Brookside Community Play was created out of the desire to address the need for true youth development in the neighborhood. More than just academic remediation and homework help, BCP uses the power of play to create a safe environment where every child and youth has the opportunity to experience caring adult relationships as they learn to be the individual that God has called them to be. For elementary-aged children, we focus on character development, exposure to new play opportunities, and overcoming trauma by teaching resiliency. For middle school and high school students, we instill hope and gospel-mindedness through education and employability.

In March 2015, God provided an opportunity for Brookside Community Church to start a program that has impacted the culture and fiber of our church and neighborhood. This program is now known as the Isaiah House, a 12-month discipleship program that serves men who are coming out from incarceration. The Isaiah House was the first of many steps that led Brookside Community Church to create Brookside CDC.

In October 2015, the Isaiah House welcomed a new participant into the program. Ted had recently been released and faced numerous barriers to successful reentry. He was unable to work full-time because of a disability and had no income, no family support, and no hope that he could overcome his lifelong battle with addiction. Brookside Community Reentry saw Ted as more than his criminal background.

On February 12, 2016, we celebrated Ted's graduation from the Isaiah House program. We see Ted's story echoed in the lives of those we serve through our Reentry program.

Each year we need over 800 volunteers to serve across our various initiatives. Whether you serve as a Coach Mentor in Play or a Bridge Coach in Reentry or on the Building Team for Housing, your efforts are helping to change lives – and we know your life will be changed too!

We're always looking for volunteers who love kids, are interested in the difficult work of reentry, or are passionate about seeing families stabilized through permanent housing. We're also looking for volunteers who can build the infrastructure of the organization through specialized skills like graphic design, marketing, and business practices.

Suggested Donations

• Provide transportation to and from work for one Isaiah House participant for 31 days ($50.00)
• Cover one month's gas bill for participants in our women's transitional home ($150.00)
• Cover the cost of robotic supplies for 30 children in the Play after school program ($500.00)

Funding Needs

Brookside Community Development Corporation relies on support from people like you to continue doing the good work in our neighborhood. Your contribution allows us to serve 40+ children and youth in our play-based after school program, 100+ men and women through our reentry hub, and rehabilitate the 50+ abandoned houses in our neighborhood so that families and individuals can have access to safe and affordable housing options.

With additional support, our desire is to expand Brookside Community Play to serve middle and high school students through the Academic & Employment Academy. We also seek to expand our reentry program by developing transitional housing opportunities for men recently released from prison.