Steve Dangaran, April 10-11

A “Life Center” Update

Steve is Associate Pastor of Outreach at Salem Alliance Church, and is working with a terrific group of people in designing the Life Center at Broadway Commons.

Several weeks ago a team of teachers, with expertise in the area of literacy and English Language Learning (ELL) who attend Salem Alliance Church, met with a group of community leaders who provide resources for families and children in the local schools. The purpose of the gathering was to: (1) gain a better understanding of what is currently being offered in the area of literacy and language support in the Grant, Highland, and Hoover neighborhoods; (2) determine if there are partnering opportunities through the Life Center; and (3) share the love of Jesus Christ in a tangible and authentic way.

The director of Head Start, along with several Community School Outreach Coordinators (CSOCs), came to our Welcome Center at Salem Alliance and enthusiastically shared with all present what they are doing to enhance language skills and build confidence in English speaking ability around the community. As the ELL teachers from Salem Alliance listened and interacted, you could sense a genuine openness to collaboration efforts in the future.

My role in the meeting was primarily to observe and support those in charge that night; and I must say it was a treat to watch and learn from this very gifted group of teachers and community leaders. Scott Jantzi and Laura Hermann, the lead teachers on our church ELL team and meeting facilitators for the evening, did a masterful job of gathering just the right group of people for brainstorming, dialogue and expressing mutual support. We’re already planning our next gathering to share more ideas and receive feedback.

We are amazed as we watch God raise up talented and committed individuals who are sacrificially giving of their time and resources to help the Life Center become a reality. As the ELL development team has begun to move forward, another team focusing on Health and Wellness development has begun to meet with Todd Gould and Marie Howard at the Salem Free Medical Clinic in order to assess post-medical needs among their patients. These are great opportunities for building a ministry whose main emphasis is offering hope and health in Jesus Christ. If you have interest in volunteering in any of these areas, please contact us at the church office 503-581-2129. We’d love to tell you more.