About GBCI
Introduction to GBCI
The Gaithersburg Beloved Community Initiative (GBCI) is a nonprofit rooted in intergenerational service, community listening, and collective action. Based at Asbury Methodist Village, GBCI mobilizes older adult volunteers and community partners to support children, youth, and families across Gaithersburg. Through Elementary, Middle and High School Mentoring, the Early Steps literacy program (Pre-K program), English Language Support, the Intergenerational Book Club, Neighborhood Action (civic engagement and advocacy, food distribution, refugee resettlement efforts), and Monthly Meeting discussions, GBCI works to bridge generations and build a more just and connected community. Today, over 130 older adult volunteers, many from Asbury, serve in GBCI’s programs and leadership, mentoring students, supporting language learners, delivering food to neighbors, and strengthening the social fabric of our city.
GBCI's History
GBCI began in 2011, sparked by a sermon from Marian Wright Edelman on Martin Luther King Jr. Day that challenged listeners to act with purpose. On the drive home from that sermon, Rev. Hal Garman, a retired minister newly relocated to Asbury Methodist Village, shared his desire to make a difference. His wife, Jan, responded, “Why don’t you do something to engage youth in Gaithersburg?” That question launched a grassroots effort grounded in deep listening. Hal met with youth and families to understand their needs overcrowded housing, under-resourced schools, limited after-school programs, and a lack of Mentoring opportunities. GBCI’s first initiative was a school-based Mentoring program, which grew rapidly as new programs and partners joined the work.
Key founding support came from:
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Asbury Methodist Village
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City of Gaithersburg
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Wesley Theological Seminary
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Montgomery County Executive’s Office of Community Partnerships
What started as one man’s response to a moral call has become a trusted, award-winning community initiative rooted in equity, compassion, and shared purpose.
Mission
To forge intergenerational relationships and community partnerships that promote social justice and help build resilience in and improve the lives of children, youth, families, and older adults
Vision
To realize the dream of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Beloved Community" in the greater Gaithersburg community.
In addressing this dream, we are guided by a vision of social justice where:
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people know, understand, and trust one another
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individual good and the common good are in harmony
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equality of opportunity prevails
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everyone is treated fairly​
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diversity is celebrated
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disputes are settled collaboratively and non-violently
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the norm of unconditional love of neighbor prevails
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people share a sense of being in one human family