Can you imagine never having heard of Chester?
Interview with Hannah Stockdale
When I applied to work for Greenhouse Project and help with their online communications I had never even heard of Chester. I didn’t know the challenges people face there or that it is one of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania and even in the United States.
For me Chester didn’t have any kind of reputation. I know that is hard to imagine, but for me you could have put Chester in a list of Springfield, Swarthmore, Radnor, and Media, and I wouldn’t have known the difference at the time.
I moved to Delco fall of 2022 from elsewhere in Pennsylvania. Being from PA and having heard of Camden you would think I would have heard of Chester but I hadn’t. Little did I know when I applied that my father-in-law already has been involved in Greenhouse Project for a long time.
When I did find out the real dangers that exist in Chester and when I first started coming in a few months ago I was definitely nervous. I only work part time for Greenhouse Project (approx 10 hr a week) so I’m not there all the time but the more I come to Chester the more “normal” it becomes.
Yes, it is in an area that needs revitalization but that is exactly why Greenhouse Project is in these neighborhoods.
If you had told me as part of this job I would be regularly visiting a challenged area one of the most dangerous cities in the US I probably wouldn’t have applied. Most people don’t put themselves into potentially dangerous places unless they have to.
However, now that I am working with Greenhouse Project I find it a great privilege to be able to learn about and share the amazing transformation stories of neighbors Greenhouse Project has been able to help through Jesus.
Can you imagine Chester being transformed so that anyone who hears of it knows it is a safe, clean place to raise a family? It may be hard to imagine but God can transform even the darkest places. Chester should not be “given up” on but rather poured into.
Takeaways from my perspective of “outsider” looking in
You can make a difference. Pastor John asked me to come to the Community Trash Clean Up. Trash isn’t something people “like” picking up but keeping our communities clean is very important. I started cleaning up trash in my own neighborhood once a week as a result of being part of this. If I see trash and don’t take personal responsibility, who is going to? We can make a difference wherever we are.
Chester has real people with real needs. It can be hard to be outside of a need and not feel “connected” to a ministry or the people whose lives are being changed. Coming and volunteering will help you get to meet our neighbors and get to know them. It was very interesting for me to see the transition in myself when I watched one of our videos and recognized people by name. It makes a difference to see people as who they are. Not just a face but a PERSON with a name and a story.
Jesus is what we have in common. No matter what background, education, vocation, hobbies, or interests you have, all Christians are in need of Christ’s salvation. No one is “better” than anyone else. You may not feel like you have an amazing transformation story but the reality is that we all have one. We were once children of darkness and now God has transformed all who believe in Him. That is the single most important reason why Greenhouse Project operates. People can feed a stomach but still starve the soul if Jesus wasn’t the center of the ministry.
Please don’t expect people from other states or areas to be rallying around Chester. They may help but they are likely not aware of the needs in Chester (as I wasn’t) and they have other areas they are ministering too. People who live in and around Chester are the ones to help out.
Ways to Volunteer and what to expect
If you’re familiar with Chester you might have some trepidation about coming in to volunteer with us or you may be wondering what it might be like. Here is a little more info but you can find a lot more info on our Volunteer page.
Chester is a real place with real needs. When you come, especially if you come alone, definitely be wise. Make sure to coordinate with Pastor John when you’re visiting so he expects you. Be mindful of your surroundings but don’t live in fear - God watches over His children.
Homework Club - Once a week on Wednesday afternoons we have an afterschool program in our 44House. People can engage with the kids on our block, assist with homework and be a positive Christ-like example for them.
Community Trash Clean Up - Twice a year we rent dumpsters and get the community involved in clean up. This year I went to the Community Trash Clean up day and there were a lot of volunteers from various churches. Groups were sent down each small block section with trash bags and gloves.
Mentoring - A mentor is very important in anyone’s life. Are you willing to come walk alongside someone who may not have many if any Christian role models to look up to?
Youth Group Volunteering - A few weeks back we had a group of teens from a sponsor church come and paint our church building. This was a great way that they can serve and come in a group.
So, are you ready to come alongside us at Greenhouse Project and transform Chester because of Christ?