Embrace the Journey Raises Record $485,000

Honorary Chairs Bring “Flyer Faithful” Spirit  

This year’s Honorary Chairs, Coach Anthony and Chris Grant of the University of Dayton, brought their deep compassion and a wave of “Flyer Faithful” support to Emerge’s mission. Their leadership helped open new doors of awareness and reminded guests of the deeper purpose behind the event.  

Referencing Matthew 9:36–38, Coach Grant shared, “Emerge sees people with a divine compassion — not as a problem to be contained, but as a person to be restored.”  

“We are all the laborers — being the hands and feet of Jesus,” he continued. “The companies offering fair-chance employment and apprenticeships, the individuals making heartfelt investments, and Emerge offering tools, training, and opportunities. We accepted the invitation to be part of this campaign because we believe in its mission. Our family knows the impact that mental illness and substance abuse can have, but when people are ready for change, it’s important that they have a safe place to go to find love, support, and a path forward. Emerge offers that. Lives can be changed at Emerge. They’re truly doing God’s work by helping those who are lost find hope, healing, and their place in this world.”  

Because of this united community, countless individuals will find hope and healing—turning pain into purpose and brokenness into restoration. The Grants’ story was just one highlight in an evening filled with powerful testimonies.  

 Community Leaders Reflect on Hope in Action  

Community and business leaders from across the region echoed the same theme: Emerge is changing lives and strengthening the workforce.  

• Art Helmstetter, certified Dayton SCORE mentor, shared, “Every time I am with the Emerge team, I get emotional because of their sincerity in expressing their love for everyone. That feeling reaches a peak at the annual events, which are celebrations of love and commitment for our fellow man. It gives me real hope for the future for all of us.”  

• Cassie B. Barlow, President of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE), noted the critical importance of Emerge’s workforce mission: “This type of workforce development is critical to our economy to ensure all adults who are capable of working are engaged and earning wages that support their families. When we heard of Emerge’s plans, we connected immediately. We are excited to continue working with them as they impact more employers and transform lives.”  

• Scott McGohan, co-chairman of McGohan Brabender, reflected, “The Emerge event was an incredible evening of stories… Emerge brings light to the lonely, tired, broken, and afraid — and heals them, then powerfully gives them the tools to contribute back to society, back to others, and beautifully, back to themselves. Keep telling stories. Keep changing lives.”  

Emerge Board Member Terry F. Offenberger added, “I want to express my gratitude to our community and all who came out to Embrace the Journey in support of Emerge. What a special evening. Peace.”  

Partners like MSD, involved in Emerge’s HVAC renovation project, and Warriors on Wheels also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness lives being changed and futures being rebuilt.