City of Dayton announces $800,000 in investments for local organizations
Dayton Recovery Plan to provide funds to the Ronald McDonald House and the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton
City of Dayton announces $800,000 in investments for local organizations
The City of Dayton has announced the newest investments of Dayton Recovery Plan funds, following approval of contracts by the City Commission. Investments of $500,000 for the Ronald McDonald House and $300,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton will support new or improved facilities crucial to the non-profits’ missions.
Funding for both awards will be provided through the Dayton Recovery Plan’s $7.3 million Aiding Community and Small Business Recovery component. This section of the plan focuses on supporting community health and wellness, assisting small businesses and organizations, and providing educational opportunities.
The Dayton Recovery Plan is a $138 million framework for community COVID relief and investment for the future, made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
“These two organizations have a demonstrated history of making a difference in the lives of families and children, and the City of Dayton is pleased to support them through the Dayton Recovery Plan,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “Their renewed commitment to their missions through facility improvements will have a positive impact in Dayton neighborhoods as well.”
Earlier this year, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton announced plans to raise $25 million to build a new 42-room facility on Valley Street. Housing is a critical component of the continuum of care, but the current 14-room facility across from Dayton Children’s Hospital’s main campus is unable to meet the growing need for services.
Dayton has become a destination city for pediatric health care as a result of advancements in outpatient and specialty services and Shriners Children’s Ohio’s move to the city from Cincinnati in 2021.
“Last year Ronald McDonald House had to turn away 63% of the families that came to us for housing. Expanding our capacity is significant to the strategic growth of our region’s healthcare sector and necessary to support the hundreds of families who travel to Dayton each year for their child’s medical care,” said Rita Cyr, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton.
The Ronald McDonald House funding will support architecture and design fees as well as engineering fees (groundbreaking, foundation pouring, construction). In accordance with the City's emphasis on the use of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), there is a 15% aspirational MBE goal assigned to this contract.
The Boys & Girls Club of Dayton/West Dayton Community Recreation & Space Sharing Project will use the Dayton Recovery Plan funds for construction/renovation services at its West Stewart Street facility, including electrical, plumbing, and other trades services, as well as needed equipment upgrades. In accordance with the City's focus on the use of MBE, there is a 25% aspirational MBE goal assigned to the contract.
Club members are children ranging from kindergarten to high school age, and 96% are African American.
“We know there are hundreds more young people in West Dayton who would benefit from our programs, but the condition of the facility is a barrier to recruitment and retention of families who can take advantage of our education and enrichment programs," said Mica Goosby, Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Club. "West Dayton is a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and community assets, and the City of Dayton's investment in the Boys & Girls Club will allow us to continue to help families and children succeed. We are grateful for the City's leadership and their support of our mission to build a bright future for our youth."
