Food Deserts, Youth Disadvantage, and What We're Doing About It

by Elizabeth Galik 12. May 2010 11:10
Sometimes one memory is enough to motivate movement.
 
In my mind, I can still see a mama of five, house-bound with obesity, asthma, and diabetes, shouting to me from a third-floor window asking for food for her family. This mama has since passed away, and urban nutrition remains a pressing need. Research reinforces what we see: our kids with dinners of hot chips and sugar-water, convenience store food.  Our kids unfortunately live on the border of a "Food Desert" region and a "Deck Stacked Against Them" region.  (See pg. 16 - we're the southwest corner of Region 23)  There is much to be done.
 
So today the Humboldt Park Kitchen Nutrition Project is underway.  With this kitchen, we host cooking classes for children and families, as well as providing nutritious dinner options for our teen ball players.  Dinner proceeds provide sustainable income for the Center, accomplishing a dual purpose.  New plumbing, electrical, gas hookups, and donated appliances have all been contributed.  The incredible men driving this renovation are using unbelievable amounts of time, work, resources, and networks all to build our kitchen!  We're now gathering volunteers to paint walls & cabinets, donations of tile, and $1,300 to safely remove the ancient flooring.  Anyone in?  
 
Let's pray and work to give our kids the best advantage we can.  Voice your support; e-mail us or join our Cause on Facebook!
 

Am I Being An Example?

by New Life Berwyn 6. May 2010 09:39

On the way to church Sunday morning my husband and I were talking about how it is that we as believers need to be examples, and yet that is the last thing that we do. No one is perfect, including myself, and we all have our struggles but that is what Christ lives for. Are we weak yes, but it's through that weakness that God's power is made perfect (2 Cor 12:9-10). He is here to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6), to set us free (John 8:31-36). However, although we are not perfect and know that as Christians we will always be criticized, we still have to be examples!  

I am just amazed at God's goodness and faithfulness. My heart and mind were racing on the way to church and when the sermon was given, God was reminding and reaffirming that every single thought and thing that came out of my mouth in the car on the way to church is what is expected of us as believers. How is it that we can constantly claim and express to people we know, whether it's through a conversation or facebook, that we believe in God, that we stand firm in His Word and in our faith, yet at the first sign of something going wrong, all that comes out of our mouth is such negativity? How is it that we can claim that we are new creations in Christ, yet we still go back to our old ways, to old habits doing things we know are not of God and being places that are not pleasing to Him? Are we human? Yes. Are there times that we just need to vent? Yes. We all struggle, we all have that right but we have to be careful how we use the rights given to us.  

People are always watching us, God is ALWAYS watching us. What examples (1 Ti 4:12; Tit 2:7) are we to each other but more importantly to non-believers and people whom God has planted a seed in but are still so frail in the faith? Don't we realize the harm we are causing to our relationship with God and the harm we are doing to those weak in the faith and those who don't have any?  

God truly spoke to me today and reminded me that I have to sit back and examine myself and my behavior. Is my behavior Godly or worldly? Am I setting and being an example to those around me, whether I know them or not? God is so faithful, so constant and His word is truth! He has told me, has told all of us, He will never let the righteous fall (Psalms 55:22). We are called to be examples, we are called to be salt and light.  

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  (Matthew 5:13-16)

 

By: Shirley Huesca  

Tags:

Berwyn

Alternative to Violence?

by Elizabeth Galik 5. May 2010 11:08

This post is guest-dictated by AJ, 13-year-old dear one at Humboldt Park.

"Violence is the only option because if you walk away from them or don't say nothing to them, they gonna keep bothering you.  If you knock they lights out, they gonna learn their lesson.  If you just say stop, they gonna keep goin and they gonna think you a punk.

[To people who say our city's too violent] "I say oh well, move out of it then.  If there's too much violence, why would you be here?  [Violence] is the key to the world."

Returning the to the author:

Clearly we have an issue here.  Can someone propose a way for AJ to solve the problem of the kid who keeps messing with him?  We're requesting solutions. 

And, by the way, the Centers is the only place where AJ hasn't been in a fight. 

Tags:

Centers

Overcoming Unemployment

by Elizabeth Galik 4. May 2010 15:15

Unemployment in Humboldt Park: 17.8%

Low-Income Families (Free or Reduced Lunch): 90%+

Community Disadvantage Index: 9/10

BLING Girls Overcoming These Obstacles: 24 strong!

Despite the barriers around them, in the past year our BLING girls have learned how to make jewelry, built their own co-op structure, and sold over $1,400 of bead jewelry to customers from all across America.  Their most recent sales experience: North Park University's RELOAD conference for urban youth workers.  Spot them in RELOAD's online photo album here.  (They're the beautiful girls selling the jewelry!)

For all intrigued readers, BLING is now offering home parties.  Our sweet girls will bring their wares to your home, showcase them to your friends, show your friends how to make a custom piece of jewelry, and take orders for custom sets.  Introduce your friends to the best girls on the west side: host your BLING party today! Email Elizabeth at info@nlcenters.org or call 773.252.1104.

Vote For Little Village Summer Softball!

by New Life Little Village 2. May 2010 19:29
New Life Little Village is running a softball in the neighborhood to help keep guys off the streets and help provide more opportunities for sports in Little Village.  Last year we had 8 teams and over 150 players and their families come out every week to play!  This year we are expanding to 16 teams and both sides of the neighborhood.  You can help make it happen!  We are running for a Pepsi Refresh grant and need you to help us vote.  You get one vote everyday for the month of May.  Please vote and promote to friends and family.  Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/littlevillagesoftballleague to place your vote.  Thanks for being a part of reaching youth and families in Little Village!