Church and Hospital: Anchors Partnering to Achieve Community Transformation

Abstract

Inequities in assets characterize many U.S. urban neighborhoods with concentrated poverty as a result of decades of structural racism and class bias. In an inner-city neighborhood on the South Side of Columbus, the United Methodist Church for All People and Nationwide Children’s Hospital have formed a dynamic partnership between a faith community and a healthcare institution that generates significant transformation. The work is grounded in shared goals and has been nurtured over time with deepening mutual trust. By investing our complementary strengths, we are working to enhance the quality of life for people who are poor and marginalized.