Opportunities to make the world a better place should never be taken for granted.  Such an opportunity is knocking on our door.

It is the Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation (J-SCDC). We have some familiarity with it since it was the recipient of the financial proceeds from last year’s United Methodist Men’s golf outing and it was an alternative giving option for our Christmas offerings. But I have come to believe it is more than a place to send money, it also provides us with a hands-on place to live out our discipleship. 

Let me give my reasons.  First some history: In 2001 the Second Grace United Methodist Church on Joy Road just west of the Southfield Freeway in Detroit founded the J-SCDC.  It initially operated a “mini-clinic” for uninsured residents.  Located in the church, the miniclinic provided preventive health screening, physical examinations, vaccinations, immunizations and follow-up on hospital emergency department visits.  In order to meet an increasing need for primary and preventive healthcare a 3,900 square foot Health and Education Center was constructed in 2005.  The new facility, financed largely by the United Methodist Church, and supported by a diverse network of churches, faiths, community organizations, and foundations, enables the J-SCDC to begin reducing healthcare disparities within their community. 

In addition to the health clinic, they are developing a housing program with a twofold emphasis: home foreclosure prevention and home renovation.  The J-SCDC is collaborating with the Skillman Foundation to assist residents to prevent foreclosure.  Regarding home renovation, they are just beginning to explore ways to assist homeowners in their service area with minor repairs and fix-ups.

A third component of the J-SCDC is their youth programs. They are involved in several programs to support local youth and their families: a mentoring program at a local school; a summer youth program at Second Grace UMC; and a partnership with the Skillman Foundation Good Neighborhoods Initiative.

Not being someone with medical expertise two opportunities stand out to me: mentoring young people and swinging a hammer to help repair homes.  These are available to many in our church, and as I suggested, are ways we can live out our faith.

Our church has a great history of giving financially and volunteering, so getting involved with J-SCDC is another way we can keep our tradition alive and well.  To be able to positively impact the life of individuals in the name of Jesus is surely part of furthering the kingdom of God, and is both our privilege and responsibility.  And guess what: this opportunity is in our “backyard.” Indeed, an opportunity is knocking and we dare not ignore it!

Stay tuned for more details.

Serving Jesus together,
Jeff