“They have simply done a wonderful job over the last four years,” Middletown City Manager Doug Adkins said. “The building is in better shape than its been in a long time. They have been able to reduce our General Fund subsidy, and they’ve implemented a number of quality programs there.”
Council recently approved a three-year contract renewal, which includes a two-year option for CBI to continue to manage and operate the city-owned building. It also includes support for a “cradle to career” focus in helping residents and their families with various educational, social, youth sports and workforce training programs.
In his staff report, Community Revitalization Director Kyle Fuchs said since 2014 the partnership has been a tremendous success.
“Improvements have been made to all parts of the building, attendance has significantly increased, and new and improved programming has been undertaken,” he said.
According to the contract, CBI is also responsible for general maintenance, including utilities and facility and equipment repairs up to an annual maximum of $2,500. As the owner of the building, the city addresses major building and equipment repairs of more than $2,500.
The city continues to provide an annual subsidy of $100,000 to operate the center and CBI secures additional operating funding through various local, state and federal grants for much of its programming. In addition to the city, CBI receives support from many partner organizations including the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the Butler County Educational Service Center, Middletown and Hamilton school districts, the Middletown Community Foundation, Premier Health, and local churches.
CBI operates several major programs, including:
• the Parent Resource Center that assist local parents;
• the PRIDE Academy/Camp PRIDE educational programs;
• the Future Center at Middletown High School to help students prepare their post-graduation plans; and
• Head Start programs, the 21st century after-school program.
The community center that is available for rentals, meetings, adult and parent education programs, day and evening programs, a community garden, and provides an open gym for youth.
Verlena Stewart, who directs the Parent Resource Center and Community Center, said the success of CBI’s programs is the great collaboration with its many partner organizations in assisting more than 400 families.
“It’s like magic,” Stewart said. “The reason we’re doing so well is because of the partnerships and collaboration we receive from the community.”
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