The core values of the Society of Jesus emphasize actively serving others and engaging with the community around us; this includes being a good neighbor. As Executive Director of the
Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership, John Gill ’97 takes this core value to heart.
The Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership was created as a community outreach arm for Saint Ignatius in 1991 at the direction of then President, Fr. Robert Welsh S.J. ’54. It was established during a period when the school was growing, and there were some challenges that the administration aimed to address thoughtfully. According to Gill, “To stay in the neighborhood, we needed to expand our campus. The school community found value in this neighborhood, and we chose to stay; but in doing so, we needed to listen to the needs and concerns of our neighbors.”
In his role with Arrupe, Gill has been a liaison with our neighbors for the past two decades. “We work every day to be good neighbors to the residents in the immediate neighborhood, seeking ways for our students and residents to interact and form relationships. My hope is that the more we know each others’ stories, the more we become better neighbors and the neighborhood remains a positive place to study, live, and work,” Gill says.
The Ohio City neighborhood is made up of seven block clubs. The block clubs are based on the business or residents' location. Saint Ignatius belongs to two clubs because of the geographical layout of the campus: the South of Lorain Block Club (SOLO): Chatham, Monroe, and Bailey Avenues, and the Bridge, Carroll, and Jay Avenues Block Club. Gill works closely with the block clubs and regularly attends their meetings. The SOLO meetings are held at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts Saint Ignatius. Although the residents manage the groups, Ohio City Incorporated supports them through marketing and fiscal support.
According to longtime Ohio City resident Tim Delpapa, Gill has been a tremendous asset in involving Saint Ignatius with the neighborhood. “His passion for the school and his genuine concern for the neighborhood are evident at our block club meetings,” he says. Delpapa continues “John is flexible, patient, and involved at our meetings.”
Each block club holds monthly meetings which serve as a forum for conversations about issues ranging from neighborhood development, security, new businesses coming to the area, and community programming. Neighbors know that if a student’s car is blocking their driveway, one call to the school quickly resolves the issue. Gill adds that our neighbors appreciate our students being polite to them, and recognize the level of volunteering our students do in the area. Most neighbors realize the positive impact Saint Ignatius students are having on the area.
At a recent SOLO block club meeting, a variety of topics were discussed, including security in Ohio City, with Sgt. Andy Thomas from the Second District Police talking to residents. It’s a lively group of young and old adults, all passionate about their community.
Resident Fran Palucki has been an Ohio City resident for decades. She speaks of the challenges over the years with a chuckle. “Well years ago, I had Ignatius boys changing into their athletic uniforms outside of their cars, in front of my house. But a call to Head Soccer Coach Mike McLaughlin ’85 and the situation was quickly resolved.” On a poignant note, the Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer ministry assisted at the funeral when her beloved mother passed away in 2017.
Delpapa, a volunteer at the historic Monroe Street Cemetery, praises the school's
Spring Into Action Day. He said annually, there are several dozen young men, along with many parents, raking leaves and picking up litter at the cemetery.
As the school's leadership has actively listened to feedback, we have found a healthy balance between addressing the school’s needs and being a good neighbor. This attentive approach has fostered stronger relationships within our community. Various departments within the school collaborate closely with neighborhood partners, enhancing our role as responsible neighbors. For instance, our security team works alongside the Second District Police and other local security services, while our Facilities staff maintains the campus and the shared sidewalks around the area.
Over the years, the school’s leadership, Security teams, Facilities staff, and Athletic department have consistently sought to understand and address the needs and concerns of our neighbors, resulting in numerous positive outcomes. A notable example is our partnership with local residents, allowing them to use our athletic fields after school practices and games. Additionally, organizations like the Near West Recreation Center and CYO frequently utilize our field and track for their events, further strengthening community ties.
Jessica Merugu, Ohio City resident and parent of sophomore Kai, shares her experience with the Saint Ignatius community. “When my son was in 6th grade we heard about the Spring Into Action Day. Our library asked if we could also volunteer. The students and staff from Saint Ignatius were so welcoming and kind and fun to work with, and they went out of their way to include our son in their group. This encounter made an impact on my son, who has participated in this community day of service ever since,” Jessica says with a smile.
Another positive outcome of the block clubs is that they have provided Gill with the names of families who would benefit from receiving food during the
Rini Christmas Food Drive. This year, the residents of the Fairview Garden Apartments were added to the roster of more than 700 families receiving food baskets.
The work of the Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership under Gill's leadership exemplifies the Society of Jesus' commitment to serving others and fostering strong community ties. By prioritizing open communication and collaboration with residents, Gill has not only enhanced the relationship between Saint Ignatius and the Ohio City neighborhood but has also created a model for community engagement.
This story was originally published in the Winter issue of the Saint Ignatius magazine; to read the full issue click
here.