urban.outreach

Help us Grow!!

2011-08-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

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fundraising

Monthly Budget

2011-08-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

$6,100 cost of 1 full time staff person(Jeff) and 4 part-time staff persons(Pam, Sue, Deanna and John)
$280 for insurance covering all volunteers, cook out trailer and 3 buildings(Riley Trailer, New Food Pantry and New Community Center
$800 Utilities in the three buildings
$150 building upkeep and maintenance (grass mowing, cleaning supplies, etc)
$200 for 4 cell phones and 3 portable internet connections
$250 for office supplies (paper, ink, etc)
$100 for gasoline for vehicles

$7880 per month or $94,560 per year
All ministries/programs are funded through designated gifts from individuals, grants, churches and civic organizations. While designed funds allow us to provide services, designated gifts do little to support the Administrative Costs associated with providing the program/ministries. Below are the cost to each of our programs. KUO's total budget is programming costs plus administrative costs.

Buddy Bags $84,000
Food Pantry $90,000
Cooked Meals $30,000
Baby University $15,000
Scouting $8,000
Horse Therapy $1,000
Kidmo/VBS $1,200
Seasonal
(Easter Basket,
Pack backs,
Valentines etc) $3,000
ArtReach $1,000 total $233,200

Administrative Costs $ 94, 560
Programming Costs $233,200

Grand Total $327,760

I did not include the Rolling Pantry as it is a combined effort between Kokomo Urban Outreach and the Kokomo Rescue Mission and at least for now is funded through grants.

Our Fall "Growing Hope" fundraiser will be used to provide funds to the Administrative Fund.

Neighborhoods of Hope

2011-06-06T13:37:00.001-07:00

We have a presence in 26 neighborhoods:

1. Garden Square

2. Pine Valley (Alto small group)

3. Southern Indian Heights (Brookside Free Methodist)

4. Billy Bob and Village Green (Crossroads Community)

5. West Middleton (West Middleton UMC)

6. Northwest (Parr UMC)

7. Riley (Howard Miami and ZionUMC(Sunday Night Meals) and Chapel Hill (leading food pantry and weekday lunches)

8. Open Arms (Mary Kidmo)

9. Silk Stocking (Fresh Start)

10. North East (Grace Memorial Food to You (FTY) Mobile Pantry

11. North Central (Carver FTY)

12. Stoney Creek (FTY)

13. Maple Lawn (Carpenter’s House)

14. Cassville (Carpenter’s House Friday Night Meals)

15. Downtown (Towers/CAM KUO’s Hands of Hope)

16. Downtown (Foster Park, Breakfast St. Andrews)

17. Briarwick (Thanksgiving)

18. Near Southeast Side (Vaile, Deffenbaugh, Ohio, Appersonway Trinity Wesleyan)

19. Hillsdale Area (Food Pantry)

20. Greentown (Buddy Bags)

21. Russiaville (Buddy Bags)

22. Elwood Haynes(Buddy Bags

23. Boulevard (First Nazarene) Buddy Bags

24. Lafayette Park ( First Pres) Buddy Bags

25. Near Southside (Main St. UMC) Washington, Appersonway, Markland and the Creek

26. Near Southside (Southside Christian) Markland, Deffenbaugh, Home and Washington

Stationary Food Pantries

1. Home and Hoffer

2. Hillsdale

3. Crossroads

4. Riley

5. Carpenters House (County Line)

Rolling Pantry

1. Grace Memorial

2. Carver Center

3. Parr

4. Pine Valley

5. Stoney Creek

Sunday Night Indoor Meals

1. Garden Square

2. Pine Valley

3. West Middleton

4. Maple Lawn

5. Riley

6. Parr
Cook-outs

1. Garden Square

2. Pine Valley

3. Indian Heights

4. West Middleton

5. Maple Lawn

6. Riley

7. Towers/CAM

8. Parr UMC

9. Main St. UMC

Other Meals

1. Friday Night (Carpenter’s House)

2. Saturday Breakfast (St. Andrews)

Buddy Bags

1. Elwood Haynes

2. Boulevard

3. Lafayette Park

4. Western

5. Eastern

Buddy Bag Birthing

1. Tri Central

2. Taylor

3. Peru

4. Pettit Park

Baby University

1. Northwest Parr UMC

2. Garden Square

3. Kokomo High

4. Pine Valley

Parenting 411

1. Northwest

Kidmo

1. Garden Square

2. Pine Valley

3. West Middleton

4. Riley

5. Maple Lawn

6. Open Arms

Thanks for the help

2011-01-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

We know this is not a complete list of organizations/business who support the food pantries, if your group is missing let us know, we will add you to our list. Thanks Jeff

