The nonprofit organization Good Knights of Lorain County recently reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its 5,000th bed to a child in need. This achievement, celebrated on November 8, 2023, underscores the organization’s five-year commitment to ensuring that no child in the local community sleeps on the floor. Founded in 2020, Good Knights has transformed from a small group of volunteers into a vital grassroots organization that continues to impact Ohio families profoundly.
From Vision to Reality
The vision for Good Knights was born from the experiences of its founder, Roger L. Dorsey. As a child, Dorsey understood the challenges of sleeping on the floor. Today, he leads an organization that has grown dramatically, now operating from an 8,100-square-foot facility located at 728 Leona Road in Elyria. This new headquarters serves as a hub for production and distribution, reflecting the organization’s expanding mission.
“Every bed we deliver is a promise kept — a promise that no child should go without the comfort, dignity, and rest that a good night’s sleep provides,” Dorsey stated. He added that reaching the milestone of delivering 5,000 beds represents “5,000 stories of hope,” emphasizing the organization’s ongoing commitment to its mission.
Building Partnerships and Community Support
Good Knights has developed valuable partnerships with organizations such as Rotary International and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. These collaborations have enabled the nonprofit to provide not only beds but also skill-building opportunities through initiatives like “Building a Better Tomorrow.” This program allows incarcerated individuals to assist in constructing bed frames, thereby contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The new facility, completed earlier this year, has become a beacon of hope in Lorain County. It is equipped to produce and distribute up to 2,000 beds annually. The state-of-the-art shop includes multiple bed-building stations, volunteer training areas, and dedicated spaces for community events and storage for mattresses and linens.
“This milestone belongs to every volunteer, donor, and partner who believed in our mission,” said Russ Hill, chairman of the Good Knights Board of Directors. “What started with one man’s story has become a community movement — a testimony that when people come together, incredible things happen.”
Future Initiatives and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Good Knights aims to expand its impact beyond Lorain County, with plans to implement similar programs in correctional facilities and community centers across Ohio. The organization encourages public involvement, inviting individuals to visit the new facility, volunteer, or sponsor a bed. Each complete twin bed, which includes a frame, mattress, pillow, and bedding, costs $300, with every dollar directly supporting a child in need.
The journey from delivering the first bed to the 5,000th exemplifies the power of community compassion and commitment. As Good Knights of Lorain County continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to ensure that every child has a place to sleep that offers them comfort and dignity.
