After a season of dynamic planning, Neighbors United launched the Community Meals, a dual purposed weekly initiative on September 13, 2008. With at least one in four local residents living below the poverty threshold, the offering of a free weekly meal has begun to alleviate the persistent strain of many of our neighbors working multiple jobs just to cover the necessities; however, the purpose of the Community Meals does not end there.
In addition to affronting material poverty, the Community Meals initiative aims to develop relationships and social capital with and among Park Avenue neighbors. With the involvement of over twelve churches and organizations and over 100 volunteers, the Community Meals initiative is naturally building relational bridges and supportive networks leading toward holistic individual and community development. “Building social capital is most importantly a means of building human capital—strengthening the capacities of individuals and families to overcome adversities and create and take advantage of opportunities” — through relationships and the development of intertwined social networks.
WHEN: Every Saturday; 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: First Baptist Church, 421 Park Avenue
A meal is served every Saturday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church (421 Park Avenue). We warmly invite all neighbors, local parishioners, interested community members come and enjoy a warm meal and the company of each other. You can also check out a recent Omaha World Herald article about the Community Meals here.
GET INVOLVED: The act of sharing a meal provides a simple, yet prime opportunity for families, neighbors, and the larger community to come together–building true, mutual relationships and developing a greater sense of community around a common table. Each meal is donated, prepared, and served by volunteers from local faith communities; other volunteers come to intentionally build relationships and ensure a warm, hospitable environment.
If you are interested in joining us around the table, there is a place set for you. We have a variety of opportunities of involvement for individuals, families, small groups, etc. ranging from preparing and serving meals to coming on a monthly or more basis simply to relationally engage neighbors. Check out the Community Meals Volunteer Framework here and the Community Meals brochure here.
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February 2, 2009 at 8:57 pm
February 2009 « “Transforming Communities through Community”
[...] community building and development. Neighbors United launched its most recent initiative, the Community Meals, in September 2008; the initiative has become a smashing success. In just four and half months we [...]
April 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm
April 2009 « “Transforming Communities through Community”
[...] Neighbors United Community Meal Initiative continues to be a wild success in the Park Avenue neighborhoods. Each week over 160 neighbors are [...]