Community Impact: Michelle Collier and the Good Neighbor House Story

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Lord,

We struggle to always live as You would expect us to live, failing to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Help us:

  • To be trustworthy – showing true and authentic hospitality to our brothers and sisters.
  • To be innovative – seeking out new and different ways to be hospitable.
  • To be inclusive – showing hospitality to everyone, regardless of our differences.
  • To be caring – sharing the love you have shown us with everyone we meet.
  • To be competent – using our knowledge and resources wisely and responsibly.
  • To be collaborative – using our gifts and talents in unity with those of others.

Most of all Lord, help us to open our eyes to the needs around us.

Amen.

Announcements

American Festival Booth Volunteers Needed

Joan Cordonnier announced that the booth for the Americana Festival on July 4, 2024, needs more volunteers, especially in the afternoon. The tasks are simple, such as passing out frisbees. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.

Golf Outing Fundraiser Volunteers Needed

Steve Rau announced that the golf outing fundraiser will be on July 15, 2024. As the volunteer coordinator, he needs at least six more volunteers for the event day. No golf experience is necessary. While spontaneous volunteers are appreciated, it would be very helpful to know in advance who will be attending. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.

Youth Mental Health Committee Meeting

Andy Higgins announced that the next meeting of the Youth Mental Health Committee will be on July 10, 2024, at 6 PM. They will discuss whether CNO should support the “Wait Until Eighth” initiative, which encourages parents to wait until their children finish eighth grade before giving them a smartphone. Contact Andy Higgins if you would like to join the committee or attend a meeting.

CNO Lunch Meeting

Debe Dockins announced that CNO’s lunch meeting on August 13, 2024, will be held at the Margaret Barclay Shelter at Yankee Park. She is seeking a few volunteers to form a short-term committee to help with the field trip. Lunch will feature Lee’s Famous Recipe Fried Chicken and Whit’s Frozen Custard.

Good Neighbor House, Michelle Collier

Julie Walling Noeth introduced Michelle Collier, the Executive Director of Good Neighbor House.

Here is a link to the eight-minute video Michelle Collier showed us.

Good Neighbor House is a Christian-based organization empowering healthier communities in Dayton for over 30 years. They provide essential medical, dental, and food services to the poor and marginalized. Their commitment to service and faith transforms lives daily.

Good Neighbor House Statistics for 2023

  • 2,808 dental patients (53.5% increase)
  • 1,219 medical patients
  • 43,335 food pantry clients (28% increase)
  • 566,102 food Items distributed

​Mission of Good Neighbor House

Good Neighbor House is empowering healthier communities by fostering the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of our neighbors.

Vision of Good Neighbor House

To be known for service, chosen for excellence, standing in partnership with our neighbors, providers, and funders, improving the quality of life in the communities we serve.

The Core Mission and Daily Operations of Good Neighbor House

One of the central themes of Michelle’s presentation was the organization’s commitment to meeting the community’s needs. Every day at 8:45 a.m., staff, volunteers, and even patients gather to start the day with prayer, seeking guidance and strength. This daily ritual underscores the faith-based foundation of Good Neighbor House and its dedication to serving with compassion and empathy.

Michelle emphasized the organization’s philosophy of “meeting the need.” This mantra is reflected in their diverse range of services, which include:

  • Medical Services: The clinic caters to the working poor, offering comprehensive healthcare for a nominal fee of $35. This fee covers various services such as doctor consultations, eye care, foot care, pharmaceuticals, and wellness classes. The clinic’s goal is to ensure that everyone receives the same quality of care, regardless of their financial situation.
  • Dental Services: The need for dental care in Dayton is significant, with many lacking access to affordable dental services. Good Neighbor House has a state-of-the-art dental clinic, providing everything from routine checkups to complex procedures like root canals and dentures. The clinic sees a high volume of patients daily, emphasizing the critical role it plays in the community.
  • Food Pantry: With the demand for food assistance surpassing that for clothing, the food pantry has become a cornerstone of their services. They provide nutritious food packages to families, ensuring that everyone has access to essential items like fresh produce, meats, and hygiene products.

Impact and Community Engagement

Michelle shared touching stories from the front lines, including instances where volunteers delivered food and water to homeless camps and provided essential items to those in desperate need. These stories highlight the profound impact Good Neighbor House has on individuals’ lives, offering not just material support but also hope and dignity.

