Rachel Hall, Matt Yokoyama, Haley Deems, Natalie Mason and Cassie Richardson enjoy the fun, fellowship and painting during the Compton Initiative District 1 Cleanup on Saturday, July 21. Bulletin photos by Chris Frost COMPTON—The Compton Initiative continued its work in District One on Saturday, July 21, when 1,000 people teamed up to give Centennial High School and homes in the community a facelift.

The Initiative made a 40-year commitment to the city, and partners with churches, businesses and residents to fulfill its goals.

“We prayed with our homeowner,” Faith Inspiration Church Assistant Pastor Barby Saundys said. “The church reaches beyond its four walls and delivers the word of God through our efforts.”

Safety plays a key role in the initiative’s success, and Angel Brown made sure no accidents occurred at her location.

“I make sure someone stands at the bottom of each ladder,” she said. “We do not scrape overhead, and if someone gets hot and tired, I make sure they stay hydrated and rested on such a hot day.”

Volunteers give a fresh coat of paint to Centennial High School during the Compton Initiative District 1 Cleanup on Saturday, July 21. Bulletin photos by Chris Frost The best part about working the cleanup, Brown said, is meeting new people.

“There are always new volunteers from outside our community,” she said. “People from different walks of life all come together, and we talk, laugh and have a great time.”

The door remains open to all comers, Brown said, regardless of their history.

“I had my problems growing up, so I understand the struggles young people face,” she said. “We offer refuge from the wrong side of the street.”

Homeowner Rico Munoz was all smiles as his house received tender loving care from the group, and he could not believe how marvelous it turned out.

Attention to detail trademarks the work done by the Compton Initiative crew participating in the recent District 1 Cleanup Day. “I belong to the block club, and they came to my house and asked if they could paint the house,” he said. “They did the whole thing and did not charge me. This group is amazing.”

The work inspires Maribel Munoz, and she plans on paying it forward.

“My family is going to start attending church and volunteering,” she said.

The effort involves more than just paint.

“I came over from Lakewood, and enjoy doing cleanup and landscaping,” Cory Halbardier said. “All of my experiences during my five years with the initiative have been positive, and we always enjoy the work.”

Future Pastor Matt Cianfrani has reached out to communities in Guatemala, but enjoys helping local communities.

Homeowner Rico Munoz was overwhelmed by the volunteers who came to his assistance during the Compton Initiative District 1 Cleanup. “Children feel pride and ownership when they come back to school after we complete our work,” he said. “The look on their faces is the payoff.”

Faith Inspirational Church teams up with local block clubs, Rod Brown said, and each group picks two deserving residents.

“Block club captains know the backstory behind each family and make the appropriate decisions,” he said. “After that I select two homes, making sure there is no favoritism.”

Councilwoman Janna Zurita called the event a blessing.

“Everyone wins when we work together and pool resources,” she said. “The city provided support staff and removed refuse, the Compton Unified School District donated paint for our schools, and our faith based organizations and community volunteers offered their hearts and hands for the benefit of the entire community.”

Volunteers did whatever it took to improve Centennial High School during the cleanup held by Compton Initiative on July 21. School district maintenance staff will put the finishing touches on the work.

For more information about the Compton Initiative call 562-817-0822, or visit justdogood.org.