EAST CARVER HEIGHTS
Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Jerry “Pops” Barnes
A Servant Leader. A Community Champion. A Lasting Legacy.
Jerry “Pops” Barnes dedicated his life to serving others and strengthening the community he loved. As a dedicated public servant and advocate for the people of Columbus, Georgia, he believed that strong communities are built through compassion, connection, and a commitment to helping others thrive.
Pops made a lasting impact throughout his community, particularly in the Boxwood and East Carver Heights neighborhoods. In 2013, he spearheaded the reopening of the Boxwood Recreation Center after a decade of closure, helping create opportunities for youth, families, and residents. He also supported the establishment of the Boxwood Soccer Club, Path to Shine, Friends And Neighborhood Network, and the East Carver Heights Community Development Corporation.
Remembered as a connector of people and resources, Pops worked tirelessly to ensure residents were heard, children and seniors had access to support, and community organizations had opportunities to grow. His leadership and service earned him numerous honors, including the Living Legends Award, Distinguished Older Georgian Award, and Columbus State University Legacy and Alumni Awards.
His legacy continues through the programs he helped establish, the lives he touched, and his family’s continued commitment to public service. As his daughter, Simi Barnes, carries forward the family’s civic legacy, his example remains a source of inspiration for future generations.
Jerry “Pops” Barnes leaves behind more than a record of service. He leaves a legacy of compassion, connection, and community—a legacy that continues to bless Columbus and inspire others to lead and serve with commitment, compassion, and joy.
Forever remembered. Always appreciated. Never forgotten.
SPOTLIGHT
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
ONE NEIGHBOR AT A TIME
East Carver Heights Community Development Corporation builds strong partnerships, provides community-based programs, and creates a safe, nurturing environment where children and families can connect and access the essential resources needed to live abundant lives!
OUR PURPOSE
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HOW WE WORK
At East Carver Heights, we believe strong families build strong communities. Our efforts focus on the family as a whole, not just children, not just adults, but the entire family unit.
For our community to thrive, we needed to support children and their families while growing relationships. We decided to create multiple programs that would help us do just that.
Boxwood Soccer was the first program to join ECHCDC we wanted to help create an equal level playing field for all children, regardless of their income level.
Path to Shine® is an after-school program that allows children (K-5) to come together and learn weekly. With a focus on reading, homework assistance, and building confidence, Path to Shine is designed to help each child grow as an individual while learning in a fun and safe environment.
At Boxwood F.A.N.N (Friends and Neighbors Network), we believe that everyone has the right to food and nutritional education. We're not a food bank—we're a community of people working together to ensure everyone can live with dignity and respect.
Our ESL program targets English language development, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, through academic instruction that is verbally and culturally responsive.
WHO WE SERVE
We serve minority families in Columbus, Georgia, who are searching for a supportive community and community-based programs that uplift not only the children but also the parents in their pursuit of a better life!
We are all uniquely connected by our community. This means that the decisions we make impact those around us and their lives in a very real way. When you choose to support our local causes all funds donation go back into our community, we can work together to build and strengthen a network of connection that empowers everyone in the community.
Become a local corporate partner today!
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