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Three churches—Salem Evangelical, Salem Alliance and First Nazarene—have major projects rising on their respective campuses. Not only is that good news for the local construction economy, all three buildings are designed for neighborhood outreach. Salem E continues to build its relationship with Highland School while Salem Alliance is preparing for the annual North Neighborhoods Health Fair on March 4. This is a nice partnership with the N2 Community Progress Team (CPT). Notice the frequent mention of CPTs, churches, schools and neighborhoods? We are huge boosters of the CPT methodology, which occurs in partnership with the Marion County Children and Families Commission. SLF Lightning Rod: Sam Skillern, 503-884-8194. |
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Written by Sam Skillern
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Daniel was the first kid I met when I showed up at Grant school's gym in 1996. I was part of a daring experiment: Could large pods of church people volunteer at a public school and not mess up? Churches helping schools is commonplace today. Twelve years ago, many people thought it was illegal. How far we have come! And kids like Daniel are testament to the value of church-school partnerships in our neighborhoods. Daniel was a sweet-spirited first-grader when we shot hoops during that first "Fantastic Friday" in Grant's gym. And yet, statistically, he was at high risk of struggling in life, being wooed by the gangs and dropping out of school. Indeed, as I watched Daniel grow up, these theoretical risks became real-life threats. But every time he hit a crossroad, he had a "family of neighbors" who cared. When schoolwork was tough, his mentor cheered him on. When mom or dad lost a job, Salem Alliance Church provided food, furniture and friendship. When the gangs came calling, his soccer coach ran interference. When his friends tempted him toward drugs or sex, he called one of his neighborhood role models for strength. |
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Hats off to First Nazarene Church for recent City Council approvals for its campus expansion, which will include a community center and outreach services. In addition, the church helped launch Hope Station, a program that engages working families to volunteer and have access to food, clothing and household items. Click here for the story from the Statesman Journal (April 12). Salem Alliance once again hosted the annual Grant-Highland Health Fair on March 5 and will host the upcoming DHS Foster Care Appreciation Dinner May 28. |
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Wayne Crowder spends the 2nd Saturday of every month at the Union Gospel Mission, serving food. He has partnered with people from Church on the Hill, United Way staffers, with anybody who is interested. Wayne's granddaughters come regularly to help out; they sang Christmas carols for the folks last December, he said. "It's great to see the youth getting involved. We have a couple of twins that come with us on a regular basis. They... knew nothing about the homeless culture until they came with my granddaughter. They were in the 8th grade at that time. Their first day there serving behind the counter I watched them as tears ran down their cheeks... It touched them, and they've come back every month for eight months now. It's a good safe place to serve." |
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