Heartland Community Church engages neighbors in new and innovative ways
Heartland Community Church in Normal, Illinois, is anything but normal in its community outreach efforts. Teaming up with a local school, Heartland has developed a high-energy afterschool program, converting its entire building into a community center in the process. The school in turn has invited the church into its building each Friday to deliver bags of food for kids on free and reduced lunches. This “Weekend Meal Deal” draws volunteers from area businesses to bag the food, extending Heartland’s reach to volunteers who might otherwise never come through the doors.
A summer block party—complete with pancake breakfast, 5K run, and live entertainment—as well as a fall festival have drawn crowds in the hundreds. “We’ve learned that families are looking for safe, free activities,” says community connections director Ron Schweinberg—activities Heartland is only too happy to provide. Up next? Turnkey block parties designed to help members make connections with their neighbors. Be looking for an update soon!
