A new corps community center is just what was needed to rejuvenate, equip and expand ministry at the Dodge City, Kan., Corps. According to Corps Officer Captain Roberto Davila, the move has made a huge difference in the outlook and vision of the corps employees and members. It is enabling growth in every area of ministry.
“As soon as we walked through the doors, it was a completely different atmosphere,” said Captain Roberto, who leads the corps with his wife, Captain Elia. “The feeling of the people is totally different. The adults are happier, and the children are excited.”
After a lengthy capital campaign, the corps moved to its new location last summer. Although renovations are still in the planning phase, the new facility already has bolstered ministry. While holding programs in the old building was a challenge due to space restrictions and its poor condition, the new facility has room to spread out with classrooms for Sunday school, youth programs, adult Bible study and women’s ministries and a large open area that can be used by youth leaders and children for games and activities.
“We can provide all of the corps ministries as well as social services,” said Captain Roberto. “The new facility has everything a corps community center needs, plus room to grow on four acres of land.”
Plans are in place to renovate and add on to the existing building over time until eventually it will feature a commercial kitchen and dining hall, gymnasium, additional classrooms and offices, and chapel. Outside, a playground for the children is planned.
But first, in the next phase, the corps-run thrift store will be relocated to the new corps campus. With expanded floorspace nearly four times the size of the previous location, there will be plenty of room for racks and shelves of merchandise, a separate space for a boutique, and a workroom where furniture can be rehabbed before being sold.
“We anticipate the new thrift store has the potential to earn much more than the old location,” said the captain. “With the new space and the ability to salvage furniture that wasn’t sellable before, our revenue will increase exponentially.”
While the extra funds will help support the corps’ increased operations, the capacity for expanded merchandise options also will serve the community during a difficult economic time when many have turned to thrifting in an effort to stretch their dollars a bit farther.
