Delaware Valley Baptist Church in Willingboro has ‘adopted’ Garfield Park Academy as part of their community outreach efforts, building connections and fostering a deeper sense of belonging for our students.
“When we met the students and staff at Garfield Park Academy, they literally won our hearts,” said Pastor Vincent S. Russ, Associate Pastor at DelVal Church. “They do such good and important work.”
The first connection came in the summer of 2021 when the church organized a back-to-school campaign, collecting and donating back packs and school supplies for the students at Garfield Park Academy. This winter, the church’s “Angel Tree” program allowed the church members to donate a holiday gift to a student or their family.
“We are looking to the future, and ways to deepen the connection, with discussions underway for a mentorship program for the students,” said Kerrie Morse, Director at GPA.
“Our students want to give back,” added Morse. “We are planning for our culinary students to make and help serve lunch to the local community at the church. GPA’s horticulture students will also make flower arrangement for an upcoming DelVal conference.”
