Simon Cyrene Fundraiser

As many of you know, we are a small 501(3)C non-profit organization called Simon Cyrene Group.

Our group is inspired by the man Simon of Cyrene. Picked from the crown watching Christ struggle under the agonizing weight of the cross, Simon helped carry the load. An African carrying the burden for a suffering Jew. Two different people. One who struggled. And another who refused to stand by and watch.

We believe and choose not to be bystanders. So we started Simon Cyrene Group. Using creativity as our resource, the sole purpose of the Simon Cyrene Group is to help other non-proft organizations, foundations, communities, and individuals through strategic branding and design: graphic design, architecture, industrial design, garden design, and interior design. We are a think tank for positive change. The mission of the Simon Cyrene Group is to put faith and creativity into action to serve God and to serve our fellow man.

Simon Cyrene Group is based out of Rosedale in Homewood, AL.

Rosedale Community Initiative

Rosedale is one of the most fascinating historic communities in Jefferson County. Settled in the late 19th century on a rugged hillside in the shadow of Red Mountain, it was named for the rose bushes that were planted along its paths. Pioneering African Americans cleared the land, creating a community that once included what is now downtown Homewood. Business thrived there, serving the community’s every need. Following the desegregation of Homewood schools and parks, Rosedale lost the schools, parks and swimming facility that had been the centers of community life. In 1970, Rosedale was divided by the completion of Red Mountain Expressway and further altered by the construction of Woodcrest Place. These losses led to further decline. Many homes were left vacant, creating blight in parts of the community. Now, a number of efforts are under way to restore Rosedale’s vitality. The Simon Cyrene Group is helping Rosedale residents reclaim abandoned properties – together creating a safer, more beautiful Rosedale. Like a rose that has been neglected and covered in vines, Rosedale, if properly nurtured, can bloom again.

Simon Cyrene has many plans for the Rosedale community. These are some of the following plans already in action and in the works:

Nehemiah’s Quest

Nehemiah’s Quest is a Rosedale youth initiative serving and encouraging 40-50 Rosedale youth. The program is about faith development, work ethic development, artistic development, and the development of servant leadership. The program consists of weekly Bible studies, monthly workdays, and biweekly summer work camp. Nehemiah's Quest provides a unique opportunity for young people living in Rosedale. They are eligible for paid positions building and planting the gardens, providing them with invaluable work experience. They also are trained in various landscaping techniques.





Rosedale Youth Garden

The Rosedale Youth Garden is part of the Nehemiah’s Quest youth initiative. Two organic gardens are maintained by the youth of Rosedale. Under the supervision of adult leaders, harvested produce is distributed to the elderly in the neighborhood by the youth. The summer program is biweekly, opening with a one hour devotion, followed by garden chores and commencing with a community lunch prepared by the youth with produce from the garden. Youth work under the supervision of a trained staff chef to learn the culinary arts. Organic Gardening, marketing, and reinvesting back into the community are all part of this program that teaches and demonstrates that God's gifts can and should be used to nurture, nourish, and sustain life for all. More than growing a garden, it's about growing hearts.



Rosedale Housing Initiative

Affordable housing need not look like “affordable housing.” The Simon Cyrene Foundation is currently developing a new program based upon that belief.
 Simon Cyrene owns 8-10 residential lots in Rosedale for the sole purpose of building architecturally dynamic affordable housing. Houses will be built for qualifying Rosedale residents and those individuals with a deep desire to move into and become a part of the Rosedale rebirth. Simon Cyrene is also compiled a detailed list of all historic structures and developing a plan to save, maintain, and restore the historic character of the structures.





Rosedale Arts Academy

 Simon Cyrene is currently renovating two historic shotgun houses adjacent to the new Simon Cyrene/ Slaughter Group studio. One unit will house the Rosedale Arts Academy. With a deep desire to foster the love of the arts in Rosedale youth, the Rosedale Arts Academy will teach drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. It will also offer courses on writing, filmmaking, and music. Slaughter Group staff along with local artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers will lead the teaching. 




We feel compelled to be here. Compelled to make a difference. Our combined efforts can help make Rosedale more beautiful, safer, and to help it truly bloom. We can not do this without the help of others. We choose not to be bystanders.

We want to applaud you in advance for any donation made in efforts to help the Rosedale community. We CAN make a difference.  









http://simoncyrene.org