As we prepare our hearts for the hope this season brings – we at Outreach for Hope wanted to take the chance to share with you some incredible success stories of how our Ministry Partners are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and bringing much-needed hope to our neighbors throughout Southeast Wisconsin through support like yours:
- All Peoples Church, Milwaukee has tripled the number of families receiving weekly pantry bags; distributed over 2,000 pounds of produce from partner farmers and their orchards and garden; and delivered Advent Dream bags to 75 families.
- Cross Lutheran, Milwaukee has administered free flu shots at the Bread of Healing Clinic, and is transitioning health education programming run by their parish nurse from in-person to virtual.
- The ‘EASY’ after-school program at Emaus ELCA, Racine has gone virtual, providing 18 youth with Chromebooks, art supplies, workbooks, and more to offer extracurricular enrichment. Additionally, the church has started a new food ministry amid the pandemic that is now serving 30 families weekly.
- Grace Welcome Center, Kenosha continues to serve hot breakfasts, provide warm clothing, and share bags of food to our neighbors in need as winter approaches.
- Redeemer, Milwaukee has opened a new food pantry, and debuted a new podcast to connect with members amid the pandemic.
- Over the summer, St. Paul’s, Milwaukee moved their Kim’s Closet clothing ministry outdoors as “Kim’s Table” to safely continue to help supply people with clothes.
These are just a few of the creative changes our OFH Partner ministries are making to meet the needs of people struggling even more during this pandemic. It is only through the generosity of individuals, congregations, and corporate donors that we are able to provide grants to support such critical first-responder ministries!
Thank you for supporting Outreach for Hope in our mutual work of ministry, as we walk together, celebrating God’s love, grace, and goodness at Christmastime and always!
Merry Christmas,
The Outreach for Hope Team