OUR CORE VALUES
Inclusivity
We go out as followers of Jesus, humbly listening, to ensure that all voices, regardless of background or belief, are heard and included.
Collaboration
Foster partnerships among churches, community leaders, businesses, and local government for holistic development.
Sustainability
Focus on initiatives that promote long-term social, emotional, economic, and environmental well-being.
Innovation
Encourage creative problem-solving and embrace emerging technologies to address urban challenges.
Empowerment
Equip individuals with the skills, resources, and confidence to lead their communities towards positive change.
OUR STORY
how we got started
A Lighted Path & The Church of St. John the Divine
When Leigh Spruill joined the Church of St. John the Divine in 2021, he shared a vision of A Light for the City — that SJD would seek ways the church could engage to make an impact in our city. A two-year research and engagement process focused on the challenges faced by many of our city’s youth.
A Lighted Path was born to be focused on implementing initiatives that will improve the short-term and long-term outcomes for the very young, for school-aged youth and for young adults disadvantaged by social and economic disparities. A Lighted Path was provided generous seed funding by SJD. At the heart of this mission is a focus on relationships, positive one-on-one and group interactions, and mentoring.
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A Lighted Path, a separate non-profit broadens its reach – to our volunteers, the community, donors and supporters.