NECIC Hosts Faith Based Advisory Council

North End Community Improvement Collaborative, Inc. (NECIC) held their quarterly Faith Based Advisory Council Breakfast on June 1 at their new location, 134 North Main Street, Mansfield. The meeting was well-attended, with many local churches represented.

NECIC Executive Director Deanna West-Torrence discussed Open Table, an initiative currently being explored by the organization in conjunction with Richland County Children’s Services.

“This model is making a huge difference in the lives of people, and we hope to bring that success to Mansfield,” she said.

She also introduced the Faith Based Advisory Council to the Richland County Employer Resource Network. This new endeavor is part of NECIC’s workforce development strategy, and will support employees and employers alike. More about this program can be found here.

Attendees offered updates of their outreach and other activities. Among the updates were: 

Pastor Jeff Jones will launch an initiative called Fight for Love. “We fight for many things, why not love,” is the motto.

First Christian announced their community garden is doing well, and the produce is available for the public to harvest.

Pastor Jared Ruari of St. John’s UCC noted, “The big thing we are working on right now is to be better stewards of our space and better servants to the community with our building.” He added that space is available to the community, and they look forward to hosting meetings and events.

Crossroads City Center noted their partnership with Mid-Ohio Mentoring is going well, with more than 40 young people now paired with mentors. A partnership with UMADAOP was announced, as well as a Super Hero Reading Program.

Crossroads also announced that washers and dryers have been installed at Sherman and Prospect Elementary schools for area families to send laundry for volunteers to wash and return. This will address the issue of students being unable to have clean clothes for classes, often wearing the same clothing day after day.

Kingdom Grace reported a successful after-school program, and the purchase of Chrome Books for third graders via a grant. The after-school program will resume September 24 and is looking for volunteers.

Oasis of Love will hold their annual community block party on July 28, 12-4 p.m. Donations and volunteers are needed to support the event, which will feature free food, haircuts, book bags, school supplies, and more.

The next Faith Based Advisory Council Breakfast will be held September 28, 2018, at NECIC, 134 North Main Street, Mansfield. Those interested in participating should contact NECIC Community Organizer Kay Smith at 419-522-1611, Extension 113.