Kroger Maple Crest
Southdowns Wesleyan
Grace United Methodist Church
Chrysler
Dr. Tavel Optometrist
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
WWKI
Oakbrook Church
Harris Bank
Community First
Kokomo/Howard Public Library
United Way
First Church of God
Kokomo Rescue Mission
IUK
PEO
Galveston UMC
Christ Lutheran
Hillsdale UMC

Christmas Day Blitz

2010-12-22T05:53:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Day, 2009, volunteers knocked on a trailer door in one of the neighborhoods. An 84 year old woman answered the door. The volunteers asked how many lunches she needed and how her Christmas was going. She explained that her Christmas Day was the same as it had been for the past 20 years. Her last Christmas present came from her mother just before her mother died. With no family or friends she had not received anything since. The volunteers asked her if she could have anything for Christmas what would it be. She answered a kitchen table and a chair, she had never owned one. Some how the volunteers found a table and chairs on Christmas Day and made this lady's Day.

Buddy Bags 2010-2011

2010-08-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

A Buddy Bag is a way to address childhood hunger on the weekends. At the end of each week during the school year, every child who signs up receives a bag of food for the weekend. A typical bag contains: 2 packs of oatmeal, marconi and cheese and tuna, a can of ravioli, 2 cans of soup and a granola bar. The cost for a bag is a little over $3.00 per week per student or $120.00 per month. The food is purchased wholesale through food finders in Lafayette. Each bag has exactally the same food in it so that families will more than one child at school is able to take the food and mix it to feed the whole family. Presently, Buddy Bags are distrubted at :

Elwood Haynes 320 students
Boulvard 150-200 students
Western Primary 150-200 students
Eastern Elementary about 50 students

Elwood Haynes is served by KUO staff and volunteers. We are looking for volunteers to help us deliver the food to the school each week.

Boulvard will be served by the First Church of the Nazarene. The church provides volunteers, a location to pack bags and helps with funding.

Western is served by Russiaville UMC and other churches and businesses in area. Last year this group served Head Start at Western, Head Start has moved to Kokomo, so they will be taking on the primary school. This group funds the bags completely.

Eastern is served by the churches in Greentown, with First UMC taking the lead. They too, fully fund the program at the school.

Buddy Bag Miracle

2010-01-26T04:16:00.001-08:00

.....children at Eastern Elementary received Buddy Bags for the first time.

On the first Friday in February we are on track to deliver Buddy Bags to Maple Crest Elementary. The First Church of the Nazarene will be heading up the effort and are expecting to provide weekend food to about 200 students.

There is some talk about going into Western School by some citizens of Russiaville. If you have an interest in being on a start-up committee for Buddy Bags for Western, please call 457-1983.

It is anticipated that by the end of March we could be providing between 600-700 children with weekend food. That translates into 3,600-4,200 meals per week.

2010 KUO Tours and Workshops

2010-01-23T13:21:00.001-08:00

2009 Annual Report

2010-01-23T07:59:00.001-08:00

Neighborhoods of HOPE
2009 Annual Report

Six Neighborhoods in 2008
Six New Neighborhoods in 2009

Compassion:
Total of 186,000 meals
60,000 Buddy Bag Meals (330 students at Elwood Haynes
41,000 Cooked Meals ( Six locations on Sunday Night)
85,000 Food Pantry Meals (Five Pantries: Three new in 2009)

1480 Thanksgiving Meals
1500 Christmas Day Meals

New 2009

KUO Hands of Hope
St. Andrew’s Saturday Breakfast

Downtown office space and ArtReach center (courtesy of Grace UMC)

New in 2009
Computer Classes, Baby University , GED Classes, Horse Therapy

Kidmo, VBS, Mission Teams, Poverty Plunge,

New for 2010
Food to You
Project Diaper

Buddy Bags in Eastern Elementary and Maple Crest

2009 Stats:
Over 900 new volunteers
97 churches
32 speaking engagements
15 Community Committees (staff)
46 Collaborative partners
10 Service Organization partners

Income (includes gifts in Kind)
2006 $40,029
2007 $81,988
2008 $125,346
2009 $ 262,325

Hometown Heroes Pay It Forward

2010-01-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

We have been blessed at the Outreach to have received hundreds of volunteer hours, thousands of dollars, tons of food and lots of prayers. We are grateful for all of that. Below are a few of the Hometown Heroes who have made a difference.

