View Kingdom Causes Asset Map in a larger map
Community Development
Since 2008, Kingdom Causes Long Beach has been a host site for AmeriCorps National members through Communities First Association. Through AmeriCorps, Kingdom Causes is actively pursuing thriving neighborhoods in Long Beach. AmeriCorps members transform neighborhoods through asset based community development (ABCD) in which community strengths and resources are connected and developed for community betterment. Specifically, members LISTEN to the neighbors by convening them, fulfill their HOPES and DREAMS through the participation and OWNERSHIP of the neighbors of their community.
In 2011, Kingdom Causes has the privilege of supporting two members in two neighborhoods in Long Beach.
Atlantic Friendly Neighborhood Coalition
9th Street and Atlantic Avenue
Reggie Galloway
In partnership with Long Beach First Friends Church, Reggie Galloway has been a loving neighbor and continues to be a great neighbor as an AmeriCorps member. Reggie is building upon the foundational work of Joe Shabel, who ended his AmeriCorps membership early this year. In the past, Joe mobilized neighbors through establishing the Atlantic Friendly Neighborhood Coalition (AFNC). AFNC was the first neighborhood group in the immediate community. Through consistent and regular AFNC meetings, neighbors focused on neighborhood beautification and neighbor participation. With the year, community achievements included a neighborhood clean up day and a block party in partnership with the Atlantic Corridor Project. Currently, Reggie hopes to continue AFNC, expand connections with other community members and establish annual events for the community.
Willmore City Neighborhood
710 Freeway and Long Beach Boulevard
Scott Jones
In partnership with the Garden Church and Long Beach Christian Fellowship, Scott Jones continues to develop the community called Willmore City. Scott renewed his AmeriCorps membership to a second year. The first year of his membership was building trust with his neighbors. Scott moved into an apartment in Willmore City and opened his backyard to the neighbors through a weekly barbeque. In partnership with Grace Harbor Church, the summer barbeques paved the way for a weekly tutoring program for neighborhood youth. Each week volunteers from City Lights, Grace Harbor Church, Second Samoan Church and the Garden Church would mentor and tutor students in academics and life. Recently, Scott hopes to establish a new neighborhood coalition in Willmore City and build ownership within the neighborhood parents.
To read specific stories from the neighborhood please read the Kingdom Causes Long Beach blog.