wfn.org | Disciples of Christ Building accessibility fund ready to make loans

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

Date: August 21, 2001
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Curt Miller
E-mail: cmiller@cm.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

01a-46

   INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) - Church Extension of Disciples of Christ has 
announced that a $500,000 accessibility loan fund goal has been surpassed 
by more than $4,000.  In making that announcement, Ellen L. Mitchell, vice 
president for development, said that loans can now be made from the fund. 
Started in 1997, the fund represents gifts received
by Church Extension for the purpose of providing low-interest loans for 
capital projects involving the removal of physical barriers.

   "We are elated that the $500,000 goal has been oversubscribed. Now the 
donors to our accessibility loan fund can see the results of their gifts 
with each low-interest rate loan that we make to churches," Mitchell said.

   Although this level of giving has been reached, Church Extension 
continues to make the accessibility loan fund a priority.  "According to 
AARP, there may be 70 million Americans age 65 and older by the year 
2030.  That is one of the reasons Church Extension created the 
accessibility loan fund," said Mitchell.  "We must act now to make our
facilities open and welcoming to all people."

Qualifying projects for the accessibility loans include: ramps and 
accessible building entrances, elevators and accessible restrooms. Church 
Extension staff consultants can provide more information to congregations 
interested in obtaining an accessibility loan.

   For more information on how to make an annual, memorial, named fund or 
extenders fund gift to the accessibility loan fund, contact Ellen Mitchell 
at 800-274-1883 or e-mail emitchell@churchextension.org

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