Nehemiah Mission -
ALIVE and Well & Rebuilding Cleveland!

March 31, 2008

Cleveland, Ohio – The Nehemiah Mission is alive and well, and the United Methodist Church wants it known.

            The mission now just over 4 years old resides in the former People’s Hope United Methodist Church at W.65th & Bridge Ave. It has served as a housing center for work teams coming to Cleveland. Founded by the church’s former Pastor Jan Yandell, the mission has housed over 5000 individuals from as far away as England who in the biblical tradition of Nehemiah have returned to rebuild the city.

            With Pastor Yandell’s transfer to another congregation and the closing of People’s Hope as a church, rumors flew that the United Methodist Church had abandoned the neighborhood. “On the contrary, we have made a renewed commitment by devoting the entire building to the Nehemiah Mission.” Said North Coast District Superintendent, Rev. Dan Drew. “In fact, we are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Executive Director to add more structure to the project and develop additional funding for expanded program.”

            Local business development consultant Jim Szakacs has been appointed as the director of the mission. “We are hopeful that Jim’s substantial business background, experience in the non-profit world, and excitement for  the Nehemiah Mission will result in a stronger mission both in service and in long term viability.” Said Drew.

            “We have a full summer ahead of us with teams coming in from all over the country. We know that with the cooperation of the City of Cleveland, we will have plenty of work for the teams.” Said Szakacs.

            In the past, the mission teams have built wheelchair ramps, rebuilt porches, painted houses, built houses with Habitat for Humanity, repaired plumbing & electrical, and assisted with food distribution and childcare programs. “There is tremendous need in the Greater Cleveland area, and we are committed to providing solutions.” Szakacs stated.

            “Our budget is based on expense reimbursement and room & board payments from the teams, support from the United Methodist Church, and private contributions.”  Said Szakacs.

            Tax-deductible contributions to the Nehemiah Mission can be made payable to the North Coast District UMC and sent directly to the mission at 6515 Bridge Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44102.

For More Info: 440-263-8125
Jim Szakacs
jfszakacs@yahoo.com

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