One poignant moment in Michelle’s presentation was her account of a homeless woman living under a bridge who expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Good Neighbor House. Such interactions reinforce the importance of their mission and the difference they make in the community.

Challenges and Calls for Support

Despite their successes, Good Neighbor House faces ongoing challenges. The organization relies heavily on donations and volunteers to sustain its operations. Michelle made a heartfelt appeal for more volunteers, stressing that it takes 170 volunteers each week to keep their services running smoothly. From medical professionals to individuals packing food boxes, every volunteer plays a vital role in the mission.

Additionally, Michelle highlighted the financial needs of the organization. As a nonprofit, they constantly seek funding to support their programs and expand their reach. Donations from individuals and organizations are crucial in enabling them to continue their work and meet the growing needs of the community.

How to Help

  • Volunteer: Join the dedicated team of volunteers at Good Neighbor House and make a difference in your community.
  • Donate: Your contributions help sustain essential services and expand their reach to more individuals in need.
  • Spread the Word: Share the mission and work of Good Neighbor House with your network to raise awareness and support.
  • Golf Outing: Sign up for the annual golf outing fundraiser at the Country Club of the North. The 24th annual event will be held on September 30, 2024.

Annual Reports

Michelle Collier encouraged us to review Good Neighbor House’s annual reports, which detail their mission and achievements. Reports from 2019 to 2023 are currently available here.

Thank You

Thank you, Michelle Collier, for enlightening us about the invaluable services provided by Good Neighbor House. Your dedication and leadership truly make a difference in our community.

Welcome Guests

GuestGuest Of
Kara WareDebe Dockins
Kehny EkehCarol Smerz
Michelle CollierSpesaker
Sophie SchraderSonja Hertenstein

New Member Readings and Inductions

NameSponsor1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction
Kara WareDebe Dockins1st Reading
Thomas WagnerAndy Higgins3rd Reading

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Art HungCelebrating 26th wedding anniversary with Heather.
Bob LawsonCelebrating 55th wedding anniversary with Mary Jo.
Charlie GoodwinHis twins turn 42 on the same day as his wedding anniversary. One of his kids is celebrating their 8th wedding anniversary. Today would have been been his 51st wedding anniversary.
Bob CollinsBob and Karen celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary by taking 12 people with them on vacation to Levanto, Italy and they had a great time!
Andrew McKenzieHappy that someone remembered his name since it has been a long time since he was able to attend a meeting.
Carol SmerzThanks to everyone for welcoming her guest Kehny Ekeh today.

Sergeants at Arms

MemberInfraction
Anyone with the name BobThe name “Bob” is a palindrome.
Charlie GoodwinHe has a June Birthday and was not sitting at the Birthday table.
Wayne ChristieHe has a June Birthday and was not sitting at the Birthday table.
Fran SheehanUnlike Carol Smerz, Fran did not provide cold and refreshing beverages for golfers during a recent golf tournament at Yankee Trace that sergeant Chris McAlpine was in. Carol and Fran both live in Yankee Trace.

Membership Anniversaries

MemberJoinedYears
Gary HansenJune 30, 199925
Roy BarclayJuly 1, 198638
Sara HemmeterJuly 1, 201410
Greg CrabtreeJuly 2, 200816
David DuncombeJuly 2, 20186
Andy HarmonJuly 2, 20186
Mark ScarpinoJuly 2, 20186
Jeff UmbreitJuly 2, 20186
Diane ArehartJuly 5, 20168
Paula HarrisonJuly 8, 20222
Dave MitchellJuly 8, 20222

Birthdays

Paulette NovakJune 25
Wayne ChristieJune 26
Charlie GoodwinJune 26
Robby JohnsonJune 27
Valorie HuffJune 28
Frank DePalmaJune 29
John SpeersJuly 4
John CarrollJuly 5
Christopher MackeyJuly 5
Bob LawsonJuly 6
Mark ScarpinoJuly 6
Phil SpeelmanJuly 8

CNO Donations – Since 2013

Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013

Thank You Notes Received

CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes received this week

Links to PowerPoint and Pictures

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

All Photos taken at this Week’s Meeting are here

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