Exciting Service Opportunities Help 4th Street Neighborhood
By Mary Barnum
Soon after the adult meeting at 4th Street got underway, several Xenos members started investing in the neighborhood, and with Indianola Middle School, located across the alley behind our Pavilion.
One of the most challenging schools in Columbus, Indianola Middle School sits in the highest-poverty-rate area in the county. Moreover, out of 613 public junior high schools in Ohio, it ranks 598th with proficiency scores in every subject, all well below 50 percent.
Making friends through serving
Home Group Leader Patrice McCormac initiated with school administrators, inquiring of ways people could help. Debby Campbell, also a home group leader, began substitute teaching, building relationships with teachers and the principal. And Home Group Consultant, John Cleary, and I met Trish, a volunteer coordinator at the Godman Guild.
The Godman Guild is a non-profit social service organization operating in the neighborhood for more than 100 years (see the link at from xenos.org/4thst). Trish is a dedicated community advocate, leader and mentor.
She brought together some other neighborhood leaders, and discussions began about coordinating efforts to revitalize the playground and park area behind the school. They were excited to work with us because so many people from Xenos expressed interest in volunteering.
The Godman Guild and the University Area Enrichment Association are trying to "connect people with spaces," and bring a sense of ownership and pride to area residents.
They have started multiple community gardens, and have the larger goal of teaching nutrition and small business skills to community residents. These key relationships are being built with people who are committed to improving our city.
Initiatives lead to service opportunities
All of these initiatives have dovetailed into some major opportunities to serve and love the neighbors of Indianola Middle School. For instance, Patrice connected with Michelle Patac from the graduate Department of Education at The Ohio State University.
Michelle has been trying to involve Indianola School parents in various school-related activities. She invited us to send volunteers to serve and participate in four May activities, to meet and help parents and their kids, and to serve dinner and eat with them.
In mid-May, Debby Campbell's efforts culminated in a school grounds' clean-up day. Around 75 to100 people picked up trash, planted trees and cleaned up a neglected courtyard beside the school.
At the next "parent night," parents, kids and school staff expressed how astonished and grateful they were for how much was accomplished.
Awards ceremony recognizes Xenos folks
John Cleary's group helped at the awards/recognition ceremony. He says, "Our home group got the incredible benefit of witnessing glory being given to God by staff and parents.
A grad-student coordinator from OSU thanked Xenos, and the principal said, "You have been the best neighbors! We have had our cars vandalized and towed by previous neighbors. You allowed us to park there and even got involved. You really walk your talk and live out Christianity."
John says that upon hearing this, the room of about 15 parents, some kids and a few staff, applauded. One of the parent coordinators said, "Their clean-up of our school grounds has completely changed the face of the school. We all appreciate this so much."
Afterward, a couple of moms thanked John's group, and expressed interest in what's going on at 4th street.
Michelle said she started this program to build health and connection between parents, students, staff and community; and was so thankful we will be there now that this program is over. She praised Debby Campbell for her efforts, enthusiasm and hard work.
"We all felt like we stepped into something that many have made possible," shares John, "and got to witness an impact on our community that honored God. What a blast!"
Summer projects are underway
In addition to this encouraging news and relationship-building, the City of Columbus approved the revitalizing project for the playground/park area. We broke ground on the community garden on June 18, setting in motion phase 1 of a project that stands to make a huge impact on the neighborhood.
Other summer plans for the park include repairing: a massive playground structure that is currently dangerous to play on, a ball field so that it can be filled with kids again, and some dilapidated basketball and volleyball courts.
Our next effort is to work with community leaders like Trish and others to start a Community Gardener's Market on the Xenos 4th Street property. They also have expressed appreciation for our college ministry houses, and their hope that the students living in these houses get involved in positive ways in the community.
Please pray for ongoing relationship-building and for God's grace to become a saving reality in many lives in our area. To volunteer or for information, go to http://www.xenos.org/4thstreet/ .
