PM - History and Growth

The History and Growth of Paxton Ministries

The Lord rewarded the founder's steps of faith by providing the finances and volunteer support to get Paxton Street Home off the ground. On November 3, 1981 the Paxton Street Home officially opened to receive its first residents.

Within two years of the opening all the rooms were full and a waiting list was started. To this day Paxton Ministries continues to maintain a long waiting list.

During the first decade Paxton Street Home (PSH) moved through several operational and growth phases. Within a short period of time PSH became known in the Dauphin County Human Service field as a quality, yet affordable, home with a loving staff. Case Managers increasingly referred their clients to PSH.

During this same period each staff person worked for a small stipend. The monthly allowance, which began at $25/ month, increased to $50 and then $100/ month. In August 1983 all staff who had given at least one year of service were put on an annual salary which began at $5000. Regardless of position, each staff member received the same amount. Special needs were provided for on a case by case basis.

This policy remained in effect until January 1990 when a new salary structure was adopted. Incorporated into the new structure were several principles. Retention of staff on a long-term basis would allow for a greater degree of continuity in service to the residents. It was considered unfortunate if competent, committed staff were compelled to leave due to insufficient salary. Therefore a base salary was established based on position and level of responsibility. Value was given to longevity through an incentive that rewarded years of service. A simultaneous restructuring of the benefits package enabled the overall wages and benefits percentage to remain at approximately 60% of the expense budget.

In 1993 the board approved revision of the salary structure to include a salary cap per position. Also, a ratio of no more that 1 to 3 between the lowest to highest paid staff is in effect. Resulting from the salary restructure and overall contentment with the working environment, a stability of staff has been achieved.

Also contributing to the stability and positive morale is the long-standing policy of live-in staff. Emergency coverage, a more home-like atmosphere, and greater sense of community spirit outweighs the investment of providing staff apartments in the buildings. About half of our staff currently live in one of our facilities. We view this arrangement as being of primary value to Paxton Ministries and therefore choose not to consider this as a staff benefit. Staff choosing to live out do not receive additional financial compensation.

The first five years of operation were devoted primarily to establishing a credible and respected ministry. Beginning in 1986, however, there was discussion about expanding the caring ministry of PSH to additional areas of need within the urban Harrisburg community. A ministry to troubled youth was targeted. Eventually a building was purchased, renovated, and furnished at a cost of $105,000. Staff were hired to develop a program and policies. Safe Landing accepted its first residents in the Spring of 1988. Serious funding and referral shortfalls necessitated the closing of Safe Landing after three months of operation. Further study, discussion and prayer led to the reopening of the facility on 18th Street as a Domiciliary Care Home called Blue Gables during 1990. Blue Gables provided a quality living situation for six residents for over 10 years before being closed in the summer of 2001.

In 1994 a $1.3 million capital campaign, "Hope and a Future", was launched. There were several significant aspects of the campaign: raising an endowment of $500,000, renovating the chapel into 6 resident room, one staff room and a handicap-accessible restroom, renovating the Thrift Shop into a multi-purpose room; expanding the Dining Room at Paxton Street Home to allow seating for 30 more individuals and purchasing an apartment complex for a Supportive Living Arrangement.

The purchase of Hudson Street Apartments in 1995 has also become a successful venture which has enabled five PSH residents to have their own apartment. These residents have had the opportunity for more independence, yet they are still connected to the Paxton Street Home community for support, accountability and relationships.

In 1997, the Hope and a Future Campaign was successfully completed. All renovation projects were complete and the endowment was raised to over $700,000. A smaller campaign was undertaken during the years 1998-2000 to raise funds for a variety of projects, most notably a new elevator in the Paxton Street Home. This elevator was installed in the Spring of 2000 and replaced the original elevator which was installed in 1936 when the building was built.

Today, Paxton Ministries is a dynamic, respected housing provider in the Mental Health Community. Approximately 90 residents make call Paxton Street Home or Hudson Street Apartments their home. The ministry's goal is to continue clinging to the original vision of being a community "where love and compassion are a way of life--and dignity and self worth are recognized in every individual," all the while being faithful to where God is leading us.

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