ImpACT Saturday Partners with Local Apartment Complex
Written by Krystle Sonmore
Waxahachie, TX – April 13, 2011 – ImpACT Saturday, a service ministry group from Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), had their second outreach last Saturday April 9.
ImpACT Saturday was created in September 2011 to serve the community through volunteer work. “If our presence does not make an impact, then our absence will not make a difference,” said ImpACT president Michael Bruce. “What will we choose to leave behind?”
The group’s first outreach was to the west side of Waxahachie. More than 60 volunteers picked up trash and cleaned the area.
This past Saturday ImpACT went to Solon Place Apartments in Waxahachie to minister to the residents. Nearly 50 SAGU and Connect for Life Church volunteers painted fences, grilled food, managed giveaways and provided entertainment. Free family portraits and music from SAGU’s The Call, Stephanie Polski and Tyler Martin highlighted the day. SAGU children’s ministry group Fun Fusion joined ImpACT to paint faces and play field games with the kids while their parents listened and relaxed to the live music.
“My kids were extremely excited about today’s event,” said resident Karen Lamberson. "'They kept asking me: ‘Is it time? Is it time?’ Everything that is done around here is really bringing the community together.” Resident Ron Badore agrees, “My son George loves to go to the movie nights they have about once a month in the courtyard. There is so much that is being done around here, especially for the kids.”
The event has been in the works since last November. “When Michael first approached us back in the fall, we thought the event was a great idea,” said property manager Sara MacDonald. “Nothing like that had been done at Solon Place before, and we knew it would be a good way to show appreciation to the residents.”
Solon Place was purchased seven years ago. In November of 2010, Sara MacDonald, daughter of President and CEO Ian MacDonald, took over as manager. “To effectively minister to the residents, we need to gain their trust,” said Sara. “We do so by meeting their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We can then build lasting relationships and share the gospel. I have noticed an overall difference in the atmosphere of the property from the time I began this job last fall. The residents seem happier, and that is very encouraging.”
As a result of the partnership with Connect for Life Church, apartment residents previously benefited from a Christmas party, after-school snack program, tutoring and a weekly home group. SAGU student Darren Polm and his wife Beth act as the property’s Care Team and manage on-site events. “In the after-school snack program, our goal is to help the kids feel loved by talking and spending time with them, playing games and helping with homework,” said Beth.
MacDonald Realty Group, a DeSoto-based company that owns the complex, purchases and renovates distressed properties in low-income areas. The company also works with local law enforcement to help maintain a desirable community living environment for residents.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located in Waxahachie, Texas. The University was established in 1927, and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
