New Marion center to coordinate volunteer community service

MARION — A new headquarters for connecting nonprofit agencies with local clients and linking volunteers with opportunities to serve the Marion community will open Sept. 13.

A news conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Marion Ministry and Outreach Center will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the center, located at 640 14th St. in the heart of the city’s Uptown Marion redevelopment area.

Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly and other community leaders will take part. The Marion Ministry and Outreach Center was developed by members of King of Kings Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids.

The year 2020 revealed the need for coming together in many communities, including Marion, according to Marion Ministry and Outreach director Rich Balvanz.

“We hope this center will provide opportunities for Marion residents to rebuild a spirit of community that has diminished in recent times, especially during Covid,” Balvanz said.

The center will house a database of community service opportunities and publicize them through online media. With a variety of service projects, community members may choose those that best fit their talents and capabilities.

The Marion Ministry and Outreach Center also will bring new services to Marion that do not currently exist locally.

The center will provide operating space to nonprofit groups such as the Marion Cares after school program, His Hands free medical clinic and Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based addiction recovery program.