BUCYRUS — Plans are underway by the Crawford County Fair Board to kick off this year’s fair on July 20 and for one local organization, that means a need for volunteers.
BORN (Bucyrus Outreach and Restoration Network) is a local organization that has been assisting Bucyrus residents who are homeless since 2015 and on Jan. 1, 2018, expanded to a county-wide organization.
It was the brainchild of the Bucyrus Ministerial Association and Mary Platt, who also applied for and received the organization’s non-profit 501-C status.
Eliza Cole works as the director of the organization and said the group provides assistance for residents across the county including financial assistance, networking, spiritual mentoring, and educational assistance. Cole said people coming to BORN for assistance will be assessed to determine what barriers led them to need help in the first place.
“For instance, if someone is homeless and it is because they do not have a job, we require them to sign-up with Crawford Works to assist them in securing employment,” Cole said. “If someone needs help with a utility bill this month, we do not want them to need help again next month. It is our goal to assist them in removing those obstacles and issues that got them to this point.”
RESOURCES OFFERED:
Financial Assistance — Help with utility bills, rent, house payments, temporary housing, other financial emergencies
Educational — GED classes, 12-step program, budgeting, marriage, parenting, workforce readiness
Spiritual — Mentoring
Networking — With local churches, agencies, and individuals
SOURCE: BORN
The larger goal of BORN is to one day open a homeless shelter, the Hope Center.
“We are a Christian non-profit organization and do not receive government funding,” Cole said. “Churches that are members of BORN pledge a certain amount of money each month and now that we are county-wide, new members are signing on to help.”
The group is funded through donations and fundraisers. This year’s main fundraiser will be operating all five gates at the fair on Tuesday, July 21.
“We are in need of volunteers to work the fair gates on July 21 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is the only fundraiser for the year as of now. Please join us for a shift at this year’s fair. We need to let the fair board know as soon as possible if we do not have enough volunteers,” said Cole. “Help fund our outreach programs Crawford County-wide. This is our only fundraiser planned for this year.”
She said BORN is still searching for a location within the county to open the Hope Center.
“Please call BORN at 419-562-2150 to sign up for a spot to volunteer at one of the gates. We are open normal business hours via phone,” Cole said. “Please share this with your church, friends, and family. We truly need your help!”