Shawn Casselberry's Blog
Mission Year Englewood / 08.12.08, 08:30 PM
In the 10 year history Mission Year has been in Chicago we have primarily invested on the West Side. We have had teams in La Villita which is technically considered South Side, but we have never had teams South of the Stevenson (55). This year we are launching a team in Englewood. Englewood is a neighborhood that has historically struggled with disinvestment and neglect. From 1930 to 1960, Englewood experienced white flight when 50,000 white people fled the community. From 1960 to 1990, 30,000 more white folks left. Foreclosures and boarded up buildings line the streets. Social services are minimal and viable employment options are basically nonexistent. The schools struggle with limited resources and the dropout rates are heartbreaking. Sit down restaurants cannot be found, but fast food joints occupy the major corners running down Halsted.
There are signs of hope that are promising. Kennedy-King College has been relocated to Englewood and has spurred some development along 63rd St. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have sprung up as well as some recognizable discount food chains like Aldi.
Even more encouraging is the presence of Team Work Englewood, a community action organization, that is committed to bringing in resources and equipping community members for positive change. There are also coalitions of pastors who have come together to work toward common goals of youth empowerment and community uplift.
We have received enthusiastic responses from community leaders about the possibility of having yearlong Mission Year Team Members in Englewood and feel strongly that Englewood is where we need to be.
Please pray for Mission Year Englewood as we finalize church partners and look for housing. Pray also that we will be able to make a positive impact in the Englewood community this coming year.
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I am really excited to be in a place that needs hope. I am really glad to be in the Englewood team. It’s gonna be a huge year for growth. Definitely in my life. Hopefully in this community we’ll also spur some growth and make some impact.
By Emily Shakal / Aug 13, 11:29 PM / #
UHHH AWESOME!! I had no idea you guys were going to get this in place for this upcoming year!! So excited to see how it works out!! Way to go Shawn in being dedicated to making it happen! See ya in a couple weeks co-worker :)
By Ashley / Aug 15, 12:14 PM / #
Shawn I’m so stoked you guys are having a team in Englewood. One of my favorite students from Little Village Lawndale High School was from that neighborhood! God bless that work you’ll all be doing this you. You’re in my prayers!
By Jessie O'Brien / Aug 17, 08:39 PM / #
This sounds wonderful. It’ll be good to see how God works miraculously here. Holla!
By Nick / Aug 20, 02:45 PM / #
I too am excited to see that MY will be launching into Englewood! Blessings there.
By Andrea / Aug 21, 02:33 PM / #