Where you live matters! Making a lasting impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood requires a shared vision and commitment of it’s citizens and organizations.
Community Advisory Board
Comprised of 50% residents, 25% businesses and 25% professionals from the Bester community meet to guide and hold accountable the ongoing activities of the Bester Community of Hope operation. In addition to the Community Advisory Board, the Community of Hope is an active listener and resource to the four City of Hagerstown Neighborhoods 1st groups located in the Bester Elementary catchment area.
Building strategic community partnerships
As a coalition of community stakeholders identify strategic needs or resource needs, we function as a link to bridge the gap. Examples include co-location of services in the neighborhood such as access to adult continuous learning and engaging in positive relationship building with law enforcement. Tapping into the most important resource available in the neighborhood, residents, will allow greater capacity for progress.
Special projects and events
To strengthen the web of support and cohesion in the neighborhood special events can often time be a tangible way to see our community building efforts in action. Our one important requirement: It has to be FUN! Examples of ongoing activities include neighborhood beautification efforts to strengthen the physical appearance of the community and an annual neighborhood community block party. Our belief is that these events create a ripple effect of neighborhood connections that reduces isolation and improves quality of life.
Faith Coalition
Through a partnership with the Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) there are 15 churches and synagogues located in the Bester Elementary Catchment, and the majority of those institutions meet and dialogue to focus on a shared vision and plan aligned activities. Bester Community of Hope works with HARC and it’s houses of hope to provide neighborhood residents access to concrete supports, relationship and opportunity for ongoing support.
Check out this informative BCOH presentation from The Interfaith Amigos followed by a panel of local faith leaders regarding our shared work:
See the full list of local houses of faith below: