President's Message

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Dr. Robin Weinstein

​Welcome to the M25 Initiative

Dear Friends & Partners:

Thank you for taking the opportunity to learn more about the M25 Initiative! This non-profit was birthed from the success of the grassroots movement of compassion now known as the "Cumberland County Code Blue Coalition." Since 2013 the Code Blue Coalition has demonstrated that faith can move mountains when coupled with prayer and loving action on behalf of the ‘least of these.’

We celebrate our success, but we remember that more work must be done.

One of my heroes, and fellow Eastern alum, Dr. Tony Campolo gives an interesting perspective on the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The story described a good man who rescues someone who, while traveling on the road between Jericho and Jerusalem, falls among thieves. Campolo states,

“It’s a moving story and inspires us all to do good works. The thing we must bear in mind is that the Good Samaritan did the right thing when he picked up the bandits’ victim, but if every day two or three people get mugged on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho, there comes a point at which we must realize that being Good Samaritans is not enough…In short, it’s one thing to care for the casualties from the system, but sooner or later we have to change the system so as to not have so many casualties in the first place.”

Code Blue serves as God’s ambulance squad in triaging the effects of homelessness in our community, but the M25 Initiative is about changing the system!

How do we change the system? The M25 Initiative philosophy is that by equipping and empowering grassroots movements individuals and organizations we can make a difference!

​In the study of mathematics, there is a field of study known as “chaos theory” that states that there is a reason, no matter the size, behind what appears to be chaos. The small change that can affect significant events is referred to as “the butterfly effect.” Neil Gaiman writes, “The things that really change the world, according to Chaos theory, are the tiny things. A butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazonian jungle, and subsequently a storm ravages half of Europe.” The Church is full of butterflies, but we must be willing to use our wings to fly!

Can we do the impossible? YES! Can we end chronic homelessness in Cumberland County? YES! Can we end childhood poverty and hunger? YES! Can we reduce crime, clean up our streets, and restore hope to our community? YES, WE CAN!

Jesus tells us that faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain (Matthew 17:20)! I have witnessed this in my life, but in most cases God gave me a shovel, along with some friends with strong backs. M25 seeks to give our local Churches a “shovel” and some friends to move the mountains in our path to a better tomorrow! Will you join us?

Blessings,
Robin Weinstein, Ed.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP
M25 Founder