As this author was leaving the building after taking pictures, she met Bobby.  He introduced himself  and said, “I’m  just a street person.”   He was told he was more than a street person.  Bobby asked to have his picture taken.  His picture was taken and  he was really pleased with it.  The author asked if she could use his picture on the website and he said yes and was excited that this was going to happen.  He wondered what was happening to the building.  He was told that this building was going to be renovated into a community center and was invited to the building when it was done.  Bobby was excited to hear about this new addition to the Leavenworth area and said he would come.

God touches us in many ways, and because our church decided to Step Out and Serve Omaha, contact was made with one of God’s children – not just a street person.  Join us as we continue to renovate this building.  Contact the church office for the date people will work at the center, and look at the “Photos” on the website to see what others did on this very special day.  By the way.  It doesn’t take a special day to step out and serve.  This can be done everyday!  We look forward to you joining us.

Please join us in helping those who are impacted by vision difficulties.  All proceeds go to Prevent Blindness Nebraska.

Interfaith Incorporation Transforms Park Avenue Neighborhood

Since September 2008 Omaha faith communities have served 17,000 free meals to residents of the Park Avenue neighborhood. Working together as the interfaith group “Neighbors United” these communities have also provided clothing, basic needs and social security services to their neighbors.

On May 27, 2010, 15 of the faith communities incorporated Neighbors United as a 501(c)3. The signing event was held at First Presbyterian Church, 216 South 34^th Street. All in the community was invited to celebrate this interfaith collaboration.

Neighbors United began in partnership with inCOMMON Community Development as part of inCOMMON’s asset-based approach to community organizing in the Park Avenue neighborhood. Brittany Hanson of inCOMMON says: “In January 2008 nearly 20 leaders from Park Ave came together to honestly discuss the condition of their local neighborhood — now over two years later Neighbors United has become a dynamic local leader in collaborative, neighbor-driven action and holistic development. Neighbors United has worked hard to be inclusive, authentic and community-based and it has paid off — we have a lot to celebrate!”  

Participating faith communities: First Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, Metropolitan Community Church, First Unitarian, First Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. James United Methodist Church, Countryside Community Church, United Methodist Ministries, St. Peters Catholic Church, St. Johns Greek Orthodox, First Baptist Church, Simple Free, First Christian Church 

Contact for more information:

Brittany Hanson, Director of Neighborhood Development

Organization: inCOMMON Community Development

Telephone Number: 402.933.6672

Email Address: brittany@incommoncd.org

Website: http://incommoncd.org/ministries/neighborsunited/

 About Neighbors United:

Neighbors United, an inter-faith group of local faith leaders and parishioners in the Park Avenue neighborhoods working to collaboratively, creatively and dynamically respond in service to the assets, needs and concerns of local neighbors