About Sacred Ground

Our Mission:

Cultivating an environment of belonging and purpose for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. 

 

Our Vision:

 A faith-rooted community where every person with IDD is valued, empowered, and experiences joy.


Core Values T.R.U.E

 

Thriving

 

Matthew 11:28-30

  • We believe God cares about people’s physical, emotional, relational and spiritual needs and when those needs are honored and attended to people can experience true wellbeing.

  • We believe individuals with IDD and their families are the best teachers in helping us understand how to provide relevant services that enhance the capacity for all to thrive.

 

Relationships

 

Mark 12:29-31

  • We believe in the power of connection with God, family, community members and self to bring about a true sense of belonging. 

  • The strongest relationships are mutual, trusting and start with listening. 

 

Unity

 

Matthew 6:9-13

  • We believe that God is working to bring about the kingdom of heaven on earth.

  • Our desire is to join God in this work, being mindful of and compassionate towards the needs of each person with IDD and their family.

 

Empowerment

 

1 Corinthians 12

  1. We believe God gifts each person uniquely and when those gifts are realized and utilized the individual can best live with meaning and purpose. 

  2. Each person’s gifts and creativity are celebrated as they are vital to the health of the body. 

Founders.jpg

How did Sacred Ground come to be?

In 2017, Sacred Ground’s founding group formed after realizing a common desire for more faith-based, holistic support and care for individuals and families impacted by disabilities in Holmes County, Ohio. Griffin and Rachel Long, Karen Keim, Annie Slabach, and Kathy Dickson committed to learn from others and tailor services for individuals, families, and the community. After a couple years of learning, visiting providers around the United States, and assessing the needs of the community, we recruited a board of directors and named Griffin as the executive director. We are excited to start offering services to the community in 2021. 

Read our article in Plain Values

Chad Stutzman
”I love the ministry of Sacred Ground, loving and serving these precious people and their families is significant and God honoring. Puts a smile on my face!

Rick Rottman- Vice President

Griffin Long- Executive Director & Founder

Board of Directors

Rhoda Mast- President

Rachelle Mullet- Secretary
”I love being involved with Sacred Ground because it helps me be a part of speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8a).”

Leadership Staff:

Executive Director
Griffin Long

Director of Development
Sarah Ecker

Director of Day Services
Ron Hay

Program Coordinator - Holmes Co.
Sydney Halstead

Program Coordinator- Wayne Co.
Kirsten Fouts

Office Manager
Beth Theibert

Administrative Assistant
Bethany Stallman

Roger Hershberger
”I am involved on the board as a father of a participant and having a voice for the participants and supporting Sacred Ground.”

Ivan Schlabach

Matt Troyer- Treasurer
”It's great to be part of a team that's bringing so much joy and purpose to people in our community.”

Michelle Mishler
“I’m honored to be part of an organization that strives to show God’s love in tangible ways so all individuals can thrive with a sense of belonging and purpose.” 

Mike Miller

Staff

Direct Support Staff:

Tameka Biggs
Lena Erb
Maria Kaufman
Natalie Kline
Branden Mast
Cindy Miller
Jill Miller
Rebecca Miller
Elimina Schlabach
Hannah Schlabach
Ella Sommers
Dawn Spangler
Valentine Spencer
Esther Witmer
Juliana Witmer
Katie Yoder
Kira Yoder