Testimonies

Redeemer Community Partnership is a rare organization that builds social capital from within the neighborhood. Many nonprofits boast grassroots connections, but RCP staff members live and work in the community they serve. RCP has been instrumental in several projects that have altered both the social and physical landscape of the community. The Adventures Ahead tutoring program combines volunteers and parental involvement to expand the academic frontiers of children. Mural painting, tree planting, carnivals, and other activities create a sense of neighborliness where none existed before. RCP also employed community organizing techniques to close liquor stores that were hubs of illegal activity and intimidation along the major thoroughfares. In short, RCP is a model of neighbors helping neighbors to transform a community from the inside out.

 

Timothy Sato 
USC Center for Religion
and Civic Culture

Living in South Los Angeles has exposed me to some disturbing issues of the inner city. I have witnessed the devastating effects of a gang war, seen racial tension divide the community, and know a family whose 10 year old son was bullied and robbed in his own house during broad daylight. Despite living under these harsh realities, I have ample reason to hope for the city because of the work of Redeemer Community Partnership. RCP has initiated some beautiful transformations in my community: I have heard neighbors marvel at the safety of our neighborhood after RCP organized community members to close down two liquor stores, where drugs, crime, and prostitution often occurred; I have seen parents demonstrate their gratefulness for RCP’s tutoring program by heading up a parents’ clean up day for the center; and I know some high school youth in its program who have quit drugs and petty crime, and painted over their own graffiti to pursue a life of purpose. RCP has transformed the lives of people living in my community and I am completely grateful for it!

Joan Wong 
RCP Board Member