Did you know that despite leveraging $3 million in cash and in-kind contributions toward the renovation, reuse and growth of the former Union Baptist Church building, the Union Project has been renting for the past 5 years? In 2001, the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation (PLF), led by Rev. Dr. John Stahl-Wert, PLF President & CEO as well as a founding board member of the Union Project, purchased the former church with a loan from Eastern Mennonite Missions Church Loan Fund. The PLF also served as the fiduciary umbrella for the Union Project during our first full year of operations while we worked to develop our organizational management and financial sustainability. On March 31, 2006, the PLF Board of Directors voted to accept a sale of the building to the Union Project for the assumption of the outstanding mortgage and $1. "The Union Project has done an extraordinary job of transforming a building as well as many young people in a neighborhood. We're so glad to have served them!" said R. Bruce Bickel, PLF Board Member. The PLF support of the Union Project is a part of their work to strengthen nonprofits and their leaders. "The Union Project and its leaders are a demonstration of Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation's deepest beliefs about this city--that talent abounds, neighborhoods can be strengthened, and great leadership makes the difference," said Stahl-Wert. While now proud owners of the stone church building, the Union Project is also proud owner of a $150,000 mortgage! Consider making a one time online donation to support our new building purchase! If each person on the Union Project email and mailing list would give $25 ONE TIME, we could pay off the mortgage! Click on https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=6211 to make a secure, 100% tax-deductible online donation right now. _______________________________________________ update mailing list update@unionproject.org http://unionproject.mennonite.net/mailman/listinfo/update.unionproject