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This article is a Trip Recap.  Each time a World Next Door journalist returns from an “assignment,” we attempt to take a snapshot of our experience for you to read.  Each of the links below will take you to the articles we wrote while “embedded” with our host organization. To read our previous trip recaps, click here.

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This October, I had the opportunity to spend around three weeks “embedded” with Shepherd Community Center in downtown Indianapolis.  I lived with a family of first-generation immigrants from Mexico and spent my days observing and interacting with Shepherd’s many ministries to the struggling neighborhood on the near-east side.

Shepherd's sign, a symbol of hope for a struggling neighborhood.

Lliving 40 minutes away from my apartment wasn’t exactly crazy and exotic, but it definitely taught me a lot about my own city that I had never imagined.  For example, I had the chance to do an all night police ride-along which gave me a whole new appreciation for the work of our nation’s police force.

Shepherd's emphasis on education with middle school students is making a huge impact on dropout rates for their students.

While living with my host family, I learned quite a bit about the struggles faced by second-generation immigrant children.  Because they are caught between two cultures, they often have a hard time finding their true identity.

Of course, one cultural trend that seems to transcend national boundaries are the ubiquitous Mexican telenovelas.  Although I’ve watched them in India and Kenya with English voice-overs, it took watching them with a Spanish-speaking family to truly appreciate their value.

Overall, my short time with Shepherd left me in awe of the work they are doing in their neighborhood.  Simply spending a few days hanging out with their junior high students gave me hope that true change is possible.  But hearing the tragic story of an immigrant from Honduras reminded me that there is so much work left to be done.

Thankfully, Shepherd Community Center is there, in the middle of it all, fighting to break the cycle of poverty.

It may be an uphill battle, but with Shepherd fighting for them, these kids now have a chance!