What an amazing year of transition and growth for the Flourish Community Development Corporation. This past July, we moved into our new home on West Division St. in the Heart of the Westside neighborhood. The gift of this location is a blessing well beyond office space. It establishes Flourish as a member of the community it desires to serve. It makes us a neighbor to those in need.
Since moving, we have spent time getting to know our new neighbors. We have gone door to door, handing out flags for Memorial Day and goodie bags to celebrate National Good Neighbor week. We hosted a neighborhood cookout and ice cream social.
As we celebrate our first Christmas in the neighborhood, we have decorated and added Christmas lights to the building as a symbol of the HOPE and JOY that God offers to this Westside community.
LIFE CHANGE PROGRAMS
Thanks to some great volunteers, we conducted more life-change programs this year than ever before: one Jobs for Life class, two Faith & Finance classes, three Boundaries sessions, and one Bible study. These Christ-centered programs provide more than basic skills to overcome current challenges. Participants are reminded that God wants the best for them and that there IS a pathway to hope and self-sufficiency.
The Coach House Ministry, which provides a home and support for women needing transitional housing, has operated at near capacity all year. Most Coach House residents also participate in the life-change programs. It’s incredible to witness these women rebuild relationships, grow in their faith, and discover a new path (See a testimony from one resident).
FLOURISH FOOD PANTRY AT SCHWEITZER
In September, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Food Pantry at Schweitzer. What an incredible journey! We have provided food, faith, and fellowship to more than 300 households each month this year.
COMING UP IN 2024
Earlier this year, Flourish was chosen by DHTC Development to be the Resource Coordinator for two mixed-income, 41-unit apartment complexes. We will step into this role more in 2024 as we engage with residents to help build a strong sense of community and identify opportunities for personal growth as well as spiritual and economic well-being.
In everything we do, as Flourish looks to the future with God’s leading, we will continue to build relationships and transform lives as we serve the needs of our community.