Ever wondered how empty classrooms could spark new life? In Southeast Rockford, Brooke Road United Methodist Church is turning underused spaces into hubs of care, hosting Zumba, immigration support, and worship with a Swahili-speaking congregation. Showing how seasons of loss can become seeds for neighborhood transformation.

Could a sidewalk become the heart of a neighborhood? On Rosewood Street, neighbors turned ordinary spaces into moments of joy, from costume parades to shared gardens, showing how small acts of care can grow into lasting community.

Can a six-year-old teach a whole community? At Camp NaBorLee, neighbors learned that “together o’clock” happens around campfires, talent shows, and simple daily moments, where ordinary time turns profoundly meaningful.

What happens when a forgotten lot becomes a neighborhood heartbeat? On Chicago’s West Side, the Island Oasis Nature Play Garden invites kids to play, families to gather, and neighbors to discover the power of shared care and collaboration.