When deciding what to do with property on its campus no longer needed for growth, Providence House CEO and President, Natalie Leek-Nelson, said the organization looked for a solution that would create an “empowered zone for kids that will be respectful to our children and the surrounding residents.”

The answer came in a unique partnership with St. Ignatius that allowed the two organizations to create a campus oriented towards kids’ well-being in Ohio City.

This story begins in 2006, 25 years after its opening, when Providence House developed a plan to expand the services it provides to families and children in crisis.  Providence House protects children at risk of abuse or neglect, empowers families in crisis and builds safer communities by providing a safe home for children and supportive services to stabilize them and their families.  The most pressing aim was to increase the number of beds on their small West 32nd St. campus, thereby increasing the number of children that could benefit from their services.

Providence House shared their plan with their neighbors and began efforts to acquire adjacent property. The plan included properties on the east and west sides of 32nd street. 

The planning and acquisitions went well, but a change in the original plan occurred as a result of the 2008 economic crash and change in state licensing in 2010.

“We had to pause the process,” said Leek-Nelson.

Providence House trustees then examined a more cost-effective growth strategy and consolidated the Providence House expansion on the west side of 32nd St. Expanding to the contiguous property south of the existing campus, rather than across the street, proved to be more cost-efficient and cost-effective. This expansion of the crisis nursery was completed in 2013 and serves 20 children newborn through 10 years old at a time; nearly 250 a year.

A newly renovated Wellness Nursery in their other facility on the east side of 32nd provides room for 10 additional children at Providence House. Next to Wellness Nursery was an excess of acquired land without further plans due to the modified expansion approach. 

“We have always had a great relationship with Saint Ignatius High School, so we initiated a very open conversation with the school about the space, seeking to find a compatible use in which we could ensure a safe area for kids of all ages to thrive,” said Leek-Nelson.

Providence House approached Saint Ignatius with the inquiry, “Will you partner with us?” said Leek-Nelson.  She noted that, with Saint Ignatius and Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School (2200 W 28th) the land fills in to complete contiguous properties of organizations whose priority is the well-being of children. “We said, ‘let’s help kids thrive and continue to grow in a positive way. Let’s create a unique campus for kids in Ohio City,’ ” said Leek-Nelson.

“We saw it as an opportunity to help, to be an appropriate good neighbor, and to secure land for which we can ensure a suitable use of land contiguous to our own,” said Mr. Jerry Skoch, Vice-President and Chief Mission Officer at Saint Ignatius High School.  “To be able to do all these things in partnership with Providence House, whose mission we respect and support, is a great circumstance.”While the land is now in the possession of Saint Ignatius, there are no plans for the property at the moment. “For now, it’s just a matter of a change in who mows the grass,” said Rev. William J. Murphy, S.J., president of Saint Ignatius. “Any future developments will be conscious of the neighbors and will keep in mind the intentions for a safe zone for youth.”

“It is good for kids to see role models in the Saint Ignatius students,” Leek-Nelson said. “The cleared space provides a direct window for the children at Providence House to see firsthand the Ignatius students engaged in positive, life-affirming activities.”  Leek-Nelson specifically referenced the students’ involvement with The Breen Center for The Performing Arts, which is adjacent to the space, and the flurry of activity on Kyle Field, a practice field which is just beyond the lot.

Both parties are optimistic and motivated by the transaction, and are looking forward to what is to come for the organizations, as well as the Ohio City Neighborhood. “I would encourage and invite neighbors to embrace it, to be a part of this by watching out for kids in the neighborhood and respecting this as a kid-friendly area,” said Leek-Nelson.