We envision a thriving, connected community where people are valued and talents are multiplied.
Our Mission: Unite, Empower, Change Lives!
"Believe - Act - Transform" - watch our video
We Believe...
- Positive relationships are the building blocks for community.
- Faith requires action.
- Building towards a sustainable, inclusive future is essential.
- Crossing boundaries and building bridges among diverse groups strengthens all.
- Healthy communities focus on empowerment.
- Effective mentoring and teaching changes lives.
- A model of listening, reflecting, planning and serving builds community.
Our History
Matthew 25 Ministry Hub began as an independent nonprofit organization in 2007 to strengthen neighborhoods on the west side of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Volunteer "book buddies" began working with children at Taylor Elemenary and music mentors were arranged for older children. "Groundswell" became a gathering place for youth to be honored and encouraged. Through the grace of God, Matthew 25 was flexible and able to respond to the crises created by the floods of 2008. Joining with others, a partnership called Block by Block brought together neighbors on 25 different blocks . Working with volunteers and with homeowners, over 200 owner-occupied homes were rehabilitated and more than 45 houses were restored. Matthew 25 continues its commitment to neighborhood revitalization.
During 2012 Matthew 25 and our volunteers are working with home-owners to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes, restoring abandoned houses, and building new homes for families new or returning to the neighborhood. Our commitment to "Cultivate Hope" has led to the building of an Urban Farm as part of a new Ellis Urban Village. The empowerment of children and youth remains a central focus of Matthew 25.
Matthew 25 Ministry Hub has its roots in the United Methodist Church. We started with the beliefs that there is more that unites caring people than divides them and that one of the most powerful ways to bring people together is through service. We believe that every person and every community is gifted, even the ones some may label as needy. We aim to let this belief guide everything we do, and our treasure-hunting has been rewarded. We have made great friends and accomplished great things together. If you get involved in the work of Matthew 25, you will be making a difference in the lives of people who often have it rough. You will show them that they are not alone, that they have friends out there. But it's not just they who receive the benefits of that work. You will benefit too. Your life will be richer for it.
Our Scriptural Foundation
In the Christian scripture of Matthew, in the 25th chapter, Jesus tells three stories. The third story includes a word of praise and appreciation: "I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me." We at Matthew 25 Ministry Hub believe that all of us are called to continue this ministry to and with persons in need, especially to and with those who are marginalized by society. We invite you to join us in strengthening our neighborhoods and empowering our neighbors.
