Westminster is grateful to our community partners for their caring of the most vulnerable in our community. We are not at this time able to receive donations of food and clothing, but you are encouraged to take all food donations directly to Mainspring and Northeast Emergency Food Program.
Two weeks ago, Westminster learned that the Presbytery of the Cascades was giving each congregation a $1,000 grant to be used by July 31 for COVID-19 related mission work. Since then, the Session gave Beth and Gregg Neel permission to form a task force to make and implement a plan for using these funds.
We are excited to announce our goal of raising $15,000, which will go to Northeast Emergency Food Program to pay for a temporary second-shift manager. Because of the amount of food received and the amount of food being distributed, current staff is working many extra hours. These funds will also ensure continued food distribution in the event that NEFP staff get sick. Both Program Director A’Jay Scipio and EMO Vice President Howard Kenyon have agreed this is a much-needed position at this time.
And we are excited to announce that a member of Westminster has given $5,000 for this cause to be matched by the congregation! You might consider giving a percentage of your stimulus check or tax refund (if you received one). You might consider giving what you would normally spend on Starbucks or a dinner out. We know that within our community people have varying abilities to give. We are happy to receive whatever you are able to do.
AND… we are excited to partner with Rose City Park Presbyterian Church in this mission grant.
Any funds received over $15,000 will be used to support the food pantry at Genesis Community Fellowship and to support volunteers at Living Cully with grocery store gift cards as well as a gift to Living Cully’s rent assistance fund. Rose City Park Presbyterian would also like to include Mother and Child as a recipient of funds; this NE Portland program is dedicated to connecting, educating, and supporting parents during their pregnancy and children’s early infancy years.