New Heights Christian Community Development Association in Benton Heights is reflecting on a busy 2024. It’s released an impact report for the year, examining all the ways its programs have benefitted the community.
New Heights CCDA Director Chris Britton tells us one major program of the organization is its New Heights Auto Ministry.
“We provided 232 repairs, provided 32 vehicles to 100 clients,” Britton said. “And again, those repairs and vehicles are significantly subsidized. Basically, we were able to provide reliable transportation to these lower income clients for pennies on the dollar.”
Britton says the work done by the Auto Ministry saved customers around $100,000 last year, while the program’s overall economic impact is estimated at more than $2 million.
Another big program of the CCDA is the New Heights Laundry Hub, which opened in May. Britton says it’s since then averaged 246 loads of laundry per month, hosted 30 community events, and installed a bicycle repair station. He says it astounds him to review the community impact of New Heights CCDA.
“We’re celebrating the fact that we’ve been able to help a lot of people, but we also need to remind ourselves as a community that there’s still a lot of work to be done. But all that being said, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and I just feel privileged.”
New Heights CCDA runs a Community Food Network that distributed more than 8,300 pounds of farm-fresh produce, 375 gallons of milk, and 730 dozen eggs to those in need in 2024. And finally, Britton says New Heights hosted ten free community dinners in the Benton Heights area to foster community cohesion.
Britton is asking anyone who wants to help out with any New Heights program to take at look at its website and reach out.
