the Community Food Pantry, 360 West Waterloo St., Canal Winchester.
For most of its existence, Miller said, Human Services has operated on a foundation of member organizations that include the city of Canal Winchester, the school district, civic organizations and local churches.
At the beginning of the year, Human Services launched a One Square Foot at a Time capital campaign, hoping to raise $250,000 to purchase land and build a permanent home for the organization. It currently operates out of several different locations.
The general meeting, according to Miller, will provide members and the general public with more information about the progress being made in the capital campaign, as well as an overview of current programs and operations and how they are funded.
There will also be time for questions and answers with the executive board members.
“As new programs have been added and other programs continue to expand to meet the needs of our community, the board has recognized the need to move the organization forward, and to extend the foundation beyond our original member organizations,” Miller said. “We hope that everyone will want to own a piece of Human Services’ future, and see this as a way for the community to come together in celebration of our past success while preparing for the needs of the future.”