OUTREACH MINISTRIES
First Congregational Church is feeding the hungry through three Hunger Initiatives:
First Congregational Church Food Pantry
Heather Campbell-Reich Community Hot Meal Program
The Salvation Army Community Hot Meal
Food Pantry Hours
Monday: noon – 2pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Please bring a picture ID along with a proof of residency in Lorain County (ie: a utility bill with your address on it).
Additional requirements will be supplied at the door.
The Genesis House
The Genesis House provides a comprehensive range of family-focused services for Lorain County Victims of Domestic Violence. Such services provide the tools to maximize their opportunity to survive, obtain physical and mental well-being and independence, and minimize the trauma involved in coping with family violence. They are part of a collaborative community effort to provide a responsive system of care for victims while raising awareness. Our church supports Genesis House through an appeal on Mother’s Day to raise funds to purchase much needed supplies.
Lorain County Safe Harbor/Genesis House exists to provide temporary safety, shelter, food, aid and support to the victims of domestic violence and their children who have reached the decision to leave the violent situation.
Genesis House Provides:
- Legal Advocates assist victims of domestic violence, explaining the legal system and their legal rights. The legal advocate will escort the victim to court during their case or to get protection orders.
- Counseling and education to teens on topics like understanding dating violence, developing healthy relationships and questions to ask yourself about your relationships.
- A 24-hour crisis hot line is available to victims of domestic violence to offer support and allow victims to discuss their situation while remaining anonymous.
- Shelter and safety for women and children in immediate danger. Women in the shelter make their own plans and decisions, but staff will offer direction the women regarding agencies throughout Lorain County who can help them when seeking a job or housing, transportation and childcare.
Contact Genesis House if you’re in an abusive or violent situation or call the 24/7 Crisis hotline at (440)244-1853 or (440)323-3400
Christmas Gathering
During Advent, our Church has a special time together combining worship, a meal, fellowship and a community project.
We use the Christmas Gathering to make Adult Personal Care Kits, (containing personal hygiene products) and Baby Totes (containing supplies for newborns) for distribution at various local shelters.
During November and December, donations are received from the congregation. Then at the Gathering, the congregation assembles the kits for distribution in time for Christmas.
Walls of Love
In collaboration with Save Our Children of Elyria and Walls of Love, First Church helps replenish a permanent wall across the street from our building at least once a month.
The wall is filled with basic necessities such as toothpaste and tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, individual snacks etc. It is also filled with seasonal needs such as sunscreen in the summer and hats and gloves in the winter.
Anyone in need of these items can just take them from the wall no questions asked. If you would like to donate items for this cause you may drop them off at the church office.
