Shine City Project Celebrates 9th Anniversary
Nine years ago today, a small group of Unificationists founded the Shine City Project (SCP), aimed at transforming Las Vegas from ‘Sin City’ to ‘Shine City.’ Volunteers organized a cleanup service project on March 16, 2013 at the corner of Sahara Ave. and Las Vegas Blvd. and never looked back.
“The Shine City Project challenges our city's culture of self-centeredness to become one of selflessness,” says SCP Director Jeffrey Silerio, who has been a part of the group since it first began. “We aim to build leaders of heart and character who share love and compassion for others while being stewards for the environment.”
Inspired by True Parents, the SCP has committed thousands of volunteer hours in and around the greater Las Vegas area over the course of nearly a decade. Jeffrey and his younger sister, Jennifer, were even recognized in January with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their combined 127 hours of community service through SCP during 2021.
The SCP amassed 1,150 service hours last year and completed 48 service projects in total — nearly one every week. This year, the group has already outpaced itself, with 14 service projects done in only 10 weeks.
“I believe that the efforts of any one person can create a ripple effect with other people,” says Jeffrey. He coordinates volunteer efforts with a slew of other non-profit organizations, including Green Our Planet, Ahern Orchard, and the Las Vegas Rescue Mission shelter.
From planting vegetation in community gardens and rehabilitating recreational areas, to delivering hot meals and basic necessities to people in need, the SCP team remains determined to make Las Vegas known for hospitality beyond its infamous hotel strip.
“Our volunteers meet for cleanups with Get Outdoors Nevada and other groups,” says Jeffrey. “We’ve helped to pick up litter at Acacia Park in Henderson and along the Union Pacific Railroad Trail. This trail has a lot of pedestrians and bicyclists, so it’s important to keep it clean.”
The group is now doubling their efforts, experimenting with back-to-back weekend service projects.
“Together, we will create a more loving and caring community which, in turn, can create a more loving and peaceful world,” says Jeffrey. “If a change can happen in Las Vegas, change can happen everywhere.”
“We know that peace and change starts with each one of us,” he says. Jeffrey notes that True Parents put down roots in Las Vegas with the desire to bring a spiritual revival to the city. “With the Shine City Project, we can lead by example and live for the sake of others.”
You can learn more about the Shine City Project here.