Event attendees stand in front of The Market while Taylor Major-Dame, HAPCAP Food Access & Workforce Development Coordinator, cuts the ceremonial ribbon.
Kelly Hatas, HAPCAP Executive Director and Eva Bloom, HAPCAP Director of Development pose with State Senator Shane Wilkin and Juli Stephens of Congressman Wenstrup's office holding commendations.
HAPCAP Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting for The Market and Training Hub: A New Resource for Health and Opportunity
Friday, November 1, marked an exciting milestone for HAPCAP as we officially opened The HAPCAP for Health Market and Training Hub, a space dedicated to offering fresh food access, job training, and community support. Surrounded by our partners, funders, staff, and community members, we celebrated a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient community.
The event included inspiring remarks from Executive Director Kelly Hatas and a ceremonial ribbon cutting with words from Angela Weaver from the Ohio Association of Health Plans, a commendation from State Senator Shane Wilkin, and from Congressman Wenstrup’s office by Juli Stephens. We were also joined by Javan Johnson from Congressman Balderson’s office and Caleb Shriver from Senator Vance's office. Their presence, alongside representatives from the Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, Sisters Health Foundation, and the Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce, underscored the wide-reaching collaboration that made this Market possible.
Since our “soft” opening on September 23, The Market has already served 232 households and provided essential groceries to 293 children and seniors across nine counties in Southeast Ohio. This choice-based food pantry empowers neighbors to select items that meet their dietary needs and preferences, creating a more dignified and personalized experience. The Market’s Training Hub also offers job opportunities, and the Caresource Community Room connects visitors to further resources for long-term stability.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our HAPCAP Board Members, including County Commissioners from Hocking, Athens, and Perry Counties, and our dedicated AmeriCorps members, Nick and Alayna, for their contributions. A special recognition goes to Taylor Major-Dame, our Food Access & Workforce Development Coordinator, whose leadership and dedication brought this vision to life.
A huge thank you also goes to those who participated in our Pantry Staple Drive! Together, including a donation from Caritas and other attendees, we contributed an incredible 457 pounds of staple pantry items, helping to stock our shelves and fulfill our mission.
The HAPCAP for Health Market is now officially open to serve the community. To continue supporting this vital work, we invite our community to join us as volunteers, make a donation, or spread the word about our services. Your involvement helps create a healthier, more inclusive community for all.
Thank you to everyone who attended and for being a part of this journey. Together, we’re creating pathways to health and opportunity for all.
For more information on how you can shop or support The Market, visit our webpage at hapcap.org/themarket or contact themarket@hapcap.org.