Parish News

BISHOP GRIFFIN RESOURCE CENTER HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW FACILITY AT CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Bishop Griffin Resource Center’s new building will provide both food and supportive services to underserved and vulnerable populations on the Far East side of Columbus.

COLUMBUS – The Bishop Griffin Resource Center, a ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Columbus, will break ground on the construction of a brand new 11,300 square foot facility that will serve those navigating social and economic hardships with food, clothing, and other vital social services.

Father David Schalk, Pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church, hosted the event and acknowledged that many stakeholders came together to make the groundbreaking a reality:

“I am filled with gratitude and hope. There is no way this project would ever have been realized without God’s grace and the support of the entire community. So many people have been involved in this ministry and our capital campaign. Because of their sacrifices, the Bishop Griffin Resource Center is now better positioned to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. That is why we are building this center,” said Schalk.

The pandemic has put a spotlight on those struggling with food insecurity and a lack of material resources. The Bishop Griffin Resource Center has experienced steady growth and is now one of the busiest food pantries in the city. During 2021, there were 9,576 visits to the Bishop Griffin Resource Center's food pantry and free store, allowing them to reach 33,960 individuals.

In 2022, the demand continues as families struggle to meet their basic needs. With most pandemic assistance programs ending, and inflation driving up costs for rent, food and gasoline, the families the Bishop Griffin Resource Center serve continue to experience instability.

Nancy DeRoberts-Moore, the Executive Director of the Bishop Griffin Resource Center, noted that the center’s partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective is particularly significant:

“The Bishop Griffin Resource Center’s designation as a Mid-Ohio Market is so important. It will allow us to not only provide more fresh and healthy food choices, it will also allow us to expand our service delivery model,” said DeRoberts-Moore.

Along with fresh food, the new Bishop Griffin Resource Center will also include programming in Basic Needs, Health and Wellness, Education and Employment, and Financial Literacy.

Representatives from George J. Igel & Co. Construction Company, Ruscilli Construction Company, Triad Architects, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and the Catholic Foundation joined the leadership of the Bishop Griffin Resource Center team at the groundbreaking event.

Patrick Kelley, Co-Chair of the Bishop Griffin Resource Center Capital Campaign, who led the successful $4.6 million capital campaign said that:

“It seems like when we started this capital campaign, we had five loaves of bread and two fish, and now, by the grace of God, we are ready to build this facility that will feed thousands. The outpouring of all the donors and volunteers has been inspirational, and what’s been gratifying for me is that the outpouring is from the heart,” said Kelley.

The blessing at the event was given by the Most Reverend James A. Griffin, Bishop Emeritus of Columbus. Bishop Griffin remarked that:

“I am both proud and humbled to have my name associated with this tremendous outreach of charity and hope to this part of our community. Let us pray that God will bring this construction to a successful completion, and that His protection will keep those who work on it both safe and happy,” said Bishop Griffin.

DeRoberts-Moore concluded the event by noting that the future looks bright for her team, community partners, and those whom they serve:

“Our goal is to continue to offer hope to those that have been marginalized while providing them the tools and resources to move beyond their current circumstances and achieve stability. The Bishop Griffin Resource Center anticipates being able to serve 50,000 individuals annually through increased access and expanded programming,” said DeRoberts-Moore.

he Bishop Griffin Resource Center expects the new facility to be operational by Summer of 2023.