Where We’re Headed
Things change – the horses, grand old movie theater and the gas station on 24th Street are all gone now – but we’re still here and we’re still doing what we do best. In the new millennium, it is clear that our mandate includes revitalizing the space in which we live. The ability to respond to all the needs and changes of an urban community (both positive and negative) require a gathering place such as the Noe Valley Ministry.
Why now? Over the years, building use has increased to the point that as many as one thousand people pass through the doors daily. In order to accommodate this increased traffic which this small building was never intended for, we need to renovate and plan for the expanded usage of the space. NVM is taking the next step in realizing a vision of an ever-expanding center for community within its soon-to-be renovated, architecturally significant home.
Ministry leaders are pursuing their vision by embarking on a $3.5 million project that will improve the facilities, allowing for expansion of programming to serve a greater breadth of neighborhood and city needs. It will focus on two core requirements: 1) addressing structural needs and 2) building the bridge to new possibilities for extended community.
What Are The Benefits?
The project to renovate the NVM building as the Noe Valley Ministry and Community Center will result in:
- A firmer foundation and modern infrastructure for earthquake readiness and expanded systems – implementation of this plan will result in a safe building that not only welcomes, but better serves community. A redesign will provide increased multi-purpose gathering places, better space utilization soundproofing, and up-dated lighting, plumbing and heating.
- Accessibility for the disabled and elderly – By adding an elevator to the upper level as well as handicapped bathrooms on both levels, we will be able to guarantee full access to all, and move into a complete compliance with the federally-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act.
- A guarantee of space for all ages and all stages – Through renovated facilities for the comprehensive day care program, the assortment of children’s classes, the on-going senior center, and the association for retarded citizens, we will insure multi-generational opportunities.
- Enhancement of the artistic and musical programming – This long-time centerpiece of the Ministry’s outreach to the greater San Francisco arts community will gain state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, full community access, better sight lines and traffic flow.
Your Participation Requested
We are now ready to expand this commitment to do more than provide space. With this project, we will move toward implementing a vision for a comprehensive center for community – a place that encourages connection, cooperation, communication, education, inspiration – and just plain fun!
Intentional programming within improved facilities will honor our past while moving into the future. People meeting people, people helping people, people working with and caring for people – these are the building blocks for peace and progress in this world.
We Are Seeking Your Support
A church capital campaign always begins and ends with its congregation. However, the Ministry’s extraordinary vision extends far beyond its members. Therefore, the Ministry’s dedicated leadership must look beyond to the wider community for philanthropic support.
We face the challenge of producing programs relevant to the changing community, of identifying long range community goals, and of building awareness of vital services and opportunities to the community at large.
To date, we have received much positive feedback in support of our vision, and we believe in it this new urban garden of possibilities. We invite you to pick up rakes and spades with us!