First Evangelical Covenant Church

First Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates with member Allan Barsema, whose ground-breaking non-profit work as the founder of The Carpenter's Place and Community Collaboration, Inc., has been nationally recognized with two recent awards: The Encore Careers 2010 Purpose Prize (presented by Civic Ventures), and the Harvard Bright Ideas Innovations Award. These ministries, marked by the highly creative and effective methods employed by Barsema, his wife Cathy, and the staff of the organizations, have not only had a profound impact on Rockford, but have served as models for outreach organizations far beyond our local community. First Evangelical Covenant Church continues to partner with Barsema, and many volunteers are able to see first-hand such excellent ministry in motion.

Read more about the awards:

NIU Today: Civic Ventures names NIU’s Allan Barsema among 10 winners of its National Purpose Prize

Encore Careers: Purpose Prize Winner Allan Barsema

Evangelical Covenant Church: Covenanter Honored With Innovative Ministry Award

Harvard Kennedy School: Bright Ideas