It’s our intention to create tangible opportunities for people to functionally love the city of Richmond and proclaim the mercy of God to a city that is in desperate need of this truth. Part of “doing what we are” involves reflecting a love of righteousness, justice, and mercy. The greatest hope for the city of Richmond are people who love the city and serve the city with no ulterior motive and no greater reason than the fact that we have been loved by a redeeming God who has sent us to our city as His ambassadors.
A few of the organizations where you’re likely to find Redemption Hill folk:
Youth Life Foundation of Richmond: (Founded originally by our very own Heather Goodlett!) The Youth Life Foundation of Richmond is committed to nurturing the child, strengthening the family, and rebuilding the community. They believe that early support for children helps to ensure their successful future. Their comprehensive after-school and full-summer program services aim to help children develop into leaders who positively influence their families and communities. Ongoing Needs: Mentors to work with the students 2 hours a week, between 3:30-5:30 or 4-6 Monday through Thursday.
Church Hill Activities & Tutoring: (Where our very own Christopher Whiting and Taylor Winters serve full-time!) CHAT’s goal is to create and sustain intentional communities that are dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth in Church Hill. Check out their site to see what opportunities there are to serve and what ongoing needs exist within this great local ministry. Check out our younger kids missional playdates with CHAT and YLFR.
Freedom House: Freedom House helps the homeless sustain, attain and maintain the skills and resources they need to lead them toward change and a better life. In particular, we have worked with the Conrad Center program which, “serves both the homeless and the working poor who, for instance, may live in a small rooming house and do not have access to kitchen facilities or are working at minimum-wage jobs and cannot afford to prepare or purchase meals. Many guests struggle with addictions, mental illness or temporary financial hardships. No matter how guests arrive, The Conrad Center may be the only opportunity for some people to receive a hot and nutritious meal.” The Freedom House keeps a running list of needs on their site ranging from bus passes to men’s and women’s clothes. They are always booking groups of people to come and serve dinner at the Conrad House facility.
Hope for Richmond: We are in the seed stages of putting flesh on the bones of these intentions with an effort called “Hope For Richmond”. It is our aim to develop a movement throughout the city connecting individuals, families, small groups and churches to existing opportunities that allow them to love Richmond. There are many excellent Gospel-centered non-profits in our city whose greatest need is manpower. They are often underserved and under funded. We intend to create a movement that unites their greatest need with the church’s greatest asset: people. Stay tuned for more information.