Cecelia Beck ministers as an outreach worker in a struggling neighborhood in Shelby, N.C. Called the “Northeast Shelby Weed and Seed” area, the neighborhood has been identified by the U.S. Department of Justice as a community in need of revitalization. By “weeding” out violence and other unhealthy problems, the hope is that the community can be “seeded” to allow for a healthier and more hopeful future.
Using her background in pastoral care and social work, Beck will minister through child and adult literacy, children enrichment programs and support for single parents. “My calling to serve the most neglected fits this work as many of my neighbors will be those who have been marginalized by crime, educational deficits, low income and unemployment,” she said.
She also hopes to engage CBF partnering congregations, particularly those in North Carolina, with opportunities to partner with the north Shelby neighborhood. “I hope to network and partner with congregations and individuals engaged in similar work so that we maximize our resources and help break the cycle of poverty for our neighbors here in North Carolina,” she said.