Communities of Shalom
What Is Shalom?
Shalom is the Hebrew word used for peace and wholeness. It represents the journey towards hope and wholeness through which people experience health, prosperity, security, cooperation and spiritual renewal.
Shalom is a biblical concept, as described in the passage of Jeremiah 29:7: "Seek the shalom of the community, for it is in its shalom that you will find your shalom. "
What Are Shalom Communities?
The United Methodist Church's Communities of Shalom Initiative began in 1992 after the Los Angeles riots. This General Board of Global Ministries program helps address the internal and external pressures of poverty, racism, limited resources, and the demise of the spirit by bringing individuals, corporations, churches and communities together.
Are there Shalom Communities in Charlotte?
There are currently three Shalom communities in Charlotte. They are: Optimist Park; Thomasboro; and Southside.
Where Is the Community of Shalom-Southside?
The boundaries that define Southside Shalom are I-77 and South Tryon, Tremont and Clanton Roads. This area includes Southside Homes, Brookhill Village and other smaller neighborhoods within the boundaries.
The Southside neighborhood consists of approximately 397 public housing units. Many residents are single parents.
The Brookhill neighborhood consists of over 400 privately owned apartments, which are rented to the residents.
Our Vision:
Our vision for the Communities of Shalom-Southside is to be recognized as a well-organized neighborhood, where residents experience ever-increasing levels of independence, as well as empowerment to improve their lives.
Our Mission:
The mission of the Communities of Shalom-Southside is to organize the various assets* existing in the Southside Community so that the residents are at the central hub of activity, defining and directing the way in which the assets are used so that the quality of life of the residents is improved.
*Assets include businesses, people, agencies, and churches that are involved in the neighborhood.
Current Projects
The Summer Lunch Program provides lunches to children in the Shalom Community who normally receive "free lunch" at school. This takes place on the days during the summer when CMS does not operate their "hot lunch" site.
The Community Garden is an ongoing project. Community members are encouraged to use a small piece of land to grow produce for themselves, their family and friends. This is a cooperative effort between Shalom and Charlotte Green.
The Book Exchange Program has been developed to teach the children and parents the joy of reading. Books have been donated for all ages and are distributed. The participants are encouraged to return the books and take new ones. The goal of this program is to increase juvenile and adult literacy.
The Drill of Unity is an ongoing project for the children and youth of the community. This step/flag/drum corps meets 2-3 times a week for practice and performs at various functions. The goal of this project is to bring community members together by giving them something in which to participate and take pride. To date, over 100 youth, as well as parents and other adult volunteers, are working side by side. The Drill of Unity is a cooperative effort between the Communities of Shalom-Southside, the YMCA, United Family Services, Myers Park United Methodist Church and The Bethlehem Center.
A CAN (Computer Access Neighborhood) Computer Lab is located in the Southside Shalom Community. It is for use by both students and adults. This lab serves as a primary learning site for CMS students who need access to computers in order to prepare for the NC Computer Competency Exam. It also provides a place for adults to learn and improve their skills for the job market.
CHAMP is designed to partner Senior High members of the Charlotte community with children/youth in the Southside and Brookhill neighborhoods. The partners provide enrichment activities, academic encouragement and support, and mentoring to children in grades 1-5. This is a one-to-one relationship that meets weekly for a 1 1/2 hour session throughout the school year. Holiday parties and other special activities are also a part of the program.
Tutors are needed in many programs that operate within the Southside Shalom area. There are various locations both within and outside the neighborhood where volunteers are needed to work with children/youth who reside within the Shalom area.
Parent’s Choice — This Community Holiday store operates seasonally and empowers Shalom parents to "shop" for the gifts that they want for their children. Donations are accepted in November and December. Please call for a specific list of gift ideas.
For more information about any of these opportunities please contact:
Beverly Hammond Smith, Southside Shalom
(Also: Shalom Liason for Charlotte District, WNCCUMC)
South Tryon Community Church
2516 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 347-4207 or (704) 362-4744
E-Mail: bevhamsmith@aol.com
Website: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/shalom
How can you help?
To help the Communities of Shalom-Southside :
- Pray for this Shalom Community
- Volunteer in some capacity
- Donations of books, school supplies, computers, computer supplies, printers, paper, software, gifts for holiday store, food for summer lunches are especially needed.
- Contribute financially. Checks should be made out to: Communities of Shalom-Southside. Please mail to:
Charlotte Communities of Shalom
P.O. Box 667357
Charlotte, NC 28266-7357