The Current Project

Overview

Rev. Alisha Gordon wants Black single mothers not just to survive but to thrive socially, economically, and emotionally. This vision, born out of Alisha’s own experience as a single mother, led to the start of the Current Project, an advocacy and mission-driven organization focused on supporting the well-being of black single mothers by connecting them to the resources needed to attain and maintain thriving. At the end of every episode this season, we have asked each guest, “What is a breath of fresh air in the church today that is nothing less than the gift of the Spirit?” This conversation with Alisha is a breath of fresh air that will leave you inspired, hopeful, and energized for working for “thy kingdom come” today. As Alisha says, “I think we actually have the capacity to save the world right now. We don’t have to wait until the return. We can just do it.” May it be so!

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Alisha’s journey to start The Current Project as the pandemic exposed so many of the gaps in marginalized communities. (5:23)

• How the pandemic ignited social entrepreneurship and Alisha’s own project which started with a virtual economic and mental health wellness group. (6:23)

• Programming and policy must complement each other for people to thrive. (8:41)

• The Current Project grew out of a survey of 230 moms in East Harlem and a promise she made to God. (9:51)

• The survey revealed Black single mothers who were very clear about their purpose and goals and only in need of resources and support. (13:57)

• Along with resources we must create safe places for people to dream and imagine what’s possible. (17:00)

• The financial sacrifice and leap of faith Alisha made to start The Current Project. (17:32)

• Overcoming an oppressive theology of shame to get to a place of thriving. (21:47)

• The core of The Current Project's work is to move from surviving to thriving, to experience the fullness of what God wants us to experience. (25:13)

• The Current Project’s cohort model which creates a shared space for moms to be honest about their experiences and be seen, heard, and supported. (27:46)

• Alisha’s God-sized dreams which include living communities for single moms and galvanizing information to influence program and policies that sustain thriving. (29:50)

• The need to serve moms who are earning too much for the social safety net but not enough to economically thrive. (30:59)

• The breath of fresh air in the church today is the willingness to tell the real truth, about what is possible in the world. (39:00)