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Franciscan Center News
Jean Kelly Campaign | News/Newsletter FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Franciscan Center Announces Big Move $189,000 Campaign will allow organization to better serve volunteers and clientele Fort Wayne — February 3, 2012 — The Franciscan Center announces today that it is making a big move.
“The building is located at 1015 E. Maple Grove Avenue, only a few hundred feet from where we has been operating out of the former Sacred Heart elementary school since 1999,” explains Sally Ley, Co-founder of The Franciscan Center. “The new location first served as the Sacred Heart Convent for several decades before being purchased and ran as The Church of Fort Wayne in the 1970s.” Recently vacated, the building is 4,500 sq. ft. with a 1,400 sq. ft. basement and 1,000 sq. ft. in out buildings. The building has already been purchased with the first lead gift to the campaign. “It was very important that we re-locate to a space that would not only allow us to continue our existing programs, but also continue to serve the community of our core clientele and volunteers on the Southside of Fort Wayne,” adds Tony Ley, Executive Director, “and we praise God that this building was available when we needed it.” The Franciscan Center is moving to save costs and to better serve its volunteers and clientele. “We will save over $20,000 annually just in overhead and other operating costs by moving to the new building. Just the savings in utility and leasing costs alone will have a total investment payback in less than 10 years,” notes Tony. In addition to this huge financial savings, the move will allow the organization to better serve its clients and volunteers. The building service areas are all on the ground floor, eliminating the use of stairs for our elderly and handicapped clients and volunteers, as well as resulting in smoother lines with less confusion. Also, having all operations and staff on the same floor, they can consolidate employee and volunteer spaces, and therefore operate and communicate more efficiently with far less heavy lifting and moving. The new location will also give us the freedom to expand and change services and activities in the future.
When The Franciscan Center decided on a name for our new building, the choice of naming it after Jean was unanimous. Sally notes that “I counted Jean among my closest friends and confidants and I can truly say that The Franciscan Center would not be where it is today without her wisdom, dedication, prayers, and financial support.” The Franciscan Center has created the following list of naming opportunities to help reach their goal. Any gift is appreciated to help us reach our goal:
The organization is also looking for contractors and renovation experts willing to reduce aspects of their services to help reduce our overall costs. “Any in-kind donation of services and materials is as good as cash to us, and could qualify for one of the above naming opportunities,” notes Tony. For more information about the Jean Kelly Building Campaign and how to support the effort, please contact Tony Ley at 260-744-3977. Donate to the Jean Kelly Building Campaign here! 2012 2011 Current Newsletter Sign up to receive the newsletter Fill out the form below to receive our quarterly newsletter by mail. |
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| The Franciscan Center, Inc. • 4643 Gaywood Drive • P.O. Box 10303 • Fort Wayne, IN 46851-0303 Phone: (260) 744-3977 • Fax: (260) 744-2722 • contact@thefranciscancenter.org • site map • Join us on Facebook  |
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In mid December The Franciscan Center silently initiated the Jean Kelly Building Campaign to relocate the programs and services of the organization. The total campaign goal is $189,000 and includes the purchase of a building, an addition, renovations, equipment, and a reserve fund. To date the organization has raised $50,000 or 26% of the total goal. As soon as funds are raised the organization will move into its new home as soon as it can.
The new building will be named for the late Ms. Jean Kelly, SFO, cofounder of The Franciscan Center. Jean helped found The Franciscan Center in 1989 and was its “quiet strength” and backbone until her passing in 2008. Jean was more than happy to work backstage, exemplifying the Franciscan Spirit of Humility and Love for the disadvantaged.
