A New Chapter of Hope: ACCESS Celebrates Grand Opening of the Gottfried Center
ASHLAND — With golden scissors glinting in the evening light, the ribbon fell and applause erupted as ACCESS opened the doors to its brand-new Gottfried Center, a beacon of hope for Ashland County families striving to rebuild their lives.
It wasn’t just another ribbon cutting — it was the culmination of faith, community, and relentless determination. ACCESS Director Sonny McCarty, her voice full of emotion, stood before a crowd of supporters, donors, city leaders, and volunteers who had poured heart and soul into the project.
“God has worked so many wonders for this to happen,” McCarty said. “We dedicated this building to the Gottfrieds because without their belief in me and in our organization, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
A Vision Turned Reality
The new Gottfried Center, named in honor of longtime ACCESS supporters Fred and Lori Gottfried, represents the next major step for the faith-based nonprofit that’s been serving Ashland’s homeless population since 2008.
McCarty shared how the dream began:
“I had a vision for a place that was all-encompassing — where families could have a safe space, children could play, and we could hold classes and truly build community,” she said. “This property came up, and when I walked through, I just knew. I could see it here.”
That vision came to life thanks to four major donors who contributed roughly $220,000, and additional grants and donations totaling $210,000 to remodel and prepare the facility.
The center includes three family units, each capable of housing up to five people, plus offices and a spacious community room where residents can connect and participate in life-skills programming.
A Community Effort Backed by Faith and Action
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller joined the celebration, praising McCarty’s leadership and the community’s compassion.
“Every project like this starts with a vision,” Miller said. “Sometimes the best visions come through one person. This project is designed to take care of our own — the people right here in Ashland County. We are willing to put our dollars forward to take care of our neighbors and friends who call Ashland County home.”
Miller also commended Fred and Lori Gottfried for their years of philanthropy and their impact on countless local projects.
More Than Shelter: A Pathway Forward
The Gottfried Center is not a shelter — it’s a launchpad for transformation.
Residents, who are typically single mothers or fathers with children, must be Ashland County residents and go through an intake process including background checks. Families can stay up to 90 days at the center before transitioning into “Foundational Growth” housing — longer-term programs at other ACCESS properties, such as the Claremont and Lee Avenue homes.
“It’s not a handout, it’s a hand up,” McCarty explained. “Classes are mandatory — financial literacy, cooking, sewing, peer and mother support groups, even Bible study. We want to build relationships and help people develop stability, confidence, and independence.”
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Inside the building, each unit door bears the name of someone who helped ACCESS grow — volunteers, donors, and founders who have been part of its story from the beginning.
One of those early pioneers, Anna Mary, attended the event and was recognized for helping launch ACCESS more than a decade ago. Plaques honoring other contributors will soon be placed at the organization’s Claremont location, symbolizing the ongoing evolution of the mission.
Representatives from the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way joined in the celebration, presenting proclamations and certificates of recognition.
“We really recognize the value you’re bringing to our community,” said Chamber Board Member Nicole Hawk. “We love you, we support you, and we are so grateful for all that you do every day.”
“A Miracle Come to Life”
As the ceremonial ribbon fluttered to the ground, McCarty took a deep breath — the culmination of countless hours of planning, prayer, and perseverance.
“It’s surreal,” she said. “All the blood, sweat, and tears we’ve put into this, the community’s support — to finally see it come together feels like a miracle. Now we get to do what we do best: serve the people of Ashland County.”
Smiles, cheers, and hugs filled the air as the crowd counted down to the big moment — and with one clean cut, a dream became reality.
