Introduction to Jeremiah Development:
Jeremiah Development, NFP, is committed to the simple mission of promoting the well-being of our neighborhood in the downtown area of Rockford, Illinois. We are a community and church based organization working closely with local residents to accomplish four goals - specifically, to:
- Create and maintain quality, safe, affordable housing which enhances the fabric of the neighborhood (the area generally bounded by State Street, Rockton Avenue, Whitman Street and the Rock River), and empowers people through the creation of community and family assets;
- Partner with other organizations to create and implement programs which enable residents of the neighborhood to develop the capacity to succeed in a changing society, with a special emphasis on youth;
- Advocate for the beautification and enhancement of public areas and facilities in the neighborhood; and,
- Create and support opportunities for neighborhood businesses to grow and prosper.
History:
The creation of Jeremiah Development, NFP, was at first led in 2007 by four Christian congregations that have been in ministry in downtown Rockford for a combined 632 years: Court Street United Methodist Church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, and Second Congregational United Church of Christ. The churches share the conviction that the future well-being of their congregations is directly tied to the well-being of the neighborhood in which God has placed them. Jeremiah 29:7 quickly became the guiding vision: "Seek the well-being of the city...for in its well-being, you will find your well-being."
Seeking broad support in the neighborhood, the churches soon sought the involvement of local residents and leaders. The Board of Directors is now made up of neighborhood residents, leaders of local businesses, and members of the founding churches.
As of the beginning of 2010, Jeremiah Development is actively involved in several programs and initiatives through two committees: the Community Organizing Committee, and the Neighborhood Infrastructure Committee. Among other efforts, the Community Organizing Commitee is working on neighborhood clean-up, a community garden, and continuing conversation with neighborhood residents. The Neighborhood Infrastructure Committee is working on acquiring and improving dilapidated housing in the neighborhood, and on creating a mid-range development plan (looking 1-3 years out). The Board of Directors also continues its work and is committed to maintaining a firm foundation for the future of the organization.
Financially, the organization is in a strong position, with signifcant contributions in hand from the founding churches, board members, and other local congregations concerned about the downtown area.
Sampling of Specific Events:
In September of 2008, we celebrated the creation of Jeremiah Development with a historic worship service in downtown Rockford, involving the four founding churches along with neighborhood and community leaders. A photo gallery from the event is here.
In May of 2009, forty people gathered together and went out (in teams of two or three) to talk with residents of the neighborhood, We sought their imput on the current strengths of the neighborhood,and what they felt were areas that needed improvement. Over two days, we knocked on hundreds of doors, and had dozens of very valuable conversations. We learned that "blight" (vacant, boarded up, or otherwise unkept properties) is the top concern of the people. They are also concerned with trash/litter, and although recognizing improvement over the last two years, crime in the area continues to be a concern.
In September, 2009, Jeremiah Development worked with people in the neighborhood to have a "community clean-up" day. See pictures from the Neighborhood Cleanup Day on September 10, 2009.
In January, 2010, we submitted an offer for a vacant property in our area, and will (hopefully!) soon be working to improve that property and identify a long-term owner.
For more information, please contact Steve Moore, President, by phone at 815.490.4903, or email.
Board of Directors:
Members of the Jeremiah Development Board of Directors come from the four founding churches and community organizations and businesses. The organization of which they are a part, and their position on the Board, are in parentheses.
Kathleen Ferrero (Second Congregational UCC, Secretary)
Kay Galloway (Court Street UMC, Member)Bob Hillenbrand (First Presbyterian, Vice-President)
Dennis Horton (Emmanuel Episicopal and Better Business Bureau, Member)
Donna Larson (First Presbyterian, Member)
Stephen Moore (Second Congregational UCC and Hinshaw and Culbertson law firm, President)
Donald Swinson (Court Street UMC, Member)
John Vanderhayden (Alpine Bank, Treasurer)
Jeanine Wang (Court Street UMC, Member)
One pastor from each of the four founding congregations also serves on the Board, ex-officio, without vote.The Reverend Pamela Hillenbrand, Emmanuel Episcopal Church
The Reverend Robert HIllenbrand, First Presbyterian Church
The Reverend Keith Kelsey-Powell, Court Street United Methodist Church
The Reverend J. Michael Solberg, Second Congregational United Church of Christ
Contribute:
Jeremiah Development, NFP, encourages and welcomes local involvement, especially by people who live in the neighborhood. To volunteer to serve on a committee for Jeremiah Development, or to ask about how you can help with future projects, contact Kathi Ferrero, Secretary, by phone at 815.394.1063, or email.
We also welcome financial support. To make a secure donation, click here, and use the green "button" on the left side of that page.
Jeremiah Development, NFP, is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are deductible from federal and state income taxes.