The Ernie Davis Campus
and Family Center
Capital Campaign
The long-term success of the programs of
the Economic Opportunity Program, is attributed to delivery of a
continuum of services that help people improve the quality of their
lives. We believe that the most realistic measures of success are
evidenced in young people who have chosen productive lives rather than
the wasteland of drugs, alcohol or violence; and in adults who have
learned to read, to hold a job, or to perform basic life-survival and
parenting skills.
Our
current situation, however, is that the needs of the thousands of
EOP customers have expanded beyond the capacity of our current
facilities. The Board of
Directors recently determined that the agency could no longer adequately
and consistently meet the heightened demand for its services.
The 75-year-old Lagonegro Building, at 318 Madison Avenue in
Elmira, is currently home to many programs and is the staff
headquarters. In assessing the viability of this location for continued
use, the Board identified the following concerns:
§
The maximum useful life of the Lagonegro Building is two
years.
§
This facility is not in close enough proximity to the Ernie
Davis Community
Center, Second Place East Homeless Shelter, The Energy Services Bureau
or the Alcoholism and Drug Rehabilitation Clinic.
This geographic
dislocation makes it difficult to capitalize on the unique, synergistic
nature
of the agency’s continuum of programs.
§
Maintenance issues are overwhelming. Serious infrastructure
problems
include inadequate sewer-system ventilation; a 30-year-old heating/cooling
system that is costly to operate; outdated electrical wiring that does not
accommodate student computer labs or administrative needs.
§
The facility does not meet safety code requirements, is not
handicap
accessible, and does not promote an image of a progressive organization -
one focused on helping
people each their full potential.
§
The Lagonegro Building is not a feasible location for a
licensed day care
program. Lack of day care prevents people from receiving education and
training as many of our program participants must have childcare while
they are in sessions.
§
The three-story, 21,000 square foot, Lagonegro building,
currently owned
by the United Way of the Southern Tier, is far too small to
accommodate
the organization’s needs. Space is at a premium, forcing employees
and
volunteers to “make do” with severely overcrowded work areas.
The
building also presents obstacles for delivery of multiple programs
simultaneously.
We
can significantly improve the effectiveness of our programs and services
by presenting them from a modern, central location.
Our goal is to create the Ernie Davis Campus at Fifth and Baldwin
Streets in Elmira, N.Y.
We
will be a very different agency when we operate from the campus. We’re
excited about the potential for new collaborations, new vocational
training opportunities, and expanded educational programs – all geared
toward expanding the pool of talent for local employers.
We currently have a rich history of collaborating with schools,
government, other non-profit agencies, churches, and businesses.
We’re proud of our ability to create and design leading-edge
programs that reflect changing needs
- but we think we can do better.
A
central location will significantly ease the transportation difficulties
our clients must overcome to attend programs.
We will have a state-licensed child care center for infants,
toddlers and pre-school children. Our after-school program will be strengthened with activities
that complement schoolwork, model good character, teach teamwork and
encourage young people’s interest in technology so they can compete in a
global environment.
In
short, our campus will address vital needs by providing resources and
tools that are essential to compete on a level playing field.
We believe that creating the Ernie
Davis Campus is a business imperative
and a human necessity.
We
are committed to strengthening the fabric of our community.
We invite you to join us.
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