BASKETBALL, KIDS, AND POLICE
LONG SHOT-COMMUNITY CHANGE-
Over these past few months we have been noticing a buzz in our neighborhood. It's getting warmer and more people are out and about. In addition to the weather, now that our county’s stay at home order is lifted, people just want to be out of their house. Since we love being in our community, Emily and I have been out walking around with Max at different times. We have met some amazing people, including many younger kids.
In our community, there aren’t many activities for kids. We at Greenhouse have been wondering how we can change this. One day, we noticed our neighbors had a mobile basketball hoop with a broken backboard. There was a big hole right in the center. After watching the kids play, we had a thought: what if we could get two newer courts? What if we could set one up out front of our house and one on the side house? Maybe someone would donate a few?
With asking one person in the Greenhouse Project network, we were able to get a nice court the very next day! We even got two more donated for the side of the house!
Immediately, we saw neighbours’ kids coming and playing together; different ages connecting in a positive way. Having two different courts allows for so many opportunities, including different ages, times, etc. We have noticed natural borders within our community and the court on the side reaches kids from 24th street.
One day I was coming outside and I saw two Chester Police Officers playing basketball with a few neighborhood children. It was a great sight! We didn't know that a basketball court could unite people and start to create healing. It gives children a safe place to engage in a positive activity and in turn, helps our community.
Since our inception our core values have driven our philosophy of ministry. By living where we work, loving our neighbors, and making long term commitments to both people and communities we seek to create an atmosphere of change through relationship building.
We appreciate your prayers and support and would like to start inviting our partners over for a tour and a meal, so please email us to set this up. It's impossible for us to serve in our community without your committed support, thank you very much, God bless you always!
