Clark State Community College, in collaboration with the City of Xenia, Kettering Health Network, the YMCA of Greater Dayton, the Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center and Central State University will open a new facility to address educational, health and workforce needs in Greene County.
The Greene County Recreation, Education, Activity, Community and Health (REACH) Center is projected to open in 2017 in Xenia, Ohio, following fundraising efforts and a capital campaign to successfully reach the project goal. Clark State will use 13,500 square feet of the brand new 110,000-square-foot facility for classrooms, laboratories and offices. At full capacity, the classrooms would allow Clark State to serve approximately 1,300 students during the day hours and another 500 students in the evening hours. Clark State requested funding for the REACH Center through the Priority Development and Advocacy Committee.
“This project is a number of partners coming together to improve what is available in the greater Greene County area,” said Theresa Felder, vice president of Student Affairs and Greene Center Operations for Clark State. “Clark State will provide education and workforce training for the purpose of increasing employability in the area.”
In partnership with Kettering Health Network, Clark State will strive to educate workers for the growing healthcare industry in Greene County. OhioMeansJobs reports more than 200 open positions for state tested nurse aides (STNAs) and 2,255 open positions for medical assistants within 20 miles of Xenia. Program offerings will include STNA, medical assisting and a variety of other healthcare certificates.
“We commend the development of the REACH Center,” says Fred Manchur, chief executive officer of Kettering Health Network. “The Center’s proposed services mirror our network’s mission of improving the quality of life of the people in the communities in which we serve. Kettering Health Network is excited to work with Clark State Community College, Central State University, the YMCA of Greater Dayton, the City of Xenia and the Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center to provide this much-needed resource to Greene County residents.”
The Center will bring higher education options closer to residents in Greene County. Clark State will offer degree and certificate programs, workforce training, non-credit courses and workshops and soft-skills training at the REACH Center. Central State University will also operate an Extension Office in the Center. Student support services will be offered as will tutoring and career advising.
The purpose of the REACH Center is to create a destination for residents in the City of Xenia and Greene County to comprehensively address their health, workforce, recreation, education and wellness needs.
The REACH Center will provide services for Greene County residents in all stages of life. “We truly believe that through the collaboration of the REACH project, we will attain the best environment in which to serve our community,” said Judy Ann Baker, executive director of the Xenia Adult and Recreation Services Center. “As partners, we are able to offer more to our community and visitors. We are proud to be a partner in this endeavor which we believe will allow us to serve the aging with a greater focus.”
“The City of Xenia is proud to be a partner in a project that will bring health and wellness, workforce development and quality-of-life options to Xenia for many years to come,” said Brent W. Merriman, city manager for the City of Xenia. “This is a fine example of what partnerships and collaborations can produce when exceptional institutions come together. We know that when completed this initiative will help position Xenia as one of the communities of choice in our region.”
Dale Brunner, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Dayton said the REACH Center is an important project for the YMCA. It will provide a new, modern location and open the doors for the YMCA to serve more people in the community.
“The YMCA is at its best when we are serving the community with partner organizations,” said Brunner. “We can deliver a stronger and more impactful YMCA experience for the community when we share resources and facilities with a partner organization. Our REACH Center partners will be able to lower our annual operating costs and expand our program reach into the community by working together.”
“Central State University is pleased to be a part of the REACH network. This consortium of agencies is committed to providing a myriad of educational, work development opportunities and health and social services to Greene County and surrounding communities. This initiative is a demonstration of working together for the common good,” said Cynthia Hammond, president of Central State University.