A simple but game-changing shift in perspective is putting DeAmon Harges at the vanguard of helping neighborhoods rejuvenate.

Harges, founder of The Learning Tree and faculty member of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute at DePaul University, is one of five Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award winners. The award, given for the first time this year by the Wesleyan Investive, goes to people “who exemplify innovative spiritual leadership and missionally driven entrepreneurship.”

The award is named for Locke, president of Wesleyan Investive and the Texas Methodist Foundation. Wesleyan Investive was formerly known as the United Methodist Development Fund.

“It is Tom’s vision that inspired us to create this award in his honor,” said Roland Fernandes, board chair of Wesleyan Investive and chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief.

“He saw a critical need for courageous, creative leadership in the church and responded with a spirit of entrepreneurship and financial resources to help identify and embolden those making a difference in our communities.”

Each winner will receive $50,000 and be invited to participate in a group project with the other winners. Read More