City of Phoenix Asks Church to Help Fight Crime and be a "catalyst for community change"

by Aimee Herd : Nov 12, 2009 : Heather Sells – CBN News

"There's so many possibilities because people trust the Church."

Faced with a daunting task of reigning-in those involved in gangs and illegal activity in Phoenix, Arizona, a few years ago, law enforcement there quickly realized the limitations of their resources. In addition, the usual catch-a-criminal, jail-time, and release didn't seem to have a lasting effect on perpetrators, who would quickly fall back into criminal behavior.

That's when Lt. Mike Kurtenbach, and his crime suppression unit at South Mountain Police Department turned to the Church.

Lt. Kurtenbach told CBN News, "Over the short-term we can be very effective at crime reduction. But if we're really committed to long-term problem solving, the only way to do it is through partnerships and through relationships."

As Kurtenbach's team, together with staff and members of The Bridge Church, sought ways to bring lasting change to the community, a program known as The Neighborhood Roots system was developed.

According to the CBN article, the program works with individual churches in south Phoenix to develop business plans. Neighborhood Roots picked The Bridge Church as its pilot congregation.

At The Bridge, neighbors can come in for emergency assistance with not only food and clothing, but also employment. The Bridge offers a "career center" with a bank of computers. It is staffed by volunteers who help with job advice, as well as praying with individuals for their situations.

Bridge pastor Tim Lesher told CBN, "The people who are looking for jobs… At the city's centers they're waiting for a computer, sometimes a couple hours. Here they can come in, sit down for awhile and have someone to talk to who can encourage them."

Mitzila Hogans, who works for the City of Phoenix said, "There's so many possibilities because people trust the Church."

To read more on how the Church is making a positive impact on the surrounding community, follow the link provided.

   

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Aimee Herd, Editor

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