Brookside Community Development Corporation

🎃 BOO! It’s almost time for Brookside’s Trunk or Treat!

Get your costumes ready and bring the whole family for an afternoon full of treats, games, and Halloween fun! We can’t wait to see all the creative costumes, pass out candy, play games, and make sweet memories together as a community.

📅 Saturday, October 31
⏰ 12–4 PM
📍 Corner of Brookside Pkwy & Olney at the Brookside Community Garden

Costumes? Check! Candy? Check! Fun? Absolutely!

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and come celebrate Halloween with us at Brookside. We can’t wait to see you there! 👻

Brookside CDC Men’s Fellowship Brunch

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, our Men’s Programming Team will be hosting a Men’s Fellowship Brunch with the men of the Isaiah House from 11 AM–1 PM at Brookside Community Church.

This will be a great time to share a meal, build meaningful connections, and strengthen brotherhood through fellowship and community. We look forward to a meaningful afternoon together!

Last weekend, our Men’s Programming Team had the opportunity to take some of the men in our program fishing in Geist, Indiana! 🎣

It was a beautiful day to get outside, enjoy nature, and spend time together away from the everyday routine. The men had a great time fishing, fellowshipping, and building brotherhood out on the water. Afterward, they continued the time together by sharing a meal and enjoying good conversation.

We’re thankful for our Men’s Programming Team and the opportunities they create for the men in our program to connect, build relationships, and make meaningful memories together!

Last Friday, October 2, we gathered together to recognize Wrongful Conviction Day and bring awareness to the reality of wrongful convictions in our country.

We had the opportunity to hear from two exonerees, Timmy Donald and James Kluppelberg, who shared their powerful stories of wrongful conviction, incarceration, and ultimately fighting for their freedom. Timmy Donald spent more than 20 years in prison before being exonerated, while James Kluppelberg spent nearly 25 years incarcerated before his wrongful conviction was overturned.

We were also honored to hear from Rabia Chaudry, an attorney, author, and advocate who became widely known for bringing attention to Adnan Syed’s case and helping bring his story to the public through the podcast Serial. She continues to advocate for justice and raise awareness about wrongful convictions.

We also heard from Vernon T. Bateman, who continues to fight for full exoneration after spending 26 years wrongfully incarcerated. During his time in prison, Vernon found purpose through art and writing, creating children’s books that encourage young people to choose love, compassion, education, and a life free from violence. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the ability to turn pain into purpose.

It was a meaningful afternoon filled with powerful stories, honest conversations, and an important reminder of why awareness matters. We are thankful to everyone who joined us and to those who continue to use their voices to seek justice and bring attention to wrongful convictions.

What a beautiful Saturday serving alongside the young adults from Lakeview Church! 🤍

Their group came out to serve Brookside by painting, digging a trench, and helping clean up a new home that we are preparing to open for women and children in our community.

It was such a joy to have them with us, and we are so thankful for their servant hearts and willingness to spend their Saturday serving Brookside.

Thank you, Lakeview Church, for showing up, serving wholeheartedly, and helping us prepare a place that will soon become a home. We are so thankful for you!

This past Saturday, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the Kingdom Ground house.

We are incredibly grateful for John and Amanda from Traders Point Christian Church for the time, dedication, and care they have given in helping prepare this home.

We appreciate every person who has prayed, volunteered, given, and helped make Kingdom Ground a home. We look forward to seeing this house filled with love, hope, community, and new beginnings for the women and children who will call it home.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring Kingdom Ground to life. We are excited for all that God has in store for this home!

Women’s Reentry Awareness Tea Party 🤍🌸

What a beautiful afternoon celebrating the incredible women in our Reentry Program and sharing more about the work we do. We are so thankful for our volunteers, everyone who came out to support, and our partners at Heart Change Ministries for joining us!

To every woman in our program: you are seen, you are valued, and you are beautiful. We love you and are honored to walk alongside you!

You're invited to a Ribbon Cutting at Kingdom Ground House!

Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM as we officially open the doors of Kingdom Ground House. All are welcome — neighbors, partners, volunteers, and supporters are invited to celebrate with us. This project was made possible in partnership with Traders Point.

Come be part of the celebration — we'd love to see you there! Message us for more details.

Meet Josh Cutler, our new Men's Coordinator! We are excited to have him on the team!

What a summer it was at Brookside! ☀️

Our 2026 Play in the Park season was filled with fun, laughter, and community. This summer, we had the opportunity to serve 500 kids and bless families with a special backpack giveaway to help get them ready for the school year.

A huge thank you to every volunteer, partner, and community member who came out, served, supported Brookside CDC, and helped make each evening special. We are so grateful for everyone who showed up, brought the fun, and made this summer one to remember!

Thank you for making Play in the Park 2026 so special.