Why is Community Engagement so lackluster? (part 1)
It’s been two years of operating our ministry through challenging pandemic conditions. Praise God that we are seemingly emerging from the worst two years of most of our lives. Before I launch into a typical blogpost, I want to thank you for visiting with LHCC today and for your support during these past two years. We are grateful for the Lord’s guidance and provision. What we do is never about puffing ourselves up with our successes and accomplishments, but instead, to be His hands and feet and to give God the glory for all that He has done through our prayers and efforts. The Lord does not need us. He could absolutely accomplish everything without us, but He invites us to partner on the mission field, that we call Learning Help Centers of Charlotte, here in the under-served corner of the crescent of Charlotte.
Psalm 51:10-12 still resonates with us after two years of struggles for many, including lives upended and even lives lost on account of COVID. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Truth be told, LHCC has been challenged in many ways to stay on mission and respond to the tremendous needs. We were however blessed mightily with resources to truly meet the needs of the families we serve, deepen relationships and grow our ministry and team. Our doors have been more open than closed. Our team of volunteers more responsive to basic needs than we would otherwise have been through our typical pre-pandemic programs. We met and engaged incredible partners and supporters who have walked alongside us and risen to the occasion beyond our expectations.
Today, I plan to introduce an issue that we see across our community as we and other social-good organizations seek to serve the Latino Diaspora in the South Blvd area.
One of our board-approved strategic goals this year is to grow our diversified program services. Among these services are the enhancement of our Camino and Atrium network collaborations for family medical services and wellness education. We’re now complementing our core programs that address food insecurity and workforce development. We also launched our family supported Kinship Kitchen initiative that feeds and provide nutritional meals. Growth is however dependent upon increasing the number of church partners, volunteers and program participants. The latter is often a challenge despite our tireless efforts at attracting and retaining families. The story ends well though, and once again we count ourselves blessed by the Lord’s provision of resources and response to our constant prayers, for wisdom and discernment so that helping really helps.
During a recent team meeting, we contemplated the disturbing trend that others have experienced for many years, despite the pandemic, pertaining to community engagement. For example, a team member attended a meeting at the local YMCA on the topic of healthcare. Just seven people attended, and three of the attendees were from our organization. Disappointing by most accounts, but no one is giving up. A second example occurred with our new healthcare partner Atrium Health, who recently celebrated a new low-income clinic on South Blvd with a ribbon cutting ceremony, dedicated to serving at little or no-cost to families. The number of new patients has been lackluster and frankly very disappointing, especially since so many in the community do not have access to affordable care.
What’s the problem? Why are people seemingly not engaging? The answer is simple. Its fear. Fear of the unknown. It’s embedded in stepping out in faith and with courage to secure the services they desperately need. In my next post, I’ll elaborate on why Atrium sought to open the clinic and provide some secrets as to how LHCC has responded to this systemic challenge.
Until then, I am,
Brent Morris
ED, LHCC
March 2022
