As planning and construction of the new Shoppes of Parma, formerly Parmatown, are in full swing, the future home of Community Ambassadors remains unknown and uncertain.  What we do know now, however, is an actual timeline for the closure of our space and subsequent relocation.  Within the past few weeks, John Kokinchak, Director of Asset Development for Phillips Edison, confirmed with us that we will be asked to vacate our current space at the end of March, 2014.  Unfortunately, at this time, the mall is unable to assure us an opportunity to relocate elsewhere within the shopping complex.

Nevertheless, having the knowledge we have now allows us to prepare diligently for the future over the next five months, as well as focus and maximize our opportunities while we still have access to a prime location.  In the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to Parma City Hall, to area churches, and to the community as a whole to help us secure another viable location in central Parma that will allow us to facilitate programs such as Pay It Forward Cafe, Homework Club, and HEROES Fatherhood Initiative.  Over the past couple years at Parmatown Mall, these programs have proven to be a tremendous asset and an effective resource to our community.

We strongly believe that healthy communities are built through empowering lives, strengthening families, and greater collaboration.  Since 2010, we have been dedicated to these purposes:  Engaging our local community in practical, strategic, and effective ways in an effort to pair available resources to apparent and legitimate needs; as well as, serve as an agent and liaison to the local churches to help equip and mobilize them for serving effectively and cohesively throughout the community.

We are all in this together, which is why I sincerely ask for your assistance. If you know of a location that could suit our purposes, please contact us.  We appreciate your support and collaboration, as well as your prayers.  We trust fully that the Lord knows our future and has it all under control.  Until then, may we serve our hearts out and make a lasting impact on our community!