Meet Maria Espinoza. Maria tells the story we love to remind people. It is the consistency of being present, showing up at all stages of life, equipping and envision futures that becomes the transformational influence of Neighborhood Ministries. The beauty of Maria’s story is that we can remember her at all these different stages and…
Meet Daisy Fernandez. Her story reminds us that the simple act of an invitation opens up the possibilities of a life transformed. Each person she names in this testimonial was someone who showed up for her, at a particular time in her life, inviting her into the space that changed her. Her neighbor’s invite, Nadine’s invite, Googoos’…
Meet Irene Tomas. The old neighborhood only exists in our memories. Gentrification and urban renewal have transformed broken-down houses and abandoned streets into trendy coffee shops and high-rise apartments. When I listen to Irene, there I am, there she is, and hundreds of others in the old days, in those old streets and alleys. We can all…
Meet Adrian. Adrian lets us know what keeps him feeling grounded … it is the memory of the love and sacrifice of others who poured into his life. It is now his turn to “give back”, to make a difference in other young people’s lives, in the way Bryan and others invested in him. Can…
Meet Adrian. Adrian lets us know what keeps him feeling grounded … it is the memory of the love and sacrifice of others who poured into his life. It is now his turn to “give back”, to make a difference in other young people’s lives, in the way Bryan and others invested in him. Can…
Meet Aida. God’s love is poured out into our community through people, with messages that say “you can do it”, “you matter”, “you are loved and needed”, “you are seen” … Listen to Aida’s own words of how she heard God through her Neighborhood family over the years. And more importantly how she said “I…
Meet Hao Ly. From a young age, he found a home at Neighborhood, grew up in leadership here, and has become someone whose impact on the next generation is tangible. He says that he wanted to become part of being “vessels of love”. And as others say, and as Hao says, it’s what keeps him…
Meet Felipa Torres and her son Adolfo. The term “resiliency” isn’t adequate to describe Felipa’s journey which we have been privileged to bear witness to. Resiliency wrapped up in her faith, her focus, her undying spirit of service and leadership … maybe that’s better! One thing is for certain, she becomes a representative of the…
Meet Jimy Martinez. The pastor of our Neighborhood Church and the son of a pastor from Honduras. Jimy has carried a longing for most of his life for “the church to be so much more” than what most experience. Jimy brings this desire into his work on a daily basis here at Neighborhood Ministries. He is such…
Meet Kendall Dooley. The Lord continues to bring us “called-out-ones”, people who can identify the work God has given them to do and where to live it out. Kendall is that person. He works with our youth with that same desire, to inspire them to their callings, to grow into their God-given identities …
Meet Alfonso Vasquez. We’ve always believed that the future leaders of our mission, this community, city, and state reside right here in our neighborhood. No one is a better example of this than Alfonso Vasquez. He leads our youth in community organizing, is on point for our community action meetings...
Meet Ericka Martinez. Some of these 40 stories are of people who came to us from outside the community, yet today are as interwoven in the community as if they had been born here. Though Ericka grew up with some of us in our early days, it wasn’t until college that she joined us.
Meet Ericka Martinez. Some of these 40 stories are of people who came to us from outside the community, yet today are as interwoven in the community as if they had been born here. Though Ericka grew up with some of us in our early days, it wasn’t until college that she joined us.
Meet Marcos, who at a young age heard about Jesus in our first Kids Club in the park in 1987. Here is his testimony of his walk with Christ, his time with the gang and prison, and his coming back to us. He says, “There’s healing in sharing your testimony.” There is!
These stories reflect the love, hope, and power of Jesus shared in this community. We hope you enjoy them just as much as we do. Meet Donovan Sanders, who has returned to Neighborhood Ministries for 20 years. His impact on many lives is profound.
Meet Vanessa who though she became part of this mission as a child, found herself plunged into the mean streets of Phoenix as a youth. Couch hopping, jail then prison, and hopelessness became part of her story.
