If you are looking for a little inspiration, look no further than First Book-Mahoning Valley, Ohio Advisory Board and the Big Reach Center of Hope.

First Book-Mahoning Valley helped make a dream come true by assisting with the opening of the Big Reach Center of Hope on its dedication day, September 23, 2006. The Mahoning Valley Advisory Board and the inexhaustible energy of their Chair, Amy Neral, pulled together and assisted the center in their last frenzied days before opening, by preparing the new lending library for use. As well, First Book-Mahoning Valley made it possible for the Big Reach Center of Hope and the hundreds of children served in their literacy programs to benefit from over 2,000 First Book National Book Bank books.

Amy Neral was interviewed by the local news station about the efforts of First Book and made a formal presentation on the dedication day. As Amy stated, “Everyone will remember we were there and know that we are working for their community!”

From left to right; Scott Lewis, Center of Hope Director; Heather Johnson, First Book national office staff; Amy Neral, First Book-Mahoning Valley, OH Board Chair; and Erin Tyler, First Book national office staff.

The Big Reach Center of Hope, a project of Greenford Christian Church, contains a food pantry, distribution center and warehouse, a library and classrooms for literacy and other life-skills classes, serving hundreds of children and families in serious need in rural Ohio. The center was erected in SEVEN days as the first project of WYTV Channel 33’s local edition of Extreme Makeover-Home Edition, “My Hometown Mahoning Valley” and was generously supported by donations from local businesses and individuals.

Staff from the First Book national office had the honor of being able to see the completed Center of Hope on a recent outreach trip to Ohio. It is safe to say that the families who enter the building having so little will leave with so much more than they ever imagined. They will leave knowing they will be able to fill the stomachs of their children, clothe them for the upcoming winter, and open the minds of their children with a library of new books that are their very own.

A tremendous thank you to First Book-Mahoning Valley and the Big Reach Center of Hope for keeping the hope alive and well for the people of their community.

View more photos from the Big Reach Center of Hope