David and Mary Ketchersid put the community first in everything they do. The Ketchersids came to Broad Street United Methodist Church in 1986 to serve—David as the Director of Christian Education and Mary as the Director of Children’s Ministries and Programs. In 1998, they proposed developing an afterschool program for disadvantaged youth throughout the community using a set of recently abandoned church buildings. The next year, the Unity Center began offering summer day camps and the afterschool program opened two days per week with an average attendance of 15 students. Through their hard work and leadership, Unity Center’s programs have grown exponentially. Starting with just a few elementary students, Unity has grown to an enrollment of 140 elementary, middle school and high school students from 15 public and private schools. In addition to tutoring, Unity Center also provides leadership, moral and social training via the Youth Leaders Program and DAWN (Disciples Acting with Dignity) Youth Program. Graduates of the Youth Leader Program become youth counselors who assist and guide the younger students which has resulted in great gains for these youth leaders.

This year, Unity Center is celebrating its 20^th year serving the community with a four-day after school enrichment program, youth leadership program, community choir, summer day camps and life skills and development for families.

In addition to the foundation and expansion of Unity Center, David and Mary have been involved in activities across the community. David was one of the initial founds of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland and served as a member of the first Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Board. David and Mary were also some of the early supporters of Bradley Initiative of Church and Community (now Family Cornerstones) and its programs.