In recent years, Eastern Star Church, located on the city’s eastside has invested in the Arlington Woods community by offering childcare and affordable housing and even a grocery store. So, it came as no surprise to me when I heard that Eastern Star has partnered with Rooted School – Indianapolis to bring another education option to the city’s eastside.
Several years ago, like many others, I watched the documentary Waiting On Superman. It really stuck with me. Our communities can’t wait around for the state or federal government to care more about our community and our children’s education than the people in the community itself. Eastern Star’s approach is what we need to see more of in communities like Arlington Woods.
We need to see more churches and businesses alike within the black community partnering with schools to meet the needs of the family and children in our communities. Eastern Star has partnered with IPS school 99 to help provide school uniforms, technology, and summer food programs in the past.
I lived in the Arlington Woods area when my oldest children were in middle school. I opted not to send my children to their zoned high school at that time as it was in jeopardy of being taken over by the state and had been failing for many years. I loved my neighborhood and only moved because we outgrew our home. The people of Arlington Woods and neighborhoods like that deserve quality schools for their children. Eastern Star is trying to make that a reality.
Only time will tell if this partnership will create a quality education option for the families in the Arlington Woods and surrounding neighborhoods. It is at least a step in the right direction for a community helping to rebuild itself.