City Gate expands partnership with DCBC and assumes management of Johenning Center
Just when it seemed that a loss of mission funds might end years of servant ministry to one of the poorest neighborhoods in DC, the Johenning Center is instead experiencing a new and practical vision of hope. But this story really began three years ago.
The ink was barely dry on City Gate's incorporation as a new 501(c)3 nonprofit when Jere Allen, then DCBC (District of Columbia Baptist Convention) Executive Director/Minister, asked us to put together an after-school program at Johenning, funded by the Children Youth Investment Trust Corporation. No one knew what a giant leap that little step would become!
Providing homework assistance, a computer lab, and social and recreational activities for neighborhood children opened a door to the larger community, including interaction with nearby elementary schools, local churches and neighborhood groups. In the summer of 2002, when DC Public School programs were drastically curtailed by a funding crisis, City Gate had the opportunity to run a day camp for 90 neighborhood children at Ferebee-Hope Elementary School.
Problem or opportunity?
And then, as some might say, the bottom dropped out. Others would say God opened a window of opportunity. Not only did the grant for the after-school program (operated by City Gate) run out, but the North American Mission Board (NAMB) withdrew nearly half of a million dollars in funding from DCBC, leaving Johenning without staff or program funds.
But neither City Gate nor the DC Baptist Convention could turn away from a neighborhood of such tremendous need. Serving the Washington Highlands and Congress Heights neighborhoods, Johenning represents 30,000 people, including 10,000 children, half of whom live in poverty. And it is those families, in the most difficult of situations, who need the Center most.
Walking away from this neighborhood was not an option. City Gate and DCBC scraped together enough resources to keep the after-school program running through the winter of 2003. A new partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank provides a hot and nutritious meal for each child daily.
Miracles still happen!
On faith, plans were made for an extensive summer program, but resources failed to materialize. Then, a miracle happened. Barely 48 hours before summer camp was scheduled to begin, and the week that NAMB's financial support ended, we received a grant for $27,000.
Those funds provided summer salaries for a dozen staff members. Additionally, Urban Hands mission groups were able to add Vacation Bible School lessons, music, games, and crafts during several weeks of the program. However, when the blur of summer activity ended, not only was there no money for a fall program, but the basic operational resources to keep the Center open were in doubt.
A Creative Solution
With immediate action needed, Lynn Bergfalk and Jeffrey Haggray explored the possibility of City Gate assuming management over the Center. City Gate would not only continue its out-of-school time programs with children, but it would also seek to maintain a broader ministry reflective of DCBC's continuous commitment to the Johenning neighborhood.
Within a week, City Gate secured a commitment from Alternatives Unlimited to house a special high school educational program at the Center. Run by the Alternative Learning Academy, this program helps cover basic facility cost without limiting the after-school program or other community services the Center hopes to provide.
While still scrambling for funding, City Gate initiated a scaled-back after-school program for 30 children in late September (hoping to bring back other children from the summer program when funds are secured). The new Academy began classes in mid-October and offers a much-needed alternative for youth who have not been successful in existing schools.
City Gate has also arranged for Metropolitan Outreach Fellowship (a congregation committed to mission), the Washington Project (providing economic empowerment), and Vision Ministries (a mentoring program for youth) to continue using the Johenning Center as a base for community ministry. In addition, City Gate is discussing collaborative efforts with each of these organizations in order to expand the Center's overall program. Meanwhile, utilizing food and monetary donations, City Gate has continued the Johenning tradition of providing Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions to families in need.
Only the Beginning of a New Chapter
In God's providence, the end of NAMB funding was not the end of the story, but rather the beginning of a vibrant new chapter of ministry and hope. Our DCBC churches clearly recognize the Center as God's work and as "our" ministry whose future is not dependent upon human circumstances or the decisions of others. The challenges ahead cannot be minimized, and the need for financial support and volunteerism is greater than ever. But as missionary pioneer Adoniram Judson said, "The future is as bright as the promises of God!"
Push open the Center's doors today, and you will find a place of life, hope, and energy. If you pick up the phone and call (202-561-5113), the helpful voice on the other end belongs to Brenda Tyree. In order to provide management oversight, City Gate has re-opened an office from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday. Brenda, who knows Southeast DC well, brings over 25 years of experience to her new role in the Johenning office.
Brenda raised her eyebrows when Lynn Bergfalk told her that in addition to facility coordination and administrative work, her responsibilities would include "outreach." She has since discovered, while delivering Thanksgiving turkeys and preparing Christmas baskets, that this new assignment is the best part of her job. "I love it!" Brenda exclaims. "It's a blessing. It makes you feel so wonderful to think you can assist those around you who are in need."
...a new chapter, but the same old story that folks have loved to tell through the centuries.