Unveiling Hidden Beauty
A COMMUNITY SPACE ILLUMINATED AND TRANSFORMED
While passing through Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton Stockyards (CFSY) neighborhood, it may be easy to overlook the beauty and resilience of the residents who call it home. Oftentimes, neglect and scarcity can overshadow the true essence of what exists in a community. However, if we peer beneath the surface narratives of brokenness in city neighborhoods, we'll see the hand of God at work through the neighbors, friends and families.
As God has called Building Hope in the City (BHITC) to the diverse neighborhoods of CFSY, we are intentional about walking alongside the residents and empowering their community visions of restoration and purpose. BHITC has a physical presence in the neighborhood with our main office on West 58th Street, and beyond that the Community Development team has woven a tapestry of connections with many of the families and individuals that reside in CFSY. A much- loved name and face that comes to mind is resident leader Betty Jo Palmer.
Betty Jo’s journey to the neighborhood in 2015 brings with it a mosaic of life experiences, such as professional modeling, serving in the military, and even being a backup vocalist for two different music groups. Her passion for life paired with her drive and motivation make her an excellent three time Rally CLE grant recipient, leading the "Light Up the Park” initiative by hosting outdoor events in an otherwise vacant lot near her home. “Being outside sparks creativity, and my vision for this park is that it will be a place for people to get outside with others. It can open up doors of opportunity for new friendships,” explains Betty Jo. “It’s like the trees are begging for the space to be enjoyed by those around it.”
The project name ‘Light Up The Park’ adequately describes the energized efforts to make the space all it can be. It is currently named Storer Park, but there was little in the space that signaled to residents they can use it for enjoying nature, family gatherings, or outdoor recreation. Betty Jo’s annual Rally CLE initiative strives to prove the value of the space with friends and families of all ages gathering for grill outs, bouncy houses, face painting, sports games, and more.
Events like Light Up the Park reveal how great a resource the park really is for the Stockyards neighborhood – and the City of Cleveland thinks so too! In fall of 2022 – after the second Light Up the Park initiative – the city saw the impact and potential of Storer Park as a respite for Clark-Fulton Stockyards residents. Jasmin Santana, Cleveland City Councilwoman for Ward 14, has worked with other resident groups in the past who have petitioned for Storer Park to serve as an outdoor space for CFSY neighbors and families. “Resident groups in this neighborhood have pleaded to see more come of Storer Park for some time now,” says Councilwoman Santana. “It has been a joy to link arms with Betty Jo and see this initiative come to life in a meaningful way!” The city developed a site improvement plan and a conceptual design for the future of the park. Majority funding totaling $200,000 has been secured by the city for the improvements, which include new seating areas, walking paths, outdoor furnishings, landscaping, and of course, lights!
Seeds of commitment have been sown as the city has already begun planting the shade trees around the property, and the neighborhood eagerly awaits future site improvements. “When I was little I learned that with prayer anything was possible, and with God all things are possible,” explains Betty Jo. “Building Hope helps in my vision to keep striving and keep achieving a goal as to motivate others that we can all ‘Light Up the Park,’ and make it into something positive for the residents. From children to seniors, somewhere people can go to live, love, and be together. Somewhere with a name they can say with pride.”
Esteemed church partners of BHITC have dedicated a remarkable amount of their time and effort over the past few years to ensure the resounding success of the "Light Up the Park" initiative. Cove City Church and John Knox Presbyterian Church have all been instrumental in volunteering and giving generously of their time to see that all needs are met to host this event successfully. City Church Near West Side, namely, has been a staple church partner for this Rally CLE project and the park initiative at large for three consecutive years, ensuring site coordinators for the event, helping with setup and tear down, logistics and planning, and much more! “I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a young person with Betty Jo. She selflessly chooses to care, and pours into me and her community. It has been amazing to work with her and learn from her,” expresses Evangeline Byler, 2023 Light Up the Park Site Coordinator and member of Cove City Church.
“When I think of Betty Jo I am instantly inspired,” says BHITC Director of Community and Leader Development Vatreisha Nyemba. “I have no excuses. She is someone who shows up with energy as the leader of a movement and motivates others along the way. Betty Jo's project truly exemplifies the multidimensional aspect of Rally CLE.”
Betty Jo's unwavering faith mirrors her belief that through prayer, anything is possible. BHITC echoes this sentiment by supporting her vision to create a space where generations, from children to seniors, can thrive, connect, and cherish moments together. A space that resonates with pride and reflects the unity of a neighborhood destined to shine. God's love for community reflects the belief that coming together, supporting one another, and loving our neighbors makes room for human flourishing, and the expression of divine love in the world.
