County Executive Steuart Pittman holds a deep, enriching conversation with Apostle Antonio Palmer and Dr. Barbara Palmer, founders of Kingdom Celebration Center and Kingdom Care. What began as a single church in Annapolis in 1995 has evolved into a comprehensive service network touching thousands of lives across Anne Arundel County and beyond.
When pandemic hunger struck, the Palmers didn't just respond—they scaled, expanding from serving 500 people monthly to feeding 3,000 individuals across 44 zip codes. This remarkable pivot exemplifies their approach: identify community needs, build capacity to address them, and create partnerships that amplify impact.
Dr. Barbara Palmer's journey from corporate accountant to nonprofit leader highlights a crucial ingredient in their success. "My passion is to help other faith-based organizations build their capacity," she explains, pinpointing the administrative expertise that allows Kingdom Care to employ over 55 staff delivering services from early childhood education to teen mother support programs.
Their violence interruption work represents some of their most innovative community impact. By hiring "credible messengers"—former participants in street life who've changed direction—they've prevented numerous potential violent incidents. One success story involved averting what could have been a dangerous situation similar to the tragic Brooklyn Homes shooting, accomplished through careful communication between their team, local officials, and community members.
What makes the Palmers' model extraordinary isn't just what they do, but how they do it. Rather than competing for resources or claiming exclusive expertise, they constantly seek collaboration. "We have over 50 partners that we can get on the phone and call for whatever resource our clients need," Dr. Palmer notes. This collaborative mindset, combined with professional management and faith-based motivation, creates a powerful force for positive change.
As federal funding for social services potentially faces cuts, organizations like Kingdom Care represent crucial community anchors. Want to see how faith can transform communities when paired with strategic thinking and professional execution? This conversation offers both inspiration and a practical roadmap.
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