Open Hearth reaches $1M goal for new office

Nonprofit marks milestone with a toast and a tour

PHOENIXVILLE » Open Hearth Inc. celebrated reaching its $1M capital campaign goal by toasting major campaign contributors and partners.

The purpose of the “Home Is Where the Hearth Is” capital campaign was to raise funds for the renovation of the nonprofit’s new headquarters in Phoenixville. The building, at 701 S. Main St., will serve as home to Open Hearth’s programs and community building initiatives, with the objective of fostering a stronger, healthier community for generations to come.

A substantial portion of the campaign’s goal was contributed by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, a long-standing partner of Open Hearth’s. Foundation CEO Tamela Luce shared that the Foundation “was proud to provide $300,000 towards the renovations of their new building.” She continued, “We were confident in the board and staff to raise the remaining funds and we applaud them for reaching this milestone. We look forward to having them in the borough and continuing to help our friends and neighbors find housing and financial stability.”

Open Hearth looks forward to hosting a ribboncutting and open house in the fall when interior renovations are complete and all exterior work has been finished.

In 2019, Open Hearth’s Board of Directors recognized the organization had outgrown its current location. As the need for services has expanded, additional staff have been added. While searching for a new rental space, Open Hearth connected with two Phoenixville area residents, Janice and Paul Hartmann. When the Hartmanns learned of the organization’s need, they decided to make the most generous donation — a 4,000-squarefoot building located on one acre of property in the center of Phoenixville.

“The new building will be a place of hope for our clients and partners as they are welcomed into a location that is both accessible and inspirational,” said Kelly Raggazino, Open Hearth’s Executive Director. “Our new home will reflect the high standards of service set by Open Hearth’s staff, funders, and collaborators.” The building was in need of repairs to bring it up to today’s codes and standards. Funds raised in the “Home Is Where the Hearth Is” campaign were used to make these critical repairs.

Located in Phoenixville, the new property provides easy access and parking, increased foot traffic, and close proximity to many partner agencies. In the new location, staff will be on one floor, whereas they are currently divided between two floors and 45 steps. More meeting space and room to grow are just a few of the additional benefits of the new space.

In addition to The Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, other lead supporters of the campaign include Chester County Department of Community Development, The McLean Contributionship, Univest, and First Cornerstone Foundation.

Those interested in learning more about the new headquarters can visit www.openhearthinc. org/2021-capital-campaign/

SUBMITTED PHOTO — NETTIE WOLFE SILVA Open Hearth members and supporters celebrate the nonprofit organization reaching its $1million capital campaign goal.