WIN’s Community Building Team works to build community power by developing grassroots leadership. Neighbors in South Cumminsville, North and South Fairmount, English Woods, and Millvale come together through the Beekman Corridor Coalition to address shared concerns. By working together, they get results.
Dorothy Bush, a member of the Coalition’s Traffic Safety Team and a founding member of the Beekman Community Market, said, “I feel satisfied when we win… When something is accomplished that betters the neighborhood, it makes it better for everyone, not just for me.”
Traffic Team member Rene’e Hill echoed that sentiment. “I like seeing the work we do together come to fruition,” she said. “I could be someone who sits back and doesn’t be involved, but I made the conscious decision to get involved.”
South Cumminsville resident and Food Access Team member Donna Rose is also committed to improving her community. “I live here, and I have the time to help. If you’re able to give, either money or time, just get involved. It’s the right thing to do,” she said.
Housing Team member Ia Johnson saw a need and stepped forward. “Giving back my time is God’s gift,” she said. “Being involved with the community makes you want to work hard to get other people involved.”
Coalition member Allen Shannon always pitches in where needed. “I like to help because it’s immediate gratification to see people getting what they need,” he said. “It makes me feel hopeful because they might join in and help each other.”
Perhaps Theresa Thomas, garden coordinator and Food Access Team member, summed it up best: “The coalition helps to connect us and inspire us. I love my community… It taught me that we all can make a change… 2026 is panning out to be such a beautiful year and we haven’t even started yet!”