Pastor Portia Cavitt is making an impact: Community Serving Community Series
Published: June 5, 2020
Revive! Omaha honors Pastor Portia Cavitt
Community helping Community
A new series from Revive! Omaha
During the pandemic we can get overwhelmed with negative news. In keeping with the mission of Revive! Omaha, we decided to highlight people who are doing great work behind the scenes.
Pastor Portia Cavitt, or “Pastor P” as she is known in the community, is a powerhouse. She’s not afraid to voice her strong opinion while representing the community’s needs and concerns. She speaks truth to power and is always ready to develop partnerships to solve an issue.
“Pastor P is one of those people we wish we had more of…she talks the talk, and walks the walk in terms of standing up for the community,” said Councilman Ben Gray.
She is the Senior Pastor of Clair Memorial United Methodist Church. She has lived in Omaha for many years, and hit the ground running to make a measurable impact initially in South Omaha and then moved to Clair to lead that ministry. The community is blessed to have had Pastor Cavitt in her position now for 12 years, which is not typical for the UMC or AME denomination. The community takes a deep collective breath and exhales excitedly each time the decision is made for Pastor P to stay in place at Clair.
Jonathan Chapman, Head Coach at Church on Purpose and leader of the Empowerment Network’s Pastors and Faith Leaders Collaborative had this to say: “Pastor Portia is an amazing example of the power of the Church to impact lives when we translate our command to love one another into practical action. She leads by example in a way that make you want to be a part and her intimate knowledge of the obstacles facing those in need in our community positions her perfectly to advocate on their behalf. And every opportunity to do so, she takes full advantage of.”
Pastor Cavitt wears many hats. She is what some would describe as a throwback to a previous generation of pastors, with a servant leadership, community activist and hands-on style. She always makes herself available when called upon by the community. In addition to her frequent engagement with the school district board, city council members and county commissioners, Pastor P is extremely active in the community on a daily basis. She moves with seemingly unbounded energy from one event or meeting to another.
Pastor P was recently elected as the president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. The first woman elected to hold the position. She continues to play key leadership roles with many organizations including the Village Zone Pastor and Faith Leaders Collaborative as a Village Champion; board chair of the North Omaha Area Health (NOAH) clinic, the North Omaha Community Care Council and the Great Plains Black History Museum; previous board chairwoman for the North Omaha Continuum of Care; and a member of many other organizations.
“Pastor Cavitt is dedicated to making Omaha a great place for everyone to live. She always looks to help everyone reach their full potential,” said Eric Ewing, Executive Director of the Great Plains Black History Museum.
She is committed to the health of our community. Much of her work impacts community health from hosting food pantries to encouraging members of her church and community to participate in health walks and healthy behaviors. Pastor P has consistently had some of the highest numbers of participants in her health-oriented events and activities. She also has a thriving health ministry in her church and partners with the Big Garden to maintain a community garden every year on the church grounds.
She is dedicated to social justice. She co-hosts important community meetings and planning sessions at her church to address youth detention, racism, violence, fighting the expansion of liquor establishments and other critical topics.
“Pastor Cavitt is a tireless advocate for our community. She has a no nonsense, get it done approach that is very effective. She is caring and concerned about those less fortunate and at risk, and is willing to do all she can to improve their plight. This includes health disparities, social justice inequities and economics inequalities. I count it a privilege to work with her,” said Pastor T. Michael Williams of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.
“You can count on her to be the voice of conscious that does not have an agenda only a sincere desire to help those in need,” said Chris Rodgers, Douglas County Commissioner.
She is also devoted to future generations. On a weekly basis, you will see Pastor P at a number of schools leading highly effective and well attended sessions with groups of students. She has been a major player and leader with successful community efforts at Wakonda and Mt. View Elementary, Nathan Hale and other schools. She personally teaches and sponsors groups while recruiting other pastors and leaders to attend as guest speakers and mentors.
Lisa Utterback, Executive Director for Omaha Public Schools Office of Community, School and Family Engagement had glowing praise for Cavitt. “Pastor Portia Cavitt has been incredibly dedicated to supporting students and families in the Omaha Public Schools. She serves as a positive mentor and role model, and volunteers countless hours serving others. Pastor P truly embodies servant leadership. It is a blessing to have her as an OPS advocate.”
She accomplishes all of these great things while helping foster children and her talented and impressive godson Kameron.
Pastor Portia Cavitt is well deserving of any honors that come her way and she has been recognized with significant awards.
Plain and simple, she is doing the work.
During the coronavirus pandemic she has expanded Clair Cares food pantry, partnering with other churches and the Empowerment Network to connect with residents of Benson and Crown Towers to help meet the needs of seniors and others.
And, did we mention she’s a proud and active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority?
Vickie Young, President of the OmahaNAACP captured the essence of Pastor Cavitt:
“During the several years that I have known Pastor Cavitt, I’ve always known her to be an advocate for social change. She’s always stood for righteousness and positive change in our community, never wavering from her stance. She has a heart for the youth; serving as a positive role model for young girls and women.”
“Fondly known as Pastor P, Pastor Cavitt exudes leadership and goodwill via the diverse relationships established with her congregation, various schools, the court system and community at large. We’re blessed to have this mighty warrior fighting for North Omaha.”
