RECLAIMING
A city
one home, one family, one person at a time
A monthly newsletter of Isaiah 61 Project, Inc.
Volume I/Issue 2
February 2014
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have
been devastated for generations.” (Isaiah 61:4)
2215 Whitney Ave. as it appeared in March 2013
2215 Whtiney Ave. as it appears today, Feb. 2014
Yes, there are times when a picture is worth a thousand words. Over the course of the last eleven months, more than words have been
spoken over this house, however. There has also been sweat and blood poured, muscles that have ached and knowledge that has been
shared. In addition employment has been acquired, careers started and hope restored. Not only for those enrolled in the program, but
for the neighbors and neighborhood of 22 nd and Whitney Ave. We are proud to say that the restoration of this home is nearing
completion. With that said, a low/mod income family will now have the opportunity to purchase this beautiful home, the first of many
that will be rehabbed by those enrolled in Isaiah 61 Project Inc.’s job training program…a ministry that is with God’s grace and the
community’s support reclaiming the city of Niagara Falls one home, one family, one person at a time.
A new partnership and a new chapter…In our last
newsletter (January 2014) we briefly mentioned the up and
coming “Re-Claim Store”. Thanks to a recently awarded grant
from M&T Bank, we are that much closer to opening the
doors of the first of its kind store in Niagara Falls/Niagara
County. Not only has M&T Bank provided Isaiah 61 Project,
Inc. with the necessary start-up funds for the store, but they
have also supplied the Project with the funds to purchase the
truck shown in the photo. The truck plays an essential role in
helping us deconstruct vacant homes here in the city of
Niagara Falls that have been slated for demolition. Items
removed from the homes will be transported and sold in the
Re-Claim Store to the general public. As stated in the previous
newsletter, three of the Project’s recent graduates will oversee
the store. Initial deconstruction and store set up is slated to
begin March 1, 2014.
It is because of partners with a heart for our community that
the Isaiah 61 Project is able to play a role in reclaiming our
neighborhoods, city and greater community.
As
representatives from M&T Bank stated in their press release:
“Through our partnerships with not-for-profits like the Isaiah
61 Project, we are supporting the recovery of neighborhoods
and communities that have been impacted by empty,
dilapidated homes. Together we can make a difference,
property by property.”
With all that said, we at Isaiah 61 Project, Inc. want to thank
M&T Bank and in particular Mr. Brad Dossinger, Community
Reinvestment Group/regional CRA Manager, for helping
secure the funding for this new chapter in the Project’s
mission of Reclaiming our great city one home, one family,
one person at a time.
As the Project continues its efforts, we know that it can only
be accomplished by God’s grace and everyone’s support of
prayers and financial giving. A huge thank you goes out to
everyone in the community who is assisting in the mission of
RECLAIMING.
A grAduAte’s PersPective…
Ramone was born and raised in Niagara Falls. He graduated
from Niagara Falls high school and just celebrated his one
year wedding anniversary. Though Ramone has always
worked hard at his job, he never made enough to provide for
himself and his young family. He was not unemployed, but
rather under-employed.
When Ramone’s pastor spoke to him about the Isaiah 61
Project’s free job training program, he quickly enrolled in
hopes of securing a “living wage” position in the building
trades. Not only did Ramone attend and participate in the
program every day Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2
p.m. but then he went to work at his then current place of
employment from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. For approximately three
and a half months Ramone kept this schedule. Ramone states
“you only get out of something what you are willing to put
into it”…and for Ramone, he got a lot out of Isaiah 61,
because he was willing to invest in it. Not only did he receive
his certificate from O/N BOCES, but he gained a deeper
insight into himself, new skills and a new found career. This
career is now being nurtured by the professionals at local
Laborers 91, a place where he says proudly that he is now a
member. It is here, at local Laborers 91, that his skills will be
perfected and a career will be established, and it is here that he
will earn a living wage to support himself and his family.
As for Ramone, he believes that the Isaiah 61 Project is “the
best program in the city”. It is a place where skills can be
learned and enhanced, and careers can be established, all while
rehabilitating vacant homes, reclaiming neighborhoods, and
strengthening the city. Participants get out of it what they are
willing to put into it. If you are willing to invest in yours and
your family’s future while reclaiming your community, the
Isaiah 61 Project maybe just the program that provides you
with that opportunity.
Our next semester will begin April 1, 2014, for those who would like to register for our free, 400 hour training program in the
building trades. The classes fill up quickly, so please sign up early. Applications can be obtained by visiting our website or by calling
(716) 870-9557.
Isaiah 61 Project, Inc., PO Box 255, Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Jh.isaiah61project@aol.com
www.isaiah61niagarafalls.org
(716) 870-9557