By Kelly Cantwell
Editor
Inter Parish Ministry is opening it’s first permanent location in Clermont County—a move to benefit the approximately 80 percent of the ministry’s clients that live in the county.
The location, which opens to clients on Oct. 5, is situated in both Pierce and Union Townships, at 1075 W. Ohio Pike, at the end of K of C Lane. Despite being located off of a busy road behind two auto sales stores, the location has a peaceful feel, as it is surrounded by trees.
Inter Parish Ministry, which has been in business more than 50 years, was founded by four churches that banded together with the idea that they would have more resources by working together, said Church Swanson, pantry manager.
Now, more than 40 churches in Clermont and eastern Hamilton County support the ministry by holding food drives, donating money and more. Inter Parish Ministry serves all of Clermont County and about 10 zip codes in Hamilton County, Swanson said.
Between 400 and 450 families come to Inter Parish Ministry a month.
“This is where we want to be, this is where we need to be to serve them, here closer to home without having to drive,” Swanson said.
In addition to the location benefits, the building is ideal for both clients and volunteers because it is a one-floor facility. The location in Newtown, which is about 150 years old, requires the ministry to store food in the basement.
“It’s a blessing from God,” Swanson said.
Inter Parish Ministry provides both food and clothing to families. Each family is given an allotment of items they can take based on the size of the family. They have a limited choice of what to take in each allotment.
The ministry celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 22. Reverend Darren Elin began the ceremony by asking for God’s blessing.
Lindsey Ein, executive director, spoke next about the new location opening, which she called a “milestone.” The ministry has been working on opening a new location for a long time, she said.
“This is a combination of lots of prayer, perseverance, hopes, dreams and oftentimes people wanting to give up, but we said never,” Ein said.
She knew that the pantry would become a reality because the ministry needed to serve their clients in Clermont County more effectively.
“As pleased as we are to cut this ribbon and mark this occasion, this is not about us. This is about the residents of Clermont County,” Ein said.
There were a lot of obstacles to opening the new location, said Cyndy Wright, president of the board of trustees, but she is very proud of the board and of the volunteers.
She hopes that clients will feel honored and loved, and feel a spirit of hope when they visit.
The Clermont Chamber aims to use the county’s assets to attract companies, said president/CEO Matt Van Sant, and businesses that may move here are interested in the quality of life in Clermont County, which includes whether the residents in the county take care of each other.
Based on the levies that have been passed in the county, it’s clear that residents are caring, and what’s important to residents is important to companies looking to locate in the county, he said.
“This is an important asset and we’re glad you’re here,” Van Sant said.
The new location will reach so many in the community and will have a positive impact, said Cory Wright, Union Township director of planning and zoning.
“Welcome to our community and congratulations,” he said.
Erick Harback, who was on the ministry board for nine years and was on the relocation task force, said the ministry has been looking for a new location for more than 11 years, although they stopped looking for a few years during the recession.
The task force wanted a convenient location on either state Route 125 or state Route 32. They looked at about six locations, but felt the location they decided on was ideally suited, Harback said.
“It’s very exciting,” he said.
Ein described the property as “peaceful” and “tranquil.”
“We realize that so many of our families come from turmoil and unsettled conditions,” Ein said.
She added it feels surreal to finally have the location and be nearly finished.
“It is amazing because it’s been a long journey,” Ein said.
The Amelia Pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. The Newtown location will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. The Batavia Pantry, located at the First Presbyterian Church, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information about Inter Parish Ministry, call 513-561-3932, email info@interparish.org or go to www.interparish.org.
Those interested in volunteering can call the number above and ask for Carol, or go online, and those interested in donating can also call the number listed above and ask for Chuck.