by Wayne Thompson, Executive Director
Flourish recently celebrated its one-year anniversary of establishing its office in the Heart of the Westside (HOTW), a historic neighborhood located on the northwest side of Springfield. This community also currently faces some significant socioeconomic challenges.
- 22% of adults have not completed high school
- 52% of households have incomes of less than $30,000
- Crime is two times the national average.
Additionally, residents are hesitant to report crime for fear of reprisal. There are few employment opportunities within walking distance. The homeless sleep in yards and leave behind needles and trash. Parents are not comfortable letting their children play outdoors unaccompanied. Surprisingly, no other nonprofits serve this area and the nearby churches have small congregations with limited resources.
Our presence in this area specifically is making a difference. As an organization, Flourish strives to help those who desire life transformation. Our approach is simple, but it is not easy. Building a relationship of trust takes time. It requires showing up, engaging, being genuine, and listening. We learn by experiencing life alongside residents. Having our “home” in the neighborhood has allowed us to build those relationships. Through knocking on doors, hosting community events, and attending Neighborhood Association meetings we have met incredible folks. Here’s who we have met along the way:
- Mrs. H is a 91-year-old woman living alone, she greets us with a smile and conversation every time we knock on her door.
- The L’s are a young family with two children. We’ve talked with Mrs. L, a stay-at-home mom who also grew up in this neighborhood. She laments the challenges it now faces.
- The M’s are an elderly couple who have lived in their house their entire married life. On nice days, we find this elderly woman sitting on her front porch. She has an engaging smile and a welcoming spirit.
- The M’s purchased a home for their daughter to live in while attending MSU. They moved into it upon her graduation a dozen years ago. They are huge KC Royals fans.
- B and W grew up in the neighborhood and moved back as a young man. She has a heart for the many feral cats in the neighborhood.
- The S’s recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Flourish celebrated with them by dropping off some flowers and a small cake. He remains upbeat while dealing with Parkinson’s.
- Mrs. B is a widow and retired teacher. She keeps a pair of size 15 men’s boots on her front porch so people think there is a male presence in the home.
These are just a few of our neighbors. Though they all have a unique story, they are united in their desire to make the HOTW a safe and vital neighborhood. Flourish endeavors to encourage and support their efforts. We are beginning to see results.
Flourish is proud to call this area OUR home. Your prayers and gifts support our ongoing efforts to build relationships, address challenges, and support our neighbors’ efforts to transform our community. We look forward to seeing what God has planned for the Heart of the Westside.
(Article Below continued from Fall Spark Magazine)
What We are Seeing Today!
- Our green Flourish tee shirts are now recognized as a force for good as we walk the neighborhood.
- One of the local churches supports our efforts as their resources allow.
- Attendance at the Neighborhood Association meeting has more than tripled.
- Attendance has increased at each of the Flourish community events.
- Recently, Flourish, the Neighborhood Association, and several residents asked the City to repair a walking track that circles the Park. The City responded within 30 days. The sidewalk is now fixed.
- Most yards are now being maintained and more flower beds have been planted.
- Many homes display the small American flags we handed out for Memorial Day.
- Our first “Good Neighbor” meeting held at the Flourish office was well-attended.
- The streets in the neighborhood have been resurfaced.
These small wins seem to be inspiring a growing sense of community and empowerment. Change can happen, and resident involvement can make a difference.
There is still much to do. The access roads and alleyways need to be maintained and better lit. Many of the trees are very mature and overgrown and crowd out the streetlights, making the streets and sidewalks dark. Nuisance or abandoned homes need to be repaired or demolished. Trusting relationships with law enforcement need to be fostered.