Community Reinvestment in Action: Spokane Eastside Reunion Association

Community Reinvestment Impact!

Spotlighting Business Investment Awardees.  Awardee: Spokane Eastside Reunion Association (SERA).

 

“The Spokane Eastside Reunion Association (SERA) feeds the soul of Spokane through our neighborhood ministry, bringing restoration and opportunities to the Eastside Community,” as stated in their mission statement. SERA is guided by this mission, which emphasizes a collective effort to address the despair experienced by marginalized individuals. As expressed in their statement, “Together we recognize the despair that riddles so many of our world’s people, most specifically those who are marginalized, and thus it is together that we join hands and labor for change. It is our hope that through our authentic optimism and sincere sense of purpose, we will be successful in inspiring our people to believe that there is always something worth celebrating.”

SERA is dedicated to fostering community cohesion and providing developmental opportunities for youth in Spokane’s East Central neighborhood. Through various initiatives, SERA aims to strengthen the community by reconnecting individuals and promoting a sense of unity. Their work includes organizing events, supporting local businesses, and providing programs that address the specific needs of the Eastside community. One of their notable endeavors is the annual community reunion, which brings together current and former residents to celebrate their shared heritage and foster a collective identity.

SERA places a strong emphasis on youth development, offering several programs designed to empower and support young people. The Fresh Soul Job Training Program is one such initiative, providing low-income and minority teens with valuable work experience and life skills. Through this program, participants work at the Fresh Soul restaurant, learning about the food service industry while also receiving mentorship and support to help them succeed in their future careers. Additionally, SERA runs seasonal basketball and tennis camps, which not only help develop athletic skills but also promote teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle.

The impact of SERA on the Spokane community is significant. By creating spaces for residents to come together and support one another, SERA helps to build a stronger, more resilient neighborhood. Their programs have seen measurable success, such as the graduation of multiple cohorts from the job training program and the expansion of their annual community celebration, which has grown to attract over 2,000 attendees. These efforts have not only provided direct benefits to participants but have also contributed to the overall well-being and cohesion of the Eastside community, making it a vibrant and supportive place to live (Spokane Eastside Reunion Association).

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