A Note from Our Founder:

Origins & Youth Development

Link Christian Community Development began in the Walnut Neighborhood when young artists gathered with members of Harvest Vineyard Church and Orchard Hill Church to create art together. From those gatherings, the Youth Art Team was born in 2010—giving students the chance to be creative contributors through large-scale art projects. As the program grew, the need for sustainable support became clear, and in 2011 Link CCD became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Youth development remained central in our early years. In 2013, Try Pie Bakery took root when neighborhood teens began dreaming together about job creation. Both Youth Art Team and Try Pie have since become thriving independent nonprofits that continue to help youth discover their gifts, develop life and employment skills, and build friendships across diverse groups.

Neighborhood Flourishing

From the beginning, Link CCD has sought more than youth development. Rooted in the Walnut Neighborhood, Link became a network of friends and organizations committed to neighborhood flourishing through the principles of Christian Community Development. These principles include sustained presence, confronting racism, listening to the community, empowering local leadership, and building broad partnerships among residents, churches, nonprofits, businesses, and city government.

Partnership between Harvest Vineyard Church and Orchard Hill Church helped set the pace. Together with neighbors, they formed book clubs and learning communities, hosted workshops and speakers, and traveled to national CCDA conferences—growing a vision for a beloved community and a holistic Gospel. It was, and still is, a vision of shalom—a glimpse of “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Living Out the Principles

Building a strong social fabric has always been a core value. Alongside the Walnut Neighborhood Association, neighbors have planted flowers on corners, shared potlucks, sung Christmas carols, planted more than 300 trees, and filled birthday boxes for children. In partnership with the neighborhood Boys & Girls Club, Christmas in Walnut has become an annual event since 2011, giving parents the dignity of choosing and purchasing new, discounted gifts for their children.

The principles of Christian Community Development have never been just words on paper. They have been embodied practices—especially listening to the community. In 2016, a neighborhood listening meeting revealed housing as the top concern. Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity was invited to partner, and a Walnut Alliance Team was formed. Since 2017, housing—repairs, rehabs, and new construction—has become a strategic focus for neighborhood renewal.

Partnership & Expansion

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity quickly embraced the vision of holistic neighborhood development. Their commitment to Walnut and Church Row Neighborhoods has demonstrated what it means to pursue the full well-being of local communities.

Today, Link’s vision has expanded beyond Walnut. Yet our mission remains the same: Link is a network of residents and partners who connect, inspire, and equip one another to practice good neighboring and create thriving, resilient neighborhoods.

Our Core Conviction

At Link, we believe “we” is always better than “us and them.” Working with is more transformative than doing things to or for. This conviction continues to guide everything we do as we co-create with God a glimpse of heaven on earth.