One of my favorite things about my job is getting to visit all of the wonderful Literacy Mentors we work with! We currently have 115 Literacy Mentors at 12 schools working with nearly 400 students across Fresno and Clovis. And with two scheduled Orientations in the next week, those numbers will continue to grow! However, what excites me much more than numbers is the investment and relationships of each individual mentor. Every day I hear an inspiring story. Here are just a few of my favorite success stories…
ENP News
Season of Service: March 26th – April 28th
In Fresno and Clovis, spring has become the season in which Christ-centered churches link arms to serve our city. Last year over 70 different churches partnered with Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) and Serve Fresno to bless others in the name of Christ, and to be a visible presence of God’s love.
Join us for a city-wide season of service from March 26th thru April 28th, 2018.
Less is More: Simplify Things!
Almost a year ago today, I made a decision that completely shifted my “norm” when it comes to managing my money. I decided to simplify my life and rely on the bare minimum. I would not venture out to say that I am a minimalist yet, but I’m on my way. Before I made this decision, I spent a lot of time making myself think I could afford everything I had. The decision to press pause, reevaluate and take the necessary steps to live with less was influenced by the Word. 1 Corinthians 14:33 clearly states, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” One year later, I’m happy to have made progress in two areas: 1. My money and 2. My mind.
2017 Annual Report
What A Year! 2017 Reflection. 2018 Vision.
On behalf of our ENP board and staff, we’re proud to present our 2017 Annual Report.
As we approach our 10th year, we find ourselves reflecting back to our humble beginnings. We are encouraged by the growth of ENP, but even more encouraged by all we have learned since ENP began in 2008.
What I Learned While Connecting Churches in Fresno/Clovis
In May of 2016 I was hired as the Church Relations Coordinator for Fresno City Fest through the Luis Palau Association. When I interviewed for the position I didn’t know how impacted I would be by this great opportunity.
My task seemed simple: “go and talk with churches.” I had been in ministry for over eight years. Go and talk with other people in ministry? I said to myself, “how hard can it be?”
ENP Feature Interview on KFSR
Listen Here
KFSR is hosted by Chris Fiorentino. Outside of our Executive Director, Artie Padilla, the interview also featured Fresno Unified School District Mentoring and Alliance Program Coordinator Darrin Person and Fresno State student (and ENP volunteer) Kimberly Tenbergen.You can learn more about their podcast on their Facebook page or website.
Thanks for the interview!
Remembering Papa Mike of Poverello House
It’s amazing the ripple effects of how someone’s simple loving efforts can affect thousands, even after 40 years. That describes the life and work of Mike McGarvin, founder of the Poverello House, who died this past Saturday.
Where Differences are Made
Kyle Godfrey started attending the Powers-Ginsburg Saturday Sports Program when it began in the fall of 2009. He was just out of the sixth grade. Since then, he has become a volunteer for the program, where his focus has shifted from competition and entertainment to making a difference in the lives of children who currently attend.
Why Do People Volunteer?
The past few months have been an intense time of service in our city. If you had a chance to read our recent newsletter you saw the numbers: 42 churches, 2,500 volunteers, 19,000 volunteer hours. It’s very evident that the people of Fresno and Clovis have the heart to love and serve our city. But why do people volunteer?
But why do people volunteer?
Preterm Birth, Infant Mortality & Neighborhood Life
Two years ago I was asked to sit on a steering committee focused on learning why Fresno County has such a high amount of preterm babies (born before 37 weeks gestation). We were also pondering why our African-American moms were losing their babies at a rate that matches those of under-developed countries in Africa.
You may wonder what preterm birth and infant mortality have to do with ENP and it’s work in our schools and neighborhoods.