“Transforming the West Side: How ARK Leverages Church Communities for Education and Inspiration” – Austin Weekly News

Bishop Dr. Reginald Saffo, who previously lived in Austin, is on a mission to rethink how to tackle violence in the West Side community.

This June, he launched the ARK program at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, located at 116 S. Central Ave. Instead of focusing solely on physical resources, the program provides education and valuable information to help address the deeper issues causing violence in the area.

Saffo believes that churches can be safe havens and places of renewal. “ARK is based on the idea that churches are a source of restoration and empowerment,” he said. The name ARK stands for Academically Restoring the Kingdom, inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark, where renewal occurred.

Through ARK, the church hosts monthly meetings to discuss community needs. Experts cover essential topics like housing, employment, and parenting skills. These discussions aim to inform and uplift local residents.

One key program under ARK is focused on entrepreneurship, promoting the motto “stop the violence, start a business.” This free, five-week course helps local youth learn to turn their skills into businesses. Participants receive seed money, marketing support, and community pop-up opportunities to launch their ventures.

Since ARK started, around 60 students have joined either the entrepreneurship program or the Urban First Responders (UFR) program. UFR helps organizations better engage with the community. Participants learn strategies to create positive impacts and understand the psychological aspects of anger in those facing challenges.

Saffo emphasized the importance of addressing emotional issues linked to violence. “We aim to uncover the root causes of emotional challenges that contribute to social issues,” he said.

The UFR program has recently started in Austin, while a youth version has been active in Proviso schools for over 20 years. Saffo, as chairman of the Proviso Township Ministerial Alliance Network, trains students to recognize potential violence and act as peacekeepers in schools.

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church is also hoping to expand the ARK initiative. They are collaborating with three other churches to offer similar programs in their facilities. “We want to enhance the existing resources in the community,” Saffo shared. “There’s a wealth of information out there, but it often doesn’t reach those who need it.”

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