A Return to Normal & The Opportunity to ChasE our Dreams
The pandemic was not only a halt to the normal flow of operations in our global society, it interrupted plans for growth and development, and that interruption included the MLCC. God in His sovereignty has now ordered a fresh space and imagination for the impact we intend to have on our community through the center, and we invite you to a closer view of this next chapter!
We see this movement happening in phases, beginning with a return to normal (phase 1), progressing to the Reviving of Our Deferred Dreams (phase 2), and ultimately building into a Multi-Facility, Replicable Model (phase 3) that we might see spread across the greater metro community and nation.
Lobby & Welcome Center
Not yet covered: $6,000 for cabinetry and shelving
Looking toward the Main Entrance (accessed from S. Blackhawk St.) with a view of the Welcome Center (left) and entry to the Open Market (right).
Main Lobby area, with entry to the Big Room shown on the right.
Main Lobby area, with entry to the Open Market shown on the left.
From Food Pantry to Open Market
Not yet covered: $10,000 for cabinetry and shelving (Phase 1), and $15,000 for additional refrigeration & freezer units (Phase 2)
Our food pantry is a frequently used resource of our community center serving as emergency relief for many families. We serve whoever enters our doors, including members of our church.
Through the pandemic, protocols forced hurried interactions and limited selection for our guests. As we return to normal, we will shift from the Food Pantry model to that of an Open Market.
Our guests will enjoy a shopping experience offering the dignity of choice in food selection, a communal and interactive experience with other guests and our volunteers.
Playroom
Many of our guests are parents who would benefit from the availability of on-site space where their children are safe and engaged while they participate in program services from the MLCC, including classes, workshops, meetings with Life Champions, JAMLAC consultations, medical services and more.
A paid childcare worker and volunteer staff to offer a safe, enjoyable and learning-based environment for the children of our guests. Childcare will be offered for children from infancy through grade school.
THE BIG ROOM
Not yet covered: future costs associated with purchase and installation of Audio, Visual, and Lighting equipment (Phase 2)
The Big Room will be ideal for multiple purposes, including:
• Celebrate Recovery meetings on Friday nights
• Large trainings and workshops
• Immigrant church services
ClassroomS
Our classrooms will allow for courses in career readiness, computer literacy and ongoing skills, The Lydia Project’s sewing skills classes, health seminars, financial planning and more. In future phases we anticipate offering ESL and GED courses, trade-based classes and certification programs.
HEALTH CLINIC
Not yet covered: $16,000 for cabinetry, plumbing, exam table, and ultrasound machine
The MLCC is planning to engage with community partners like Inner City Health Center, Alternatives Pregnancy Center, and health professionals from our own congregation to offer rotating health clinic services to guests.
Private Offices
Not yet covered: $35,000 for finishes, fixtures, and equipment
MLCC volunteers will use private office spaces to offer our guests services while protecting their confidentiality, such as:
• Life Champion advocacy services
• Legal aid clinic consultations
• Private counseling/mental health
services
• Workforce development support
RESTROOM (ADA ACCESSIBLE) and LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Not yet covered: $65,000 for fixtures including shower, tiling, washer and dryer
Our primary intent is to serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness. The Metro Denver Homelessness Initiative took a survey in 2022 that found homelessness has increased within the metro area by 12.8% since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
With these facilities, the MLCC will be able to offer an opportunity to shower and handle personal hygiene, including the ability to wash clothes. These things will help our guests who are unhoused have a greater quality of life. Barriers to needed resources, like employment and even general social acceptance, can be reduced through the offering of these services.
Breakroom
Open House Jan. 28 & 29, 2023
Thank you to everyone who braved the cold weather and toured through the new space!
