IFN Staff

Beyond the Building Ministries is a family effort, founded several years ago by Pamela Johnson, her daughter Deanna Ocampo, and Deanna’s husband Estevan.

In the past five years, their definition of family has expanded to include the neighborhood surrounding N.B. Mills Elementary School, where the small ministry delivers meals and fellowship.

The organization’s mission is simple: “Making sure people are seen. Some people think there’s nothing good that comes out of an area and they could not be more wrong. Everyone is loved,” Deanna explained.

On Thursday, Deanna and her mother, along with a handful of volunteers, dished up chicken and waffles for the community in recognition of Juneteenth.

Many months, they can be found pushing a cart loaded with hit meals or fresh grown vegetables down the streets.

“We come to you — we hang out with you and want to spend time with you,” Deanna said. “The neighborhood is the family.”

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Visit facebook.com/beyondthebuildingministries

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