I Love South Side

*mission & vision*

MISSION:  

I Love South Side serves the neighborhoods near and surrounding Monroe and Riley Schools on the south Side of South Bend.  All those who live in, work in, attend school in or worship[ in these neighborhoods are who we seek intentional relationships with in regards to our work in this community development non-profit.  

VISION: ACT JUSTLY, LOVE MERCY, WALK HUMBLY

Acts of love, mercy and justice make the gospel come to life with a combination of Word and deed.  Through community development, we demonstrate the truth of the gospel in deed and express the truth of the gospel in Word.  in doing so, we make the Word of God compelling and accessible to those we serve.  

I LOVE SOUTH SIDE

* CORE VALUES *

1. GOD IS ALREADY AT WORK

God loves the south side neighborhood we serve and is already working here.  We look for the ways that God is already at work so we can join in those efforts.  Through prayer and intentional care for every household, particularly those in the margins, we seek to join in the good work of the Kingdom.  


2.  EVERY COMMUNITY HAS ASSETS

Every person is made in the image of God, so every community has skills and gifts to contribute.  By mobilizing the skills already present in a community, we encourage community confidence so they are prepared to take on other challenges in the future, including those that are larger and more complex.  


3.  MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION ENCOURAGES LASTING CHANGE

God is honored when positive change and progress is sustained.  When community members work together and participate in their own transformation, they're more likely to achieve their goals and experience a sense of unity among the neighbors.  Our goal is to assist in creating achievable goals for communities to meet, encourage their contributions, and celebrate their success.  

4. PRIORITIZE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Jesus says, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).  Some members of the community (such as orphans, widows, those living in poverty, and those with disabilities) may need additional support.  Special attention should be given by the community and our leadership to care for those experiencing the greatest vulnerability.  


5.  WE LIVE IN AUTHENTIC HUMILITY

We are not heroes, but servants of God.  We seek to act without pretense or prejudgment: to say what we mean and to mean what we say; to admit to our shortcomings and our missteps; and to expect no less from those who seek to collaborate with us.  The people in the community are the best long-term solution to their problems.  We enter in humility and earn the right to stay in relationship by our positive contribution.  

6.  LISTENING TO LOACL CONTEXT

We begin by listening to members of our neighborhood as they identify their most pressing needs.  Over time, we build upon those successes, identifying new areas of growth.  Many community challenges are complex.  WE don't settle for simple answers; we are inquisitive and try to truly understand what motivates (and discourages) the change process.  We must also seek to understand cultural characteristics that influence community behavior . 


7.  DEVELOP CAPACITY OF NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS

Neighborhood leaders (or neighborhood champions) have the ability to leverage change in their communities.  We find and develop these natural leaders.  We encourage them, disciple them, and challenge them to lead the community to a better future . Just as Christ passed on his ministry to his closest disciples, the I Love South Side team will pass on the knowledge and skills required for community growth to members of the neighborhood.