Community Ministries Newsletter: September
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024
We are excited to bring you the latest edition of the Community Ministries newsletter! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
Read on for updates on the Venable Food Market and our ongoing food drive, the upcoming Overdose Prevention Training, the Community Ministries Chess Club, as well as the soon to occur Smith Building “Clean-Up” Workday!
Venable Food Market Food Drive
Did you know that over 116,000 people in Fulton County face food insecurity, and more than 30% of them are children? First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is committed to help in addressing the pressing issues of hunger and food insecurity in our community with the launch of the newly renovated Venable Food Market.
The Venable Food Market, part of Community Ministries, is a food pantry dedicated to supporting the working poor of Midtown Atlanta. Located in the recently updated Charles Black and Connie Lee Community Ministries Center at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, this market empowers clients to select and receive essential groceries at no cost.
Scheduled to open on Tuesday, September 24th, the Venable Food Market will provide a variety of canned and dry goods, fresh deli items, frozen foods, and produce. With an initial goal of serving 60 households each month, the market aims to expand its reach with the continued support of the congregation and local community partners.
Community Ministries is actively conducting a food drive to restock the shelves of the Venable Food Market. Your contribution to this effort will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need right here in Midtown.
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Canned Fruit Cocktail
Canned Pears
Canned Peaches
Canned Mixed Vegetables
Canned Corn
Canned Sweat Peas
Canned Carrots
Dried Beans
Canned Beans
Canned Soups
Canned Pasta
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Canned Ham
Cooking Oil (Small Containers)
Dried Pasta
Box Macaroni & Cheese
Tomato Sauce
Jelly
Oatmeal
3lb Bag of Rice
Instant or Quick Grits
Donations Can Be Dropped off:
Sunday's between 8:00am & 1:00pm.
Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm
In the designated bins located in the Smith building lobby.
Sizes:
Standard sized containers are best.
Expiration Date:
For safety reasons, goods past the expiration date cannot be distributed.
Overdose Prevention Training
Community Ministries is thrilled to announce an upcoming Opioid Overdose Prevention training on September 18th, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Fifield Hall. We want to invite all congregants and Community Ministries volunteers to participate!
This essential training, provided by the Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition, will equip participants with life-saving skills, including recognizing the signs of an opiod overdose and administering Narcan, an overdose reversal drug. Participants who complete the training will receive a Narcan kit free of charge.
Smith Building "Clean-Up" Workday
In preparation for the Smith Building rededication ceremony on September 15th, Community Ministries is hosting a volunteer "Clean-Up" day on Friday, September 13th, from 12pm to 2:30pm.
We need your help to make sure the Smith Building is spotless and ready for church members to tour. Join us for a day of service, camaraderie, and pizza! Interested in helping? Sign up using the link below!
Chess Club
Community Ministries is starting up a chess club for Community Ministries clients and FPCA church members! The chess club will be an informal environment for Community Ministries clients to interact and be in fellowship with FPCA church members while also playing chess with each other! All are welcome regardless of skill level.
Starting on September 11th Chess Club will take place on Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in room 272, in the second floor of the Smith Building. All chess boards and pieces will be provided by Community Ministries. FPCA members interested in attending should sign-up to attend using the link below!
Smith Building Rededication
After a $9 million renovation project, we will rededicate the Hal and Julia T. Smith Building and dedicate The Charles Black and Connie Lee Community Ministry Center on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Here is a schedule for the day which, of course, will include our three worship services:
9:00-12:00 p.m. - Open House of All Four Floors of the Smith Building
12:15 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting in Smith Building Lobby
12:30-1:30 p.m. - Open House of All Four Floors of the Smith Building
A Month in Numbers: August
Community Ministries has had an increasingly busy month this August! With more and more clients needing services everyday Community Ministries is rising to meet our clients’ needs and helping when and where we can.
Showers Provided: 181
Sandwich Bags Provided: 1050
Breakfast Served: 440
Clothing Corner Served: 211
Social Services Served: 210
Mailroom Served: 512
Total Individuals Served: 2,604
Virtual Fall ‘Community of Service’ Sessions
Community of Service trainings are back! Join Community Ministries for a virtual fellowship event where we will explore the meaning of volunteering, discover the various volunteer opportunities available with Community Ministries, and learn more about the individuals we serve. This will be an interactive, engaging, and informative time led by the Director of Community Ministries Operations, Jacob Ivey.
This event is open to anyone interested and is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Current and past volunteers are highly encouraged to attend and learn more about Community Ministries and what it means to be in fellowship with one another and those we serve.
Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom on September 19th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, and October 21st from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. To register click on the button below!
Donations Needed
We at Community Ministries are deeply appreciative of every donation we receive! It is because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers that we can fulfill our mission.
Individuals can donate by either delivering items physically to the church or purchasing them through our Amazon Wishlist. Physical donations can be dropped off at the church’s rear security entrance off of Art Center Way, Monday through Thursday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, or on Sundays between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Here is a list of our current needs:
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Body soap, body wash
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental Floss
Shampoo/Conditioner
Deodorant
Razors
Lotion
Chapstick
Wet wipes (for hands, body, or baby wipes)
Nail clippers/ Files
Hair combs
Feminine Hygiene Products
Hand Sanitizer
Blankets
Backpacks, Sling bags or Luggage
Reusable/strong shopping bags
Hand warmers
Sleeping Bags
Washcloths
Mesh Laundry Bags
Laundry detergent pods (pods only, please, no liquid detergent)
Ziplock bags – 1-gallon, 1-quart and sandwich size
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All items donated to the the clothing corner should be in new or good condition. Used but not damaged clothing is accepted.
Men's pants (especially sweatpants, jeans, khakis, dark work pants)
Men's T-shirts, Sweatshirts, and Collared shirts
Women's Pants and Tops, Sweaters and Sweatshirts
Shoes, (especially men's and women's sneakers, shower slides, work boots)
Men's and Women's New Underwear and Undershirts
Belts & Warm Scarves
Warm Hats & Gloves
Plastic drawstring bags