A Face of ACE

Rusty Foerger knows about neighbours - both good and bad. A few years ago, he'd look out his window and see people coming and going from a run-down drug house across the street. 

"As tough as it was, it actually brought us closer," he says. "I ended up meeting others in the area who were also concerned about what was going on and wanted to do something about it." 

Rusty and a couple of this neighbours worked together, taking down license plate numbers, alerting the landlord and sharing information with the police. Although the problem house has since been torn down, Rusty's desire to strengthen the community remains. 

The retired firefighter decided to join Ritchie's Abundant Community team this summer after seeing a call for Block Connectors in the League newsletter.   

"I think it is really important to be an active part of the community where you live," says Rusty. "When my kids were younger, it was much easier to meet people because I was coaching soccer or running around with them. Those connections just came naturally."

Over the next few weeks, Rusty will be initiating conversations with his neighbours to learn more about their interests, abilities and ideas for Ritchie. 

"Although I wouldn't call myself an extrovert, I'm not afraid to get out there," he says. "I've been on this block for 17 years and I'm looking forward to meeting new people and developing those important community relationships."  
 

Ritchie’s Abundant Community program is continuing to gather momentum. We are still actively looking for local volunteers to fill Block Connector roles. If you would like to learn more please email: ritchieconnector@gmail.com  

Rusty and a couple of this neighbours worked together, taking down license plate numbers, alerting the landlord and sharing information with the police. Although the problem house has since been torn down, Rusty's desire to strengthen the community remains. 

The retired firefighter decided to join Ritchie's Abundant Community team this summer after seeing a call for Block Connectors in the League newsletter.   

"I think it is really important to be an active part of the community where you live," says Rusty. "When my kids were younger, it was much easier to meet people because I was coaching soccer or running around with them. Those connections just came naturally."

Over the next few weeks, Rusty will be initiating conversations with his neighbours to learn more about their interests, abilities and ideas for Ritchie. 

"Although I wouldn't call myself an extrovert, I'm not afraid to get out there," he says. "I've been on this block for 17 years and I'm looking forward to meeting new people and developing those important community relationships."  
 

Ritchie’s Abundant Community program is continuing to gather momentum. We are still actively looking for local volunteers to fill Block Connector roles. If you would like to learn more please email: ritchieconnector@gmail.com