Fun Day: The Foundation of a Thriving Community

Organizing community events with the goal of bringing joy and positivity to children in impoverished communities can have a profound and lasting impact on their lives, as well as on the volunteers involved. These events offer benefits that extend far beyond immediate enjoyment, contributing to the overall well-being and future prospects of the children in these communities. However, it is important to address concerns about safety and delve deeper into the reasons why investing in such initiatives is crucial.

It is undeniable that certain anxieties and prejudices exist within society, and it is important to acknowledge the factors that contribute to these anxieties while avoiding broad generalizations. One significant factor is historical and systemic racism. The legacy of slavery, segregation, and ongoing systemic discrimination has resulted in deep-rooted inequalities that continue to disproportionately affect communities of color. It is important to recognize that generational wealth and poverty are both very real phenomena. Children absorb and learn from the environment and community in which they grow up. This often-misunderstood reality leads to fear and mistrust, especially when it comes to issues such as crime and poverty. Limited interaction and lack of exposure between different socioeconomic groups fuel assumptions and biases. Fear of the unknown tends to generate unwarranted concern. The unfamiliar can be daunting, and a lack of understanding about the challenges faced by impoverished communities fosters fear and prejudice. By cultivating empathy and understanding, we can work towards positively influencing the youth in our community and encouraging them to reflect on how they are treated by their community.

While it is understandable that safety concerns may arise when hosting events in impoverished and marginalized neighborhoods, it is important not to let these concerns overshadow the potential benefits and positive outcomes that can be achieved through community engagement. These annual events are specifically designed for children between the ages of 4 and 14 and are scheduled on Fridays in the middle of the afternoon, intentionally minimizing attendance. The events are structured in a way that ensures there are enough volunteers to match the number of participants. The chosen Friday schedule and event timing are suitable for younger children who are out of school. Parents and volunteers actively contribute to the supervision of the children, ensuring their safety. The event activities are tailored to younger children and include engaging games such as bean bag toss, a bounce house, kickball, musical chairs, and snow cones. We have served in these challenged communities for several years and have established personal connections with many of the families who attend. This type of event has been successfully organized in Housing Authority neighborhoods since 2019. The William Roberts housing community was selected based on its location and safety, as determined by the former Housing Authority Director. Notably, past sponsors of these events have included the Missouri Wildcats High School Football team and The Mission Men. These two groups benefited greatly from their participation while their involvement increased security and safety illustrates the focus on the safety by numbers.

The proposed community event held in the William Roberts Housing Community is intentionally designed with a strong focus on child safety, community engagement, and positive outcomes, despite any initial safety concerns, and these event types have been successfully and safely organized in our Golden Triangle communities, without incident, since 2019 with the involvement of local organizations and volunteers.

Benefits of Community Events:

By investing in community and prioritizing well-being of impoverished children, you can make a significant positive impact on their lives and the broader community. Here are the reason we make the investment:

• Escaping Difficult Realities: Children living in poverty often face challenges and stressors that can impact their emotional well-being. Fun events offer a temporary escape from these realities, allowing them to experience fun, laughter, and a sense of normalcy.

• Self-Esteem and Inclusion: Feeling valued and included through participation in activities can boost a child's self-esteem, especially if they are often marginalized or overlooked. That’s we host these events in their community for them.

• Fostering Social Development and Connection: When the community places importance by prioritizing the well-being of our community children, we create a foundation for a better future, rich in social cohesion. These events provide the children a sense of belonging and connection. Children who feel valued and supported are more likely to grow into responsible, engaged citizens who contribute positively to their communities. This fosters a sense of shared purpose and strengthens the social fabric.

• Community Engagement: These events allows people to engage with the broader community, build relationships, and foster understanding. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate compassion, love, and service, aligning with values that are important to many people. Active involvement in community income challenged neighborhoods enables Christians to have a positive influence on the culture around them. By embodying Christ's teachings and values, you can contribute to shaping a more compassionate, just, and loving illustration of who we are as community.

• Reflecting God's Image: As believers, Christians recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. Engaging in community events allows you to affirm this belief by valuing and respecting others, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances.

The proposed event in the William Roberts Housing Community is thoughtfully designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the participating children, while also offering profound benefits that extend far beyond immediate enjoyment. By investing in these initiatives, we have the opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the broader community. Through activities that foster self-esteem, social connection, and inspiration, we can empower these children to cultivate a sense of belonging, and pave the way for a more just and compassionate world view. Ultimately, this event and events like it, align with core values of serving others, demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ, and affirming the importance of shaping the children of our neighborhoods - values that are essential for building a stronger, more unified community.

DickIE Bryan shares a little of his personal journey and a brief history of The Mission Men program

Dickie's commitment to helping others has made The Mission Men program a beacon of hope for those seeking recovery from addiction. His vision and leadership has transformed countless lives, and the program continues to make a meaningful impact on the community and beyond. 

About Dickie Bryan

Executive Director