Learn the Village Project Story
Our History
Village Project, established on September 24, 2010, was modeled after the Ceres Community Project of Sebastopol, California. After receiving a copy of the Ceres Project cookbook Nourishing Connections, Barb Harrell, Village Project Executive Director, learned Ceres’ innovative concept of gathering community to minister to neighbors in health crises, by providing nourishing meals.
After a trip to California to experience the Ceres Project first hand, God laid the possibility of VP on Barb’s heart. Within a few short weeks, the project became a reality as the community of Bay Village stepped forward to engage in this project with gifts of time and resources.
Thanks go to the generosity of Bay Presbyterian Church, who graciously provided the exclusive use of their kitchen and allowed the VP to operate under the umbrella of their 501(c)(3). On February 1, 2011, nutritious meals were prepared and delivered to four families in Bay Village struggling with cancer. Under the supervision of adult volunteer cooks, teens took responsibility for the major portion of meal preparation and packaging. Through this experience local teens learned about nutrition, meal planning, cooking, and service. After only one year of operation, VP more than doubled its client base and was supported by more than 100 volunteers.
As a result of VP’s success, in 2011 Executive Director, Barb Harrell was named one of the Plain Dealer’s “Holiday Heroes” and Bay Village’s “Citizen of the Year”. 2012 brought the Project further recognition as Harrell received Smart Business’ Pillar Award – “Honorable Mention Non-Profit Executive Director”. Bay Village Community Council awarded VP the title “2012 Project of the Year”.
By mid- 2012, VP had proven sustainability and moved beyond a grass roots project operating in the basement of a church. VP leadership began seeking space to support and continue the expansion of services. In September 2013, VP volunteers renovated and moved into a facility offering meeting spaces, an activity area, office space, storage, and a commercial kitchen.
Today
Over 28,000 meals and extended services have been provided to over 285 families living in Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Rocky River, and Westlake, Ohio. In addition to serving nutritious meals, clients also receive extended support such as yard clean up, errand running, holiday baskets, flower bouquets, and more. Volunteers number beyond 600, from the ages of two to 90 years. The benefit of working in a multi-generational volunteer setting has been a tremendous gift to the more than 600 volunteers involved; resulting in appreciation and respect for others gifts, talents, experience, wisdom, and energy.
Village Project is proud to share our Mission, Vision, and Ideals.
MISSION:
To come together as a community of all ages to provide nourishing meals and extended care and service to our neighbors experiencing cancer.
VISION:
We provide a vehicle to approach the devastating disease of cancer in a positive hopeful manner by utilizing individual gifts and talents in a corporate, multi-generational setting to provide healthful meals, extended support, and an opportunity for all to experience the joy of serving.
IDEALS :
- Christian Witnesses – Jesus is our example, we look for creative ways to offer our lives to others; growing more caring, compassionate, and respectful.
- Food is core; yet not means to the end – Food is the most basic human need and the way we initially reach out to our neighbors; however, care is extended beyond meals.
- Connect Community – Truly connecting is learning to care for one another, taking time to build relationships, sharing ourselves, and our resources to better our community.
- Multi-generational – The gifts and unique qualities of multiple generations are not fully utilized and appreciated on their own, yet combining skills and passions results in a release of contagious energy.
- Full of Hope – We are confident that in the midst of challenges, a simple conversation, a smile, or a giggle done during an act of service can transform us and bring the healing we all need.
- Education – teaching skills that encourage service to others and foster healthy living.