Jean-Paul

Jean-Paul Hernandez, also known as “BarrioBoy” (neighborhood boy), a first-generation American with parents originally from Honduras and one of the Rally CLE 2021 Resident Leaders.

Meet Jean-Paul Hernandez, also known as “BarrioBoy” (neighborhood boy), a first-generation American with parents originally from Honduras. They came to America for a better life, and their son is pursuing the same, specifically for his neighbors. He is making his purpose happen with an outside community teaching space focused on gardening, art, music, and most importantly, a “safe place to be yourself,” and a place full of hope! 

Jean-Paul was one of the 12 resident leaders at this year’s Rally CLE event earlier this month, and his goal was to build a stage, benches and a firepit in his community garden on W 33rd St. to enjoy teaching and expression in the space. As a known community leader and garden aficionado, Jean-Paul, shares, “I want to inspire these kids.” By investing in his community, he hopes to inspire others to do the same. 

During Rally CLE, Grace Church CMA teamed up with Jean-Paul to pursue his vision. Not only did the team do the hard work of further developing the event space, they also hosted a fun, community-focused event throughout the day with food from nearby Half Moon Bakery and music!

The project started at 10 AM sharp, with volunteers scheduled until around 3 PM, but when one couple from sponsoring church, Grace CMA, realized the benches weren’t yet finished, they stayed several more hours until they were complete. As their time together went on, it was clear God had a bigger purpose in mind. Something precious happened - deeper relationship. 

Jean-Paul shared with the couple his idea of hosting a pumpkin event for the community in his garden, where he hoped to give two pumpkins to 100 neighborhood families. The couple wanted to help! They are now planning the pumpkin giveaway together for October (how amazing?!). 

How beautiful is it when people love their neighbor? In Mark 12:31, Jesus shares the second part of the greatest commandant, and that is to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ What does that look like to you? Staying a little longer to create deeper relationships? It might just be the catalyst to something amazing!  As Jean-Paul says, “You can always change your life.”

If you want to learn more about Jean-Paul’s community teaching space or to connect with him, follow him on Instagram @jpee.33.