Everything Under The Sun: Bringing Hope And Services To Cherry Hill

Some of those who participated in the Prayer Walk.

Frequently, when the names of US cities are uttered, the thought can come of a vibrant and teeming city full of activities and interesting people. But when the names of some cities are mentioned, there is also the thought of urban ills, of neighborhoods deteriorating, of high numbers of killings, of addictions run rampant, of children losing hope. Visions of our cities are not just either/or, but a mixture of those views of the extremes. Such is true of the City of Baltimore.

However, let's not look at what the City is; let's look at a relatively young organization in Baltimore. Started in 2011, under the inspiration of Michael Battle Jr., RESTORING INNER CITY HOPE (RICH) was built to empower, love, and inspire, the children and families of this wonderful City of ours.

Mr. Battle is no stranger to the problems which Baltimore faces, having grown up in one of its most difficult neighborhoods, Cherry Hill. While he is aware of the difficulties and struggles that a child growing up in Baltimore faces, he also made it past those barriers through his religious beliefs, his inner strength, and dedication to transforming his community. Indeed, RICH does focus on the Cherry Hill neighborhood, starting with the first Cherry Hill Prayer Walk back in 2011. As a result of RICH working in the community, homicides and shootings have dropped in this neighborhood.

As a matter of fact, this year's Prayer Walk was held on August 12, as a combination of festival, prayer and contemplation event, health screening, and return to school support. Those who attended could find such activities as a prayer tent, podiatry exams, diabetes screening, blood pressure screening, a variety of food vendors, a moonbounce, face painting, pony rides, an appearance by the Orioles bird, Ravens players attending, various giveaways, school supplies and backpacks, even grief counseling and record expungement. This one event had a variety of services needed by the residents of the neighborhood all in one place.

The previous evening, on August 11, RICH held a pool party, the second of the summer, at the neighborhood Splash Park, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Children age 11 and under had to have chaperones with them. A DJ and free food was also provided and participants were not told what notable guests would be there. Events/activities like this bring a neighborhood together in a fun activity, lessening the animosity among people who know each other in friendship and fun.

Michael Battle Jr. (in front), with the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders in a Baltimore City Police helicopter.

Even with all of the struggles in Baltimore, those who are benefiting and participating in RICH, brought donations to City Garage this past week, enough to fill tractor trailers, which are on their way to provide relief to those who suffered the trials of Hurricane Harvey. And they did it with prayerfulness and generosity, sending the Blessing Truck to those less fortunate in Houston.