Partnerships

PARTNERSHIPS

At Creston Church, we believe that God is working in us and through us to do amazing things in our community. But we also believe that God's work in our neighborhood is much bigger than our little church. These are some of the organizations in our community that we partner with and support, through whom God is also working in exciting ways.

Catherine's Health Center: Catherine's is a non-profit, community-based health clinic in our neighborhood that provides access to quality healthcare, especially to those who are uninsured, underinsured, or underserved. Find more info here.

Communities Organizing for Racial Equity (CORE):
CORE is an organization that raises awareness and organizes for racial reconciliation. CORE holds regular 2.5-day trainings to help people learn about racism in a new and redemptive way, using the context of history, faith, and Scripture. These trainings provide insight into systemic racism and how we can work to eliminate it in the body of believers throughout the world. About a third of our congregation has attended a CORE training, and the work of CORE has largely influenced Creston Church's Anti-Racism Team. Learn more about CORR here.

Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA): Our neighborhood association is vibrant and active in our community. CNA hosts local events, organizes for public safety, and offers education on homeownership. They improve playgrounds and parks, add art to our neighborhood, and work to advocate for health care, schools, businesses, green space, and affordable housing for seniors in our neighborhood. They also manage the Carrier Street Community Gardens and work closely with the Creston Business Association. Learn more here.

New City Neighbors: New City Neighbors is a non-profit in our neighborhood that participates in urban renewal projects and works closely with youth in our community. Their ministries include an urban farm, bakery, and cafe that employ and empower local youth, as well as an afterschool program and a summer camp. They partner with neighbors and local churches to connect each student to a volunteer and build relationships. Learn more here.

New Development Corporation: New Development provides affordable housing opportunities in our area. They rehabilitate vacant or deteriorated homes and sell them to buyers within a certain income limit. They also offer a variety of homebuyer education classes. More info here.

North End Community Ministries (NECM): NECM offers a variety of programs and services for those in our neighborhood, including a food pantry, personal care pantry, infant and toy closet, back to school supplies, holiday gift basekts, and classes on cooking, nutrition, and parenting. Find more info here.

Supper House of North End Community Ministries: Supper House is another ministry of NECM, held in the building of St. Alphonsus' Catholic Church (228 Carrier NE). Every Tuesday and Thursday evening a hot, nutritious meal is served to community members for free. Over 400 people gather each week for good food and community. Learn more here.

VITA Tax Program: St. Alphonsus partners with Creston CRC and New Development Corporation to host the VITA Tax Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) every February through April. The program offers free income tax preparation to people with an income level of $56,000 or less. St. Al's is one of many VITA tax sites, offering help on Thursdays and Saturdays. To schedule an appointment at St. Al's or find out more, call (616) 913-4414.