DOVER — The capital city’s chapter of the National Council on Agricultural Life & Labor Research Fund hosted a series of community service events June 4-11, as part of the national NeighborWorks Week.

NCALL, a nonprofit social services organization, states that its mission is to “strengthen communities through housing, lending, and education.” It began organizing NeighborWorks Week in 2010 and typically engages about 100 local residents in programs during that time.

Though some activities were held virtually this year due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases, NCALL provided Dover citizens a wide spectrum of events, with an opioid resources forum, a Habitat for Humanity build day, an online Zumba lesson and kids’ crafts and paint nights.

NCALL communications and marketing specialist Jennifer Lawson said she hopes Dover’s NeighborWorks Week was an opportunity to engage the entire state and to provide a template for years to come.

“The upside to virtual events, although we have a strong focus on our Restoring Central Dover work, allows NCALL, which is a statewide organization, to reach more people in communities across the state — and beyond,” she said. “The opportunity to have more in-person events is on the horizon; our thought is to continue to offer a hybrid option.”

NCALL’s Restoring Central Dover initiative led the events last week, under the umbrella of the national NeighborWorks network.

“These events are part of NeighborWorks Week, when NeighborWorks network organizations around the country organize community service projects to celebrate the successes of communities and how NeighborWorks and residents work together to enable people to enhance their lives,” Ms. Lawson said in a statement announcing the effort. “Empowering people to act so they reach their goals, such as make their community safer, find and maintain secure housing, and ensure financial stability, strengthens communities.”

NCALL leaders hoped the week would send the message that the organization is a partner to the Dover community, from intent to impact.

“Our message would be that we are partners,” said Ms. Lawson. “Partners work together to accomplish a goal, build upon our strengths and learn from each other. ... We are stronger together in our mission to strengthen communities through affordable housing, lending and education.”

The goal is to reach people and build community, she added.

“NeighborWorks Week has a grassroots impact on our local central Dover, Delaware community — and beyond,” she said. “All these activities impact the community by bringing people together, teaching them something new, embracing the challenges and encouraging the community to know that we are stronger together — a perfect combination of empowering communities for success.”