“The weather was beautiful and I think folks felt really good about coming together and making aesthetic improvements to the area,” said the Rev. Ron Owen, chief of domestic programs for FreshMinistries.

 

But picking up trash is more than just an aesthetic change, said Beverly Toney, director of FreshMinistries’ 6-Point Community Initiative and coordinator of the ENA.

 

“This sort of thing helps residents feel more pride in their neighborhood,” said Toney.  “And when they get that feeling of pride, they’re more willing to look out for each other, call the police about crime and stand up for the success of their community.”

 

But Toney said the main highlight of the clean-up was seeing the ENA mostly functioning on its own, without the need for major assistance from FreshMinistries.

 

“When the monthly neighborhood meetings first began several months ago at the Resource Center, I was knocking on residents’ doors, encouraging them just to show up,” said Toney.  “Now we’re getting 40 to 50 people gladly coming to each meeting.  They’ve elected Association officers and they’re coordinating events like this one on their own without needing much of my help anymore.”

 

“We’re still here to help bring programs and resources to the area,” said Owen.  “But the community has seen that they can make a difference in their neighborhood, so they’re doing just that, and they’re starting to do it on their own.”