BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – Bakersfield, like most cities in America, is a network of diverse neighborhoods, each — to varying extents — the product of proximity, demographics and lifestyle similarities. Most form organically, but sometimes unifying organizations or activities bring neighborhoods together. This is the story of one such neighborhood in central Bakersfield — and the church that’s trying to bring it together.
The Neighborhood Cafe is open for business the third Thursday of every month at the First Congregational Church. Profits are not so good — in the monetary sense.
But monetary profits are not the point. In fact, they’re not even a consideration. First Congregation’s monthly restaurant is an exercise in community. An exercise in service to the neighborhood — to anyone interested in a free meal, really. The only catch — you have to be willing to sit down and meet people. No take-out. This is about taking in…