A Community Partnership: Warsaw Federal and Adelphi Bank

2024-12-24

Warsaw Federal’s partnership with Adelphi Bank to secure a loan for House of Joy Christian Ministries, a local Cincinnati-based Black church, shows the power of shared values and community-focused missions.

House of Joy is not just a place for Sunday services; it offers various community events, including daycare, children’s services, and music-centered ministries. The building the church was interested in purchasing was a closed restaurant, perfect for their plan to open Garden of Joy, a culinary school for 16-to 24-year-old individuals from their community. Garden of Joy aims to teach young chefs cooking techniques and leadership skills.

The initial connection between Adelphi Bank and Warsaw Federal began through LinkedIn, where both teams exchanged information and goals. The partnership was seen as a great fit, aligning with their shared goals and values – especially since both banks are the only two Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) in Ohio. An MDI is a community-based bank that provides focused financial services, tools, and education to promote economic opportunity and financial equity and help community members invest in the success of the community.

The coordination between the two banks was seamless, as both teams worked closely to ensure a smooth loan process for the church. The process had no challenges thanks to the clear communication and coordination between both teams.

“Our goal was always to impact the community positively,” says Warsaw Federal President and CEO Robie K. Suggs. “This loan represents not just financial assistance, but a belief in the church’s mission to uplift the lives of its members and local neighborhoods. Working with Adelphi Bank on this project reinforced our commitment to community development. It’s more than banking; it’s about building a stronger future together.”

The partnership between Adelphi Bank and Warsaw Federal demonstrates the power of collaboration between MDIs, particularly when driven by shared values and a commitment to community development. In the end, House of Joy securing the loan benefited the local community and strengthened the relationship between the two banks, paving the way for future collaborations.

“I’m very happy that we got a chance to work together,” says Suggs.