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Years before the Bishop Griffin Resource Center (BGRC) opened its doors in 2007, Catholics on the east side of Columbus witnessed a need: people in the community were hungry. Tired of simply referring their neighbors to agencies in other parts of the city, parishioners throughout the Eastside Deanery came together and began distributing food at Christ the King Church. This was the birth of what is now one of the biggest food pantries in the city.
Bishop Emeritus James A. Griffin (retired 2005), who selflessly served the Diocese of Columbus for more than 14 years, provided counsel and encouragement at the BGRC’s inception. His spirit of compassion has been a guiding principle for this ministry since the beginning. The BGRC has seen a steady growth over the past twelve years, becoming a genuine lifeline for those navigating financial difficulties – immigrants, seniors raising grandchildren, and families in crisis. Tens of thousands of people have crossed the threshold of the 2,500 square-foot pantry to receive an emergency three-day supply of food, as well as clothing and household goods.
The demand for services at the BGRC has seen a tremendous increase, serving almost double the number of people served from 2019 to 2020. To meet the growing needs, the amount of food provided weekly went from approximately 4,000-6,000 pounds to 10,000-15,000 pounds. This has made it clear that the current resources and facility no longer meet the growing needs and a new center is required. The estimated costs associated with the construction and future operations of a new Bishop Griffin Resource Center are substantial but will enable the BGRC’s services to have a greater and more meaningful impact in the lives of so many. The total goal of the BGRC’s “Lift Up Your Neighbor” campaign is $3.5 Million, with $2.5 million needed to break ground this year.
The BGRC is a source of emergency assistance for the community and has the potential to help families truly build a road out of poverty. With a new facility and the help of partnering organizations, the BGRC can become a hub for GED training, English-as-a-Second Language classes, courses in financial literacy, health services, and so much more.
BGRC is so close to making that first goal of breaking ground this year a reality because of the generosity of Kimball Midwest’s matching gift of $300,000. Kimball Midwest hopes their gift will inspire additional giving so the BGRC can cross that finish line. Additionally, The Catholic Foundation is financially supporting the BGRC with a grant. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a gift to the “Lift Up Your Neighbor” campaign today. Gifts can be made online by clicking the button below or by writing a check made out to The Catholic Foundation and “BGRC Lift Up Your Neighbor Campaign” written on the memo line.
The Bishop Griffin Resource Center has risen to be the number one social concern in our Diocese.
If you would like to learn more about the Bishop Griffin Resource Center and how you can support their “Lift Up Your Neighbor Campaign”, please contact Father David Schalk at 614-237-0401 or email him at schalk.ctk@gmail.com.