Recoginizing a need to help those who were underserved and in need of help in Mahoning Valley, Big Reach was created in 2004 as a ministry of the Greenford Christian Church in Greenford, Ohio. The Big Reach Center of Hope has truly been a dream come true, and it has become a sign of hope for so many individuals, families, and children in our area. Since 2004, we have grown by leaps and bounds, from working out of small classroom, to our new 22,000 sq. ft. facility. We know that the Big Reach Center of Hope will continue to grow over the years and become a place where people receive hope and know that they matter to God.
Thanks to our partners, donors, and volunteers, we have been able to reach out to more and more people each year. In 2004, we reached out to 1,400 adults and children. In 2005, we reached out to 2,100 families and served 8,153 children and adults. In 2006, we reached out to 5,721 families and served 20,713 children and adults. Last year we reached out to 8,590 families and fed and clothed 29,487.
The Center of Hope
The Big Reach Center of Hope is located in Greenford, Ohio on the campus of the Greenford Christian Church. The facility was built in 2006, giving the ministry a chance to reach out to more people than ever before. We serve around two thousand families and individuals each month; our new facility has given us the chance to help more and more people and on a larger scale.
The Center of Hope is a place where individuals receive free food and clothing once a month. Reaching out to, but not limited to, Mahoning, Columbiana, Trumbull, Stark, and Portage counties. Included in our facility is a large pantry and kitchen area, clothing area, library, warehouse, and a Hope House visitation room. Our food distributions are held weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those attending must provide proof income, residency, and photo indentification. We also offer education classes.
Throughout the year, the Big Reach Center of Hope hosts many events to help those in need in addition to our regular distribution hours. Big Reach Back-to-School and Big Reach Christmas are two of our largest annual events. At Big Reach Back-to-School we hand out new and used clothes, book bags filled with school supplies, fresh produce and food, and friendship to the families attending the event. Children also receive free haircuts, vision screenings, spinal checks, and more. Big Reach Christmas is a similar event that gives families a chance to receive a better holiday season. We hand out many items such as toys, food items, and cookies. All items at both events are all donated from our partners and volunteers.