The Chapel Cleveland, a Calvary Chapel Church, is preparing to transition from renting space at Ocoee Middle School to leasing their new home at 2412 Wolfe Dr., the current location of The U-Turn Institute. Established in 2018, U-Turn has worked to promote "hope, healing and happiness through community groups designed to assist people with their personal stories."
Lynn Jones, U-Turn co-founder and property owner, is excited about the additional tenants. “I am glad the Kingdom of God and ministry will continue to flow out of this location,” said Ms. Jones. Previously, Westmore Church had remained at the Wolfe Drive location until their new facility was finished and their move was finalized in April.
Ritchie Johnson, head pastor at The Chapel Cleveland, began having conversations with Ms. Jones in May amidst the local and national crisis. “We felt this is a great opportunity for The Chapel Cleveland to shepherd our church body and begin a new stage of caring for our community,” said Pastor Johnson.
U-Turn will remain in the lower offices and occupy roughly 2,500 square feet while continuing to serve the community. This summer, U-Turn’s PATH Mentorship Program coordinated a multi-site feeding program in cooperation with The Caring Place Mobile Food Pantry, Operation Compassion and Bradley Cleveland Community Service Agency.
“We saw a need and felt God had strategically put us in a place to serve a wider variety of our Bradley County students than we ever have,” said Chris Schelich, programming coordinator at U-Turn.
The Chapel Cleveland plans to take residence beginning Aug. 1,. "Until then, the church continues to make preparations throughout the building to provide a safe and meaningful home to their congregation," officials said.
“We are beyond ourselves as we’ve seen God move and provide this summer,” said Ginger Robinson, director at U-Turn. “Your story matters, and this summer has reminded us that God’s story includes so many of us. We are expecting great things for The Chapel Cleveland and ourselves as we both pursue our unique visions out of a shared space. This is a timely reminder of the body of Christ working together, each doing their specific work, yet still remaining in unity.”