Power of one friendship has many benefits

Amanda McGarrity and Nashawna Joseph are both raising children and leading busy lives with many commitments. But they found time to become another example of how Community Renewal is connecting people, changing lives and transforming communities.

Both women shared from the heart at this year’s Women of Community Renewal Valentine’s Luncheon, saying that an investment in others is one that can pay many dividends.

“Community Renewal brought us together in friendship to make positive changes in the community and created a sisterhood that is priceless and is a blessing,” Nashawna said. “When I had to drop my son off for the first time at day care, I cried like a baby. And who did I call? I called Amanda and she calmed me down. I never knew how much I would need this sister along this road.”

“I think of genuine connection as a cure to the troubles we face in our neighborhoods.” – Nashawna Joseph

Amanda said that when she was asked to serve with Community Renewal, she wasn’t sure how she could add that to her busy schedule. “But I knew in my heart that God was leading me down this path,” she said.

“I was pushed in ways that I never thought that I could be. I gained confidence and encouragement. Even if you have super busy schedules but it’s on your heart to give back, Community Renewal has so many opportunities. Getting involved can be as simple as making sandwiches or stuffing envelopes.”

They are also seeing how personal relationships can lead to better relations on a bigger scale.

“I think of genuine connection as a cure to the troubles we face in our neighborhoods,” Nashawna said. “When you really speak to the heart of people and share their concerns as well as their stories through authentic connection, it’s a game changer because you create a recipe for lasting positive results affecting everyone involved.

“Connection makes such a huge difference because this opens the doors to turning the obstacles we face into opportunities for growth and more community engagement, and this is what is necessary to continue changing lives and the world we live in.”

Amanda said that Community Renewal reminds her of the TV show Cheers, where everybody knows your name and everybody is ready to give you a hug.

“Through Community Renewal I became more comfortable with public speaking and event planning. CRI paved the way for me to become a Family Readiness Group leader through the military. My husband is in the Army National Guard and it can be a huge task to bring families of the soldiers together when they deploy. But Community Renewal has given me that confidence.

“If you desire to make a difference and be part of the loving CRI family, but you think you don’t have the time or the confidence, I am living proof that God has ways of opening your heart and your mind. All I wanted to do was make a difference – and look at the difference it has made in me.”

Nashawna has also been surprised at how much she has been blessed by giving to others.

“I have tried to be a mother and a mentor to kids in the Friendship Houses. I wanted to be the change, but I didn’t know how much they would change me,” she said.

“We all carry a light inside of us. How sad would it be if we only let that light stay inside. You can be part of Community Renewal in your own special way. We all have light to offer up to create more community, more family, more sisterhood, more friendship.”