Nate Russell: Serving Adopt-A-Block neighbors that become family.
On a windy morning last March, a team of about 70 volunteers arrived at a neighborhood in Hernando to get to know their neighbors for the first time. This simple, and yet challenging intention is a value that is central to every program or outreach that the Dream Center does. We call it being “relationally committed,” and that is why our DeSoto County Dream Team of volunteers and staff chose to grow this vital ministry, making a commitment to Hernando to keep coming back.
With outreaches in Southaven and Olive Branch, the Hernando Adopt-A-Block is the most recent site where the Dream Center partnered with churches and volunteers to create monthly opportunities for volunteers to show up, share a meal together, host activities for kids, build relationships, and meet immediate needs.
AAB volunteer Nate Russell and his family serve in Hernando. “The coolest thing was when we entered [into the neighborhood], people were a little wary and, as they should be… And then by the end, we pull up and people are honking and waiving, and we walk into where there's just a genuine feel that we want to hang out with one another,” described Nate.
Nate serves alongside his wife, Whitney, and their church community. One month, while going door-to-door inviting neighbors to a block party, Whitney met Ms. Tina. When she returned the following month, she found Ms. Tina in a difficult place—her furniture had just been repossessed, and she was out of groceries.
“[Whitney] was like, ‘I know somebody that's going to be able to take care of that for you.’ And then she sat and talked with Ms. Tina for a long time.” Whitney shared the situation with their small group, they all went grocery shopping, and they were able to bring Ms. Tina groceries and furniture.
“We didn't tell her where it came from,” said Nate. “We're just like, somebody’s able to give you some furniture. So here, it's yours. And it's so sweet because we’re sitting there talking with her…and she just kept saying, ‘thank you, friend. Thank you.’ She had asked Jesus for these things. And then, he delivered.”
Ms. Tina, a long-time resident of the neighborhood, is now an integral part of the community connection. She helps the Adopt-A-Block team identify other neighbors in need. When a recent ice storm hit, Whitney checked in on her, and Ms. Tina quickly pointed out others who needed groceries. It became a full-circle moment—neighbors helping neighbors—as volunteers worked together, even coordinating transportation through icy conditions, to make sure no one was overlooked.
The impact of these relationships has extended beyond meeting needs, it’s creating lasting connection across generations.
Nate’s nine-year-old son, Fisher, has formed an unlikely friendship with an older neighbor known as “Mr. Wolf.” Every time they arrive, Fisher asks to visit him. He even invited Mr. Wolf to his birthday party and looks forward to hearing his stories about the neighborhood.
“It's just fun to see a kid like Fisher who has seemingly nothing in common with Wolf, yet he lights up every time Wolf's around,” shared Nate. “And so it’s good. I have nothing to say outside of: we should just do this all the time.”
If you’re interested in building meaningful relationships and serving your neighbors in Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, or Horn Lake (coming soon), we invite you to attend our upcoming Adopt-A-Block Interest Meeting on March 29. Join volunteers like Nate and his family as we continue to love and serve our DeSoto County communities—together.
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