Executive Summary

Steel Valley Outreach Center, Inc. (SVOC) is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching Youngstown, Ohio, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the community. Operating for four years within a Steel Valley Church, SVOC is now expanding into an adjacent building to broaden its outreach efforts. The expansion enables the organization to launch additional programs, including a food pantry, daycare services, counseling programs, and other vital community services.

Mission Statement

By God’s grace, The Steel Valley Outreach Center, Inc. exists to reach Youngstown with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through meeting needs for children, families, and surrounding residents.

Vision Statement

Steel Valley Outreach Center, Inc. envisions a local community that loves and serves—loving God with all of our heart, mind, and soul, as well as loving our neighbors as ourselves. We aim to serve children, families, and the underprivileged in our community by providing a safe environment for childcare, special needs development, family counseling, and addressing food insecurities, as guided by Matthew 22:36-40.

Core Values

  1. People: Valuing every individual’s dignity and worth, regardless of race, gender, religion, or background.

  2. Community Commitment: Addressing local needs through tailored services for children, families, and the underprivileged.

  3. Well-Being: Promoting spiritual, social, emotional, and physical health.

  4. Empathy: Recognizing and respecting diverse life experiences and perspectives.

  5. Resilience: Remaining steadfast in our mission despite challenges.

  6. Accountability: Delivering on promises and ensuring impactful outcomes.

  7. Learning: Continuously evolving to better serve the community.

  8. Christ-Centricity: Centering all decisions and actions on God’s love and biblical principles.

Organizational Goals

  1. Expand Facility Usage: Utilize the newly acquired building to offer comprehensive programs and services.

  2. Enhance Community Support: Build partnerships with local churches, schools, and businesses to maximize impact.

  3. Address Immediate Needs: Provide essential services such as food, clothing, and furniture distribution.

  4. Support Vulnerable Populations: Establish programs for children, families, individuals with special needs, and those battling addiction.

  5. Promote Spiritual Growth: Share the Gospel and provide biblically based counseling and mentorship.

Programs and Services

  1. Food Pantry: Address food insecurity by distributing nutritious food to families in need.

  2. Clothing and Furniture Distribution: Provide essentials for families transitioning out of crisis.

  3. Daycare Services: Offer safe, affordable childcare for working families.

  4. Special Needs Programs: Support individuals with developmental and physical challenges.

  5. Counseling Services: Provide individual and group counseling, including addiction recovery support.

  6. After-School Programs: Partner with East High School, Harding Elementary, and Ursuline High School to offer tutoring and mentoring.

  7. Community Dinners and Events: Foster fellowship and connection among residents.

  8. Sunday Transportation: Provide rides to church services for those without access.

Food Insecurity:

  • In 2022, approximately 1,653,610 Ohioans faced food insecurity, with notable racial disparities: nearly 30% of Black Ohioans and 25% of Latino Ohioans were food insecure. Health Policy Institute of Ohio

    Mahoning County, where Youngstown is located, had a food insecurity rate of 16.4%, indicating that a substantial portion of the population lacks consistent access to sufficient food. WKBN

Childcare Issues:

  • Statewide, the average annual cost for infant care in a childcare center is $11,438, and $8,580 for preschoolers. These expenses often exceed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' affordability benchmark, which suggests that childcare should cost no more than 7% of a family's annual income. Policy Matters Ohio | Cleveland, OH

  • Ohio faces a shortage of licensed childcare slots, particularly for infants and toddlers, leading to "childcare deserts" where demand surpasses supply. Strong Nation (The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with many childcare providers closing or reducing capacity, further limiting options for families. Child Care Aware® of America)

  • The lack of affordable childcare options forces some parents to reduce working hours or leave the workforce entirely, affecting family incomes and local economic productivity. Strong Nation

Mental Health and Addiction Counseling Needs:

  • In 2023, over 2.1 million Ohioans (24.92%) experienced mental illness, with more than 1.2 million (55.6%) not receiving treatment. White Light Behavioral Health - Columbus

  • Mahoning County recorded 5,174 accidental drug overdose deaths in 2021, highlighting a critical need for addiction counseling services. White Light Behavioral Health - Columbus

  • The county's Mental Health & Recovery Board is actively working to improve the quality of life by providing mental health and addiction services. Mahoning County

Community Needs

Strategic Partnerships

SVOC’s success relies on collaboration with:

  • Steel Valley Baptist Association: Strengthening church networks to support outreach efforts.

  • Cross-Denominational Churches: Partnering across faith traditions to serve the community.

  • Local Businesses: Securing sponsorships and donations for programs.

  • Educational Institutions: Collaborating on after-school and educational initiatives.

  1. Facility Expansion:

    • Renovate and equip the newly acquired building.

    • Allocate space for specific programs: daycare, counseling, classrooms, and pantry storage.

  2. Program Rollout:

    • Launch food pantry and daycare services within the first six months.

    • Gradually introduce additional services such as Celebrate Recovery and after-school programs.

  3. Staffing:

    • Recruit and train staff and volunteers with a shared commitment to SVOC’s mission.

  4. Marketing and Outreach:

    • Use social media, church bulletins, and local events to promote services.

    • Build awareness through community partnerships and word-of-mouth referrals.

Operational Plan

  1. Funding Sources:

    • Grants: Apply for faith-based and community-focused grants.

    • Donations: Solicit contributions from individuals, churches, and local businesses.

    • Fundraising Events: Organize community dinners, auctions, and charity drives.

  2. Budget Overview:

    • Startup Costs: Renovations, equipment, and initial program supplies.

    • Operational Costs: Staff salaries, utilities, program materials, and maintenance.

  3. Sustainability Plan:

    • Establish a donor base for recurring contributions.

    • Explore fee-based services (e.g., affordable daycare) to supplement income.

Financial Plan

SVOC will measure success by:

  • Number of individuals served through each program.

  • Feedback from program participants and community stakeholders.

  • Growth in community engagement and partnerships.

  • Tangible improvements in food security, childcare access, and family well-being.

Impact Metrics

The Steel Valley Outreach Center, Inc. is poised to make a significant impact in Youngstown, Ohio, by meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its residents. Guided by faith and a commitment to service, SVOC seeks to transform lives, foster resilience, and build a stronger, Christ-centered community.

Conclusion