Greetings from Shalom Project Manager

I am truly excited about this ground-breaking year for the Shalom Project!

While we acknowledge the challenges Memphis is facing, we share a common hope for a better future. The Shalom Project is an attempt to rebuild our city through thorough study; an understanding of the facts; identification of what works; and strategies for how the church will play a vital role in the foundation for change.

This is our charge, and we’re making very real progress.

Research: Shalom Agency Partners

We began the year with a close look at current studies and research reports from various agencies in our city. We expect to partner with these agencies for a thorough analysis: Rhodes College, University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, Urban Child Institute, AGAPE Child & Family Services, Memphis Community Development Council, Binghamton Development Corporation, Poplar Foundation, Imagine Memphis, Hope Christian Community Foundation, Memphis Fast Forward and Christ Community Health Services.

Recruitment: Steering Committee and Study Teams

We have achieved our desire to build a committee that is as diverse and multi-faceted as our city. Members include health care professionals, social service providers, project managers, an IT manager, pastors, corporate employees, community leaders and entrepreneurs.

We have also been successful in recruiting individuals for our study teams. Their members represent 29 churches and a variety of professional backgrounds. Each team has been asked to view their assigned area ‘through the lens of the church,’ seeking to identify specific opportunities where the influence and involvement of the church can yield significant results.

Results

The final published Shalom Project report will contain comprehensive analysis prepared by each of our study teams. These teams have been assigned to study: Family Life, Education, Economic Development, Health, Housing, Public Safety/Security, Race Relations/Politics, Community Involvement/Leadership Development, Arts/Entertainment,
and Spiritual Life.

It is our belief that the foundation for a healthy community is a healthy, gospel-centered church. With that end in sight, we will press forward with the vision of the Shalom Project.

Respectfully,

Fenton E. Wright
Project Manager