3 minute read
STAFF BULLETTIN
”You are so Beautiful to Me”
Shirley Williams Hakim Allen
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Accountant. Our beautiful and loving Shirley relocated to California. She was our accountant who left a big footprint of honesty and integrity. We miss her warm smile and a heart to match. A colleague and friend who was more like family. Enjoy retirement and especially all that California Sunshine. Cleaning apprentice. With great heaviness, we make a tribute to our most loved Hakim Allen. Hakim sadly was a victim of gun violence last Father’s Day. We want to thank his mother Ms. Cheryl Glenn for trusting us to impart wisdom and love. We have not forgotten about Hakim. He was a dedicated worker, dear to our hearts, and taken from us- all too soon of time. Hakim we love and miss you. Rest in paradise. Hakim, in his neon green work uniform, at work on the corridor
A Leap of Faith. Inside Called to Serve’s “Servants”
One of the most unsung parts of serving others is that much of the effort and great risks carried on by those working the front lines are hardly ever acknowledged. In this section, it seems fit and good to give a glimpse into what some who are in the trenches are putting up so that others may benefit from their service.
Over five years ago, Rev. Michael Major (CEO) and Amelia Price (Corridor Manager) embarked on a journey to revitalize the Broad Germantown and Erie Commercial Corridor and community friend by friend. They did this with genuine care for the community. Driven by a huge heart, Amelia dedicated herself fulltime for the mission–work that often requires long weeks and late nights.
If this were not enough, in July 2019, Reverend Jeffery
Rev Jeff Harley
Harley likewise took a leap of faith by resigning from his job to partner full-time with CTS as its Executive Director.
How are they doing it? It takes nothing less than authentic spirits with the most courageous and compassionate hearts guarded by the strongest of faiths–to which Mike, Amelia, and Jeff all have. For anyone who works at or with Called to Serve, the view looks far beyond an income, but to great sacrifice in service to others. CTS’s servants are driven by the needs they see firsthand of the community. They never seek accolades (though some certainly do come), but simply and passionately work from the bottom of their hearts and as a team of equals. In their pursuit, they call upon others to roll up his or her sleeves, and help chase their mission and visions for a much safer, cleaner, vibrant, welcoming, peaceful, and loving commercial corridor and community. Whether it be volunteering a day, striking a partnership, or providing a helping hand. We invite your friendship and support. The past five years the team has enjoyed its fair share of wins. But the path was not without its disappointments, heartbreaks, and roadblocks. But the team finds strength in those who came before them. Remembering the great courage Rev. Sullivan showed in the midst of power–whose shoulders the organization stands upon.
Further, taking encouragement from the words of Langston Hughes’ “Mother to Son”, that in this calling- yes, life is no “crystal stair”. It has tacks, splinters, and torn up boards making the climb a bit of a hike. But amidst the travail, we’re not going to fall, but focus and fix our heart and bodies to make the climb.
With every victory, the team celebrates. With every disappointment, the team prays and resets. By faith qnd not by sight the servants of Called to Serve seek to rebuild the community and make widespread difference in the lives and economics of generations who call the Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood home.
