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Welcome to the Fall 2015 edition of the Community Outreach Newsletter. We welcome suggestions from all of you as we want to make the information pertinent and informative.
From Our
Community Outreach Co-Chairs
Mike & Sue Hornby
The question has been asked, “How are the Outreach Programs funded?” When both Community Meals and the Outreach Breakfast programs began, the volunteers brought in food made at home. That is no longer possible because of the cost of the food and health department rules.
We have always opened our Outreach Team Meetings with prayer. During the first year of serving breakfast three days a week, we prayed that somehow, money would materialize to support the program, as we had a very small amount with which to begin. It has truly been prayers answered that the funding has come. The Outreach programs wouldn't be possible without financial support from various sources. Central’s Mission Team has risen to the calling with a major part of the funding and it is their generosity that has spurred us on to where we are today. Also, Central’s budget has included Community Meals and Community Service with some funding. We have been blessed with very generous donors, some of whom wish to remain anonymous, that have faithfully been supporting our programs. Still, with the number of meals now being served (23,763 in 2014), we have had to raise some of our money. 'Wonderful Wednesdays' and concerts have been a source for us. Recently, we have received a grant. Networking with other non-profits has provided us with some low cost or no cost food. Even local bakeries and restaurants have given us food. We are grateful to God that He has opened many doors for us to keep the programs running. Community Meals has been ongoing for almost 25 years and the Breakfast Program is in its 8th year.
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From Our
Community Outreach Coordinator
Lucy Diebolt
Community Outreach served approximately 1,400 meals each month during the summer, bringing Outreach YTD serving 13,721 meals. A special thank you to all our dedicated Outreach Volunteers that make this possible!
Now that summer is winding down and fall is just around the corner, Outreach is already preparing for the colder weather. Cooler weather brings much need for warmer clothing such as jackets, sweatshirts, etc. If you have items to donate please contact the Community Outreach Coordinator at Central Church for the best time to bring them by.
Community Outreach will once again open its doors to those in need weekdays and weekend mornings in November, we are currently gearing up for our Outreach Volunteer Fall Training to accommodate our extended hours; we are always in need of volunteers, whether it’s one morning a week or once a month, please consider joining us!
Save this date: Sunday, November 29th - Jingle Fest Concert to benefit Central's Community Outreach Program.
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From Our
Community Outreach Volunteer Coordinator
Kathy Dally
Central's Community Outreach continues to grow in both the scope of what is offered and the numbers served. Currently, over 50 Outreach volunteers work each month to fill an average of 106 work slots to offer breakfast, fellowship and support to our neighbors. As colder weather approaches, we hope to once again open seven days a week to serve our neighbors. Outreach works because of your hard work, dedication and love - but we need more volunteers.
This is where the CHALLENGE comes: Now through the month of October, each current Outreach volunteer is challenged to bring a friend with them on one of their Outreach work days. No pressure or expectations. Your friend can see what we do, meet some of our neighbors and possibility be moved to help on a regular basis. Thank you for making a difference! Blessings.
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SAFE HARBOR
will be held in Central Church January 16-30, 2016. We will need many volunteers for the two weeks.
Also, we are looking for people who would be interested in chairperson or coordinator positions in the future. The idea would be to work side by side with someone who is a chairperson or coordinator now. We have many coordinators that oversee different responsibilities. This allows the old adage “ many hands make light work.” There will be training for these positions as well. But shadowing a current chairperson or coordinator will make it easy to slide into the position in the future. In addition to the shadowing opportunities we will have training sessions prior to our 2 weeks of hosting Safe Harbor.
For More Information on Safe Harbor -- please contact
Mike or Sue Hornby
(T. 231-929-1707, E. suhornby@yahoo.com)
or
Kathy Dally
(T. 231-275-7906, E. kathydally@gmail.com).
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From Our
Community Outreach Interviewer &
Committee Secretary
Kaitlyn Troutman
 Meet Lee.
Lee was born and raised in Traverse City, and lives in an affordable apartment near downtown with his cat named Howie. He has been coming to CUMC's Outreach breakfast for approximately 10 years! He routinely attends services at CUMC, and first found out about the breakfasts while attending church here. He loves socializing with everyone during the breakfasts and really enjoys the food. He is very grateful for the volunteers, and loves what they and Lucy do for everyone. |
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If you are interested in volunteering your services to assist our Community Outreach ministry, please contact Lucy Diebolt by calling (231) 946-5191 or emailing her at: ldiebolt110@att.net.
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