HISTORY

OneCity began as a dream to bring about positive change in our city through people working together in a proactive, intentional way. Most social service agencies and ministries operate independently, therefore reducing their impact and yielding low scale. This "reinventing the wheel" method has only served to waste time, effort and competition for resources. The goal of changing lives is compromised by duplication of effort.

One local pastor envisioned something better... people locking arms toward positive change. In early 2004, Mark Stecher, an Associate Pastor at a large Northern Cincinnati church, began to research organizational models across the country which facilitated collaboration, resource optimization, and shared best-practice methodologies. He discovered Leadership Foundations of America, an organization now represented in over 70 cities around the globe, which was measurably successful in helping organizations pool resources and improve the scope and impact of the respective ministries in their cities.

Mark's 20-year career in business, consulting and ministry has given him unique perspective and ability in facilitating organizational collaboration and integration. Focusing initially on two key areas of opportunity in Cincinnati, poverty and education, Mark shared his vision with several local churches who pledged financial, volunteer and spiritual support. With great momentum, he then recruited a Board of Directors mid-year in 2004, and OneCity was born!

During the five years since its inception, OneCity has launched seven new initiatives and engaged 135 churches across the region - including thousands of volunteers.