Instrument of Peace = Shalom Zone

In 1996, a small group of Methodist pastors formed to discuss solutions to the growing problem of crime and drugs in Gallatin’s Clearview Community. Two years later, the group had expanded to include Clearview residents, laypeople from area churches, and members of the wider Gallatin community. The group’s initial focus was to beautify Clearview Park, form a board of directors, incorporate, and receive nonprofit status.

Since its inception, Gallatin Shalom Zone has offered educational programs, provided scholarships, organized health fairs, created mentoring programs for at-risk youth, and worked with city officials to improve Clearview Park. Although difficult to measure, the community benefits brought about by the passionate and selfless servant hearts of the people who lead and volunteer with Gallatin Shalom Zone are evident. Drug activity and crime in Clearview are on the decline, and pride of ownership and responsibility are on the rise.

Shalom Zone has made expanded opportunities and renewed hope within the community through the following partnerships and services:

Awarding annual scholarships to Volunteer State Community College
Sponsoring an annual Gallatin Shalom Zone concert
Encouraging the involvement of Habitat for Humanity in Clearview, resulting in the completion of 11 Habitat houses
Making available free flu shots and medical screening programs
Renovating and landscaping Clearview Community Park
Painting the Clearview Park clubhouse
Working alongside city officials to restore ball fields and outdoor lights
Providing financial underwriting for expanded recreational programs
Organizing recreational ball teams and tournaments
Planting a community garden
Sponsoring a dance recital and performance troupe
Bringing the community together through cookouts and picnics

Hallways of Hope: Union High Resource Center

Union High School rests in the heart of Gallatin’s Clearview community. Closed since 1997, the building was deeded to Gallatin Shalom Zone in 2004 by the Sumner County Board of Education. The building again opened in June 2008 as the Union High Resource Center. Bordering a subsidized housing project, the Shalom Zone is in the process of repairs necessary to transform Union High and its hallways, classrooms, gymnasium, and cafeteria into a vibrant community center. Reborn as the Union High Resource Center, this site is the catalyst that brings a fragmented community together, continuing in the spirit of integrity, education, and hope of its namesake, Union.

Union High Resource Center will serve the residents of Clearview by teaching people of all ages the skills necessary to give them hope for the future. Here, Gallatin’s longtime residents can pass along the community’s original sense of pride and values to younger generations. Equipped with much-needed physical resources, mentors, and instructors, this center will provide a space for all residents to live abundant lives.

Gallatin Shalom Zone has raised 3 million to refurbish and update Union High Resource Center. The exterior and overall physical structure of the building is sound. In addition, the City of Gallatin is poised and eager to work with Shalom Zone in transforming the building’s interior into a safe, usable space. The building has had new windows, doors; repaired roof to make the building safe and attractive, over $500,000 alone was donated for this project. New heat and air was added in addition to a fire safety system of sprinkling the entire building. The inside of the building sports colors of the original school in burgundy. Former classroom space was divided to make welcoming office spaces for non-profits. Sidewalks outside along with ample parking welcome those who visit the building. Additional trees were planted so our space can be green. Staffed by volunteers from community organizations and partners who seek to enrich lives, the Union High Resource Center serves as a lively hub of community activity and involvement.

Gallatin Shalom Zone’s focus for the future is to provide the following programs and service through the Resource Center:

Affordable day care for working parents
After-school programs for school-age children and youth
An internal library and study space for tutoring, homework, and reading
Free medical screenings by volunteer health providers
Enrichment classes for children, teens, and adults
Combined programs with other community-based groups

“People will be strengthened by the opportunity for assistance, education, family fun, and just knowing that people care enough to open doors for a better quality of life. I hope the center will be a place for agencies to work together and learn from each other. There should be a synergy that evolves among agencies, which will translate to better service for the clients.” Brenda Payne, Campaign Co-Chair, Gallatin Shalom Zone Inc.

Two Steps Forward: Progress in Process

Gallatin’s Clearview community is stricken with poverty and joblessness. The median annual income for the area is $21,700, and 25% of area households earn below $10,000 annually. The community also has a high number of single-parent households (30%), many residents with less-than-adequate educations (with a 51% dropout rate), children roaming the streets without parental supervision, and community concerns over drug-related issues and crime. But even with these challenges, earlier generations remember a thriving Clearview community and want to restore a legacy of dignity and hope for future generations.

The Gallatin Shalom Zone organization has seen the inroads of positive change through the effort put forth thus far. With a place to call home, Gallatin Shalom Zone, partnering with other community-based groups focused on the same vision and goals, can have a profound impact on the Clearview community and become a model for similar tight-knit urban areas.

The new Union High Resource Center embodies the potential to change for a community struggling to regain its health. Union High Resource Center will be a place where young and old alike can learn valuable life skills, receive health screenings and medical care, and discover the joy of having a safe place to come after school or work for recreational activities and relaxing with neighbors. With the help of local supporters, Union High Resource Center will be a beacon of hope to improve lives.