Pastor Cavitt is an exceptional example of Community helping Community. A living legend. Revive Magazine celebrates you!
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Community News
Darnell Relford brings delicious casual food to 24th & Lake at Champions Cafe
Published: Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Darnell Relford was always destined to become a chef, shadowing his family’s rich history in the food industry dating back generations. His grandfather, Beatren “Humpie” Relford, cooked for Omaha’s legendary Skeet’s BBQ. His uncle, Arnold, was well-known for his finger-licking barbecue sauce.
At a younger age, Relford found himself at home in the kitchen. He worked for years behind the scenes at a number of casual and fast serve restaurants in Omaha.
Relford’s first break into the food industry started as a line cook, later advancing his career into a general manager position. His background ranges from breakfast foods to burgers and classic to southern.
The various trials in the kitchen skillfully molded his capabilities to cook and craft a wide array of flavorsome dishes.
Relford’s relatives would be proud to see how he continues their family cooking tradition down the line with nothing short of excellence.
Relford is a man of God and dedicated to his family. Of all of the roles that he plays, being a father to his son, Prince, brings him the greatest joy.
Darnell is committed to his community and lives the life of a servant leader. He’s an associate minister at Launch Church International under the leadership of Pastor Jalaal Wade and Apostle Edna Perkins.
He has a passion for ministry and also loves teaching the next generation about leadership, excellence and opportunities in the food industry. In 2021, he was a part of the Step Up Omaha culinary training team and received great reviews from the youth interns.
In addition to his cooking skills, Relford is an entrepreneur and has some of his own new business concepts that are coming soon.
“I grew up in this neighborhood,” said Relford. “It’s great to be back home doing what my family has always done…giving the people great food in a welcoming atmosphere and building up the community.”
Relford Brings Talents to Champions Cafe at the Revive Center
Champions Cafe at the Revive Center
In the Village at 24th and Lake
Open Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
In 2019, Darnell joined the team at the Revive Center at 24th and Lake. Initially, he worked with Willie and Yolanda Barney to help set up the front of the house.
As The Center began to hit its stride, the pandemic swept through the community, forcing businesses to shut down.
When businesses started to reopen, Relford stepped up to plate at The Center to roll out an all-new menu for its concept now referred to as “Champions Cafe.”
Owners Willie and Yolanda Barney say the cafe name was inspired by the great champions from North Omaha.
Revive Center’s co-owner Willie Barney had held a vision for 30 years to have a family-oriented restaurant where customers can catch a game while they dine on casual foods like wings, burgers and salads. He had also written a business plan for an event center starting as far back as 2001.
After hearing the inspiration and vision of the Barney’s, Relford quickly hit the ground running. He first created a burger menu including what he calls the Hawaiian and California burgers. The patties and toppings were instant hits.
“I love it. The California is my favorite,” reflects Don McPherson, owner of Styles of Evolution who carried on, “Man, with that pineapple and barbecue sauce.”
Next Relford added the Revive Burger and Big Lake. The Big Lake brings a smile to his face when he describes it.
“It’s not just the Lake, it’s the ‘Big’ Lake,” said Relford with a hearty laugh. “Burger, bacon, topped with an egg however you want it and a toasted bun.”
Relford jokes, “We don’t advise you eat it every day, but every once in a while, go ahead and enjoy yourself.”
The burgers all come with a side. Customers can select from fries, mac and cheese, corn, green beans or a side salad.
If your preference is more on the lighter side for a main course, Relford has come up with multiple salad options. The most popular are the Very Berry and the Cobb salads.
A number of customers have remarked and said the Cobb salad is the best they have ever had.
The original Very Berry salad was created by another Revive Center chef, Ms. Linda McKleny. The salad features fresh fruit including strawberries and cranberries.
Customers call it “a refreshing, but filling dish.” The salad is topped with a perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breast to top things off. Darnell has added his own twist to the salad as well.
Relford has also added a crispy chicken or grilled chicken salad which is amazingly tasty and rivals anything you would find at top restaurants around the city.
Foodies who prefer chicken over a burger will not be dissatisfied with their choice of the menu. Relford cooks up a specialty Northside Chicken Sandwich made from scratch with additional fixings.
Another highlight of the main menu for Champions Cafe is the Gametime Chicken Strips. As one of the best sellers, it comes with a choice of three or five chicken strips with four mouthwatering flavor options: lemon pepper, garlic, spicy or BBQ.
“We have consistently received great reviews from customers about the food,” said Yolanda Barney. “Darnell and the other chefs and cooks do a great job and we are excited to bring different food options back to this historic corner.”
“Darnell is amazing to work with, has a commitment to quality and he’s always looking for new food to bring to the customers. He’s also very open to feedback.”
The positive comments from customers continuously roll in. Relford has more items to add to the menu, but he said he’ll keep those as a secret for now.
“The pandemic and weather slowed things down in January, but get ready for an amazing spring and summer,” said Yolanda Barney.
“Last year we really hit our stride with a mixture of major community events and private events. Now we are preparing to expand the daily food options and the events are ramping up again in March.”
The Barney’s suggest to look out for more great food and products coming from Relford and others like him in the historic 24th and Lake District.