For Littrell, NBW’s active outreach to the larger
community resonates with St. Mary’s own mission.
The association has become “symbiotic.” NBW is
one of the faces St. Mary’s presents to the world – as
well as its own congregation. “I hope it leaves some
people with a sense that a church is engaged with its
own community and people beyond itself – not just
passively but actively.”
Through a singular focus on bicycles, NBW has
spawned programs that change young people’s lives
– and by extension transform communities too. “It’s
a unique organization,” says Glenn Devitt, Health
Council Program Coordinator for the School District
of Philadelphia, which has collaborated with NBW on
several physical fitness and anti-obesity initiatives.
“The service that they provide to the community is
Housed in the basement of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Neighborhood Bike
invaluable.” Participants in the Earn-a-Bike sessions, Works’ workshop makes use of every bit of available storage space.
for example, take home much more than the cool bikes
feels like to work at it and have your work pay off. And now
they fixed up themselves. They gain confidence, work habits,
he’s in the front.”
and practical skills that have a lasting impact. Building and
repairing bicycles involves both collaboration and the ability
Dyson attributes his organization’s success to NBW’s attitude
to work independently. “It’s an avenue for young kids to
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