November 21, 2021- Sherrod’s Independent Mentoring Program(SIMP Inc) hosted its’ inaugural Because We Care Thanksgiving Meal. The event was held at the Good Samaritan Inn. Over 25 volunteers helped cook and serve meals for 150 people. Volunteers included SIMP Inc leaders, local law enforcement, and youth. The menu included baked chicken, dressing, Southern mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, candied yams, cranberry sauce, rolls, and an array of desserts to choose from.
The goal was to provide a meal for people in the community, and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community. How do you attempt to accomplish that? Let law enforcement be the first people guests see when they walk to the serving line. As guests gathered their silverware and trays, and prepared to be served, they were greeted by local law enforcement officers ready to serve them. As they moved down the line, more officers were waiting to fill their trays with all the Thanksgiving fixins one could think of. Each one as friendly as the last.
It wasn’t just the guests who spent the afternoon getting to know those who protect and serve the Macon County community. The youth got a chance to bridge the gap of disconnect between police and civilians. Before the doors to the Good Samaritan Inn opened, officers and youth from the Shemilah Outreach Center took their places on the assembly line. Positioned side by side, the group worked in unison to serve each guest as they made their way down the line.
“Our youth wanted an event where they could work beside law enforcement to restore positive relationships with them but also to keep having positive things going on so that it was something that showed us uniting together that we can do it,” said Dr. Jarmese Sherrod, President & CEO, of SIMP Inc. “All of this violence going on. We need to have positive events like this on a regular basis where we are constantly giving back and showing people that we care. And this is one of the things I love about today.”
As a Youth Development co-leader, for SIMP Inc, I not only had the opportunity to witness the inspirational event take place, but had the privilege to participate in the event. Whether it was cooking while jamming out to some tunes, serving on the assembly line, or watching guests and volunteers dance to the Cupid Shuffle, you could truly feel the camaraderie. As I watched the families file in with radiant smiles, I could feel tears welling up. An event like this, truly warms your heart. It wasn’t just the giving of meals but the spreading of kindness. The moment that sticks out to me the most? A little boy had just finished his meal and ran up to the counter to give a monetary donation. Unfortunately, he could not reach the counter. Just as an officer would run into the face of danger, this officer ran to the child. Without hesitation, he lifted the boy up so he could place the money into the donation box. Just like that, the tears were back.
Volunteers are hopeful this event will continue, given the success of today.
“Hopefully we will continue this event,” said Seargeant Scott Rosenbery, Decatur Police Department. “We had a good turnout here. I think everyone enjoyed their time so I am looking forward to doing it, next year.”
If there is anything one can take away from this event, it is that teamwork truly makes the dream work. You can’t impact this community alone. It takes everyone.
“I want them to see how to work together with ones that are different from you,” said Shemuel Sanders, founder of the Shemilah Outreach Center. “ Working with police officers. I wanted them to work with them and build that bridge. That team work makes the dream work. Good friend told me that and I see it.”
If you want to learn more about SIMP Inc and future events like this, email simpincorporated@gmail.com or call 708-405-9282. You can also contact the organization on its’ Facebook
