For three decades, the Neighborhood Christian Center has stood as a beacon of hope and transformation in Decatur, Alabama, celebrating an enduring legacy of profound community service.

The organization’s impactful philosophy, encapsulated by the mantra “every number is a person,” underscores their dedication to individual lives, a principle vividly demonstrated by their reach, serving over 7,000 people last year alone and an astonishing 100,000 individuals across their thirty-year history.

Central to their outreach are comprehensive programs for incarcerated individuals, as exemplified by Paula Campbell, who discovered addiction recovery, job training, and spiritual growth classes while in Morgan County Jail, crediting the center with teaching her “to do life” and offering unwavering support.

The genesis of this vital jail ministry stemmed from co-director Tim Bolding’s commitment to supporting individuals like Turner, whose life was transformed by Christ-centered classes and Bolding’s personal investment in his GED, solidifying the center’s niche in educational and discipleship programs both inside and outside correctional facilities.

The roots of the Decatur center were planted by Jeff Swanson, a Memphis Neighborhood Christian Center volunteer, evolving from initial efforts focused on basic physical needs such as a food pantry, clothes closet, Bible study, and summer youth programs, guided by early directors Ephie and Rodney Johnson.

Pamela and Tim Bolding assumed leadership in 2006, returning to a ministry where they had volunteered in its infancy; they strategically revitalized the center by first rebuilding community trust and demonstrating tangible impact through programs before engaging in significant fundraising efforts, a testament to their deep commitment.

Over the years, the Neighborhood Christian Center’s offerings adapted to community needs, introducing programs like “Jobs for Life” in 2009—a faith-based initiative focused on employment training—and expanding into the thriving Hispanic Women’s Ministry, which notably grew during the COVID-19 pandemic through innovative virtual outreach.

Today, the center continues its diverse array of services, including the beloved Christmas Toy Room, a clothes closet, a vital food pantry, various youth programs, three crucial transition homes, and a dynamic summer youth leadership program, all designed to foster community engagement and personal growth.

The Neighborhood Christian Center’s three decades of unwavering dedication have created an indelible mark on countless lives, embodying a consistent mission to empower, support, and uplift every individual they encounter.