Reflections on 2025

It seems like the end of the year is a great time to reflect and revise.  This year has seen many explorations of where and how we can serve our local and the greater community.  

Our Neighbors in Need program was a success. 

Since we no longer had our connection with the Midwest Foodbank, we helped our neighbors with with food both by taking them shopping and to local pantries.  We also helped with phone cards and most recently provided working stoves to those without. 

Our beloved neighbor whose house burned down stayed with his family at our house throughout the holidays, and we are committed to helping him rebuild his home.

We helped a local ministry make a start on a house of worship, providing a new roof for thier building in the roughest part of our neighborhood.  There they will provide spiritual guidance and services to uplift those who have lost hope, not to mention hot food and drinks for those in the neighborhood. 

Maybe my favorite project was the lawncrew. We gathered some of our teenage boys together and got them started mowing lawns.  We provided free lawn care to many of the residents who could not afford to help, and thanks to the help of the Neighborhood Mini Grant program getting lawn-mowers and other lawn care equipment that was put to great use.

The youth programming expanded beyond our neighborhood borders.  We worked with families who were brought to us through the courts, having them work with their children on the Ambassadors of Kindness program.  It was beautiful to see the parents talking with their kids about forgiveness, courage and respect.  What a great way to connect in this era of cell phones and texting.  

We ran our Opening Week at the Art Garage as usual with hatching of our baby chicks, and had a closing week of activities as well during the Fall Break.  Both week long activities were filled with creative activities and connection of our local neighborhood kids.  

Maybe the most rewarding and challening was our work with the Dream Center.  We began running the Ambassadors of Kindness program in April and then continued into their summer program, where we added our Conceptual Math program.  Both programs were revealing and brought a deeper understanding of how we can meet the children of this generation.  Areas of growth, for sure.

I am excited for what is to come.  Wait for the next post to see our new mission statement for 2026.