‘Community Connect’ Outreach Activity Hailed a Success in Everton Park

Residents of Parks Road and adjoining communities streamed through the gates of Everton Park to participate in an initiative dubbed ‘Community Connect’ on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

 

This activity was a collaborative effort by the Education, Health, Women’s Ministries and Religious Liberty Departments, led by the Personal Ministries Department. Items for back-to-school, free clothing, shoes and appliances, free health checks and warm meals were provided for the members of the community.

 

Elder Audrey Simon, First Elder and Personal Ministries Director, shared the inspiration behind the event. “The theme for Personal Ministries this year is Operation Claim and Reclaim and so we believed doing this outreach activity and connecting with the community in meaningful ways would be an avenue to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” she shared.

 

 

The Education Department prepared over 80 packages with stationery items for students of varying grade levels to assist with their readiness for the new academic year. Khaki suits and other accessories were also made available. One participant expressed her gratitude for the items she was able to get for her grandson. “I am glad I came because I didn’t have the funds to buy my son’s khaki and other things and I was able to get khaki and books and so on for free,” she shared smilingly.

 

Sis. Elvo Cole, member of the Education Department shared her experience at the Department’s booth. “The support was overwhelming, we had more people coming than we could cater for, and a few who came late were a bit disappointed that they didn’t get as many things as others, but we still found something to give everyone who came,” she noted.

 

There were also literature textbooks and religious books and leaflets published by the Church available for persons to take freely. One mother who visited the booth selected a book  she believed would interest her daughter, and help her to have her devotions in the mornings.

 

 

Fifteen individuals visited the Religious Liberty booth to have consultation with attorney-at-law and the Department’s leader, Sis. Angele Powell-Hylton. She shared “There is a lot of misconception that writing a will accelerates one’s death, but I was able to share the importance of estate planning, reading of the will and other details that would be necessary.”

While she would have loved to go through the process of writing a will, interested persons took will forms with the intention to have discussions with other members of the family. “Once persons reach out coming out of this event, the service will be free of charge,” Powell-Hylton shared.

 

 The children were treated with ice-cream and access to a bounce about and more than 150 meals were served.

 

Over 40 persons were able to access blood pressure and blood sugar checks along with basic health counselling from student nurse, Sis. Abigail Nelson, and Ms. Sheriece Pringle, Registered Nurse for over three years. “As long as I am available, I am always willing to help the church and give back to my community,” shared Pringle.

 

Bro. Bryan-Junior Laing, CEO of The Experts Academy was also on site to register individuals for classes in reading, PEP, CSEC and CAPE preparation.

 

 Elder Audrey Simon shared that although the event was a success, it was also a means to be more targeted with witnessing efforts. “We used the opportunity to get the names and contact information of persons who came; there are more than 20 names, so we will devise a plan of action and move forward. We connected with the community but we want to connect them to Jesus as well,” she added.

 

The curtains were brought down with a spirited devotional exercise in which residents and members gave thanks and received encouragement for the week ahead. Kiwayne Ferron, Pastor of the Everton Park District endorsed the event and is optimistic it will bear fruit. “Community Connect reminds us that we are stronger when we connect, collaborate and serve together. My hope is that God will use this gathering to birth meaningful relationships, collaborative initiatives and a renewed commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of people within our community,” he noted.