Community Ministries Newsletter: January
January 15, 2025
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.
Continue reading for updates on what we will be doing for MLK Day, an overview of Community Ministries 2024 in numbers, an update on the Women’s Transformation Center, new volunteer opportunities, and much more!
MLK Day
Join First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20th, for community service projects, suitable for all ages! We will participate in various service projects supporting both our own Community Ministries and our community partners.
Check-in starts at 9:15 a.m., and the kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and pastries provided. Volunteers will be finished by 12:00 p.m.
For information on volunteer opportunities and our Amazon Wishlist, check out the MLK Day of Service page here!
Community Ministries 2024 in Numbers
Women’s Transformation Center Update
The Women’s Transformation Center reopening has been in the works for some time, so we are thrilled to announce it is officially taking applications! We have already received a few applications, and we hope to begin moving people in within the next few weeks.
This would not have been possible without your support, donations, and prayers. A special thank you to those who came to help on our workdays where we cleaned and set up the apartments and common spaces so that those who move in can feel right at home.
Please direct all questions or concerns regarding the WTC to Tricia Passuth at tpassuth@firstpresatl.org or Olivia Bruggemeyer at obrueggemeyer@firstpresatl.org.
Special Spotlight: Sargent Rollins
Sargent Rollins is our in-house APD officer during the week. He helps to keep all of us safe and has been a tremendous blessing to Community Ministries!
How long have you been coming here?
About two months.
Do you like helping here? Why?
I like helping people. Some people are less fortunate, so I like to put a smile on their face and just make their day better.
What has been your favorite part and best memory?
I have enjoyed handing out the Sandwich Bags and making sure everyone is safe. I like sweeping and mopping. Just helping out, really. I like working with a great set of people, and you all have the same goal: to help.
My favorite memory would be helping at the Christmas Dinner. Everything went well and smoothly. We served like 200-250 people. Everybody was fed, and they enjoyed the food. Watching the staff and volunteers run together to make it a success with no hiccups was impressive.
Volunteer Coffee Hour
Driver needed!
Community Ministries is currently looking for a driver to pick up sandwiches twice a week from our community partners at the Sandwich Project. The times for this position will vary week to week and can work around your schedule. These sandwiches will be served to our neighbors in Community Ministries and play a vital roll in providing a temporary source of sustenance for those in need.
If you are interested please email Jacob Ivey at jivey@firstpresatl.org for further details.
New Volunteer Opportunities: Food Market, Foot Care, & Prayer Team
FOOD MARKET
Since its opening in September, Community Ministries is thrilled to invite the entire congregation to volunteer in the newly renovated Venable Food Market! Volunteers in the Food Market assist with sorting and stocking shelves, helping clients select groceries, and bagging items for clients. Shifts are available every Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you're interested in volunteering, please sign up here!
FOOT CARE
Community Ministries is excited to be restarting the historic Foot Care Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta! This essential service supports our neighbors, many of whom rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation. Our Foot Care volunteers provide non-clinical care, helping to keep clients' feet clean, healthy, and comfortable. If you’re interested in volunteering with Foot Care, please complete the inquiry form here!
PRAYER TEAM
We are bringing prayer back to the prayer breakfast! Every Sunday, our clients at the breakfast have an opportunity to fill out prayer cards. We are in need of volunteers of any age who feel a call to pray over these requests throughout the week. You can either pick up the prayer requests on Sunday from 8:30-10:00am or Monday from 1-3 from the Community Ministries Mail Room, or they can be scanned to your email address. If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up here!
Community of Service Training - Now Monthly!
Community of Service trainings are now monthly! 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.
To sign up for a date and time that works best for your schedule click on the link below!
Winter Clothing Drive
With colder weather comes a new need for our unhoused neighbors many of whom lack access to warm clothing. As temperatures dip, access to warm clothing such as coats, hats, and gloves become crucial to our neighbor’s wellbeing.
First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is committed to helping the unhoused in our community with a Winter Drive! Community Ministries would like to stock up on warm winter clothing for our clients to be a little more comfortable and safer outside. Any items donated should be new or gently used and clean.
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Winter Coats
Pull Overs
Puffer Coats
Hoodies
Fleece Jackets
Sweaters
Thermal Tops
Thermal Pants
Winter Socks
Gloves
Mittens
Winter Boots
Sleeping Bags
Wool Blankets
Comforters
Hot Hands
Donations can be dropped off:
Sunday’s between 8:00am & 1:00pm.
Monday through Thursday between 9:00am & 3:00pm
In the designated bins located in the Smith Building Lobby.
Sizes:
We need a mixture of sizes for to best fit our clients’ needs.
If possible, unisex items are best!