Alan Mast and the Cattle Project

Alan Mast, a junior at Northwestern High School, came up with the idea to raise beef steers and donate the meat to Kokomo Urban Outreach. Alan has raised cattle for profit and desires to use his knowledge and skills to serve KUO. He, along with his church (Howard /Miami Mennonite) youth group, are going to purchase, feed, raise, and donate cattle to KUO (For every steer donated, there will be enough meat to serve between 4,000 and 5,000 meals!). Presently, Alan and his group have purchased two steers and are well on the way to providing 8,000-10,000 meals. Thanks Alan!!!!

Dwight and Suzanne Fouts and Project Diaper

At the end of the summer of 2009, Dwight Fouts came to me with a concern. Because of the economic downturn, he knew there were many families stuggling to keep diapers in their house.

Jim Williams and GED

Grace United Methodist Church

Grace Church was one of the very first Churches to support the Outreach. I have been listed in their bulletin as a Hometown Missionary for nearly 5 years. This summer Grace acquired the old AFEC Building near the corner of Washington and Walnut Street. Immediately, they offered the space to the Outreach, an office and space for ArtReach. KUO now has a downtown presence.
Through the generosity of the folks at Grace a new pick-up truck, a 24 foot trailer, racks, and food for a rolling food pantry, called "Food to You". The rolling pantry would go into neighborhoods that do not have food pantries and would operate much like a bookmobile.
This is a project of KUO and the Kokomo Rescue Mission.

Chapel Hill Anoymous Donor

Button Motors

Christmas Day 2009

2010-01-23T07:26:00.001-08:00

When the volunteers knocked on a trailer door a little girl answered, she called for her father. The volunteers asked the father how many lunches they needed for his family, he told them they would need 8.

He was then asked, "How is your Christmas going?"

The father responded, "We are better than others, but we had an unexpected thing happen a few days ago. My wife's sister lost her home in Ohio and had to move her and her three children in with us. We received gifts for our three kids from the Rescue Mission, which we appreciated. We didn't have gifts for my sister-in-law's kids. So what we did was we wrote all six kids names on all the gifts and told them that Santa knew they could share. So while this Christmas has not been the best, it could have been worse."

Our volunteers got the names and ages of the children, called in the need to our Christmas Day gift center and a present was given to each child. The 8 year old girl opened hers and said,

"I knew Santa would bring me a Barbie Doll!!"

The volunteers left with tears in their eyes.

Thanksgiving Dinners 2009

2009-11-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

Gateway Neighborhood held at Trinity UMC served by volunteers from several churches (Morning Star, St. Lukes, Trinity UMC, Grace UMC and Chapel Hill and others)
Pine Valley Apartments held at the Community Room served by Alto UMC
West Middleton held at and served by West Middleton UMC
Briarwick Apartment held in Community Room served by West Middleton UMC
Southern Indian Heights held at and served by Brookside Free Methodist Church
Near-Southside Neighborhood (Markland to Defenbaugh, Home to Ohio) held at and served by Trinity Wesleyan Church
Wabash and Broadway Neighborhood held at and served by Parr UMC
Riley Modern Estates held at Lot 144 served by Zion UMC and Howard-Miami Mennoite Church
Maple Lawn held in the community room cooked and served by Carpenters House, Cassville UMC and Bennetswitch UMC
Bon Air Neighborhood held at and served by Bon Air Church of the Nazerene

2009-08-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

KUO SUMMER REPORT – May 1- August 10, 2009

INFORMATION TABLES/BOOTHS:
Gateway Support Network for the Unemployed
Hope for the City

URBAN IMPACT
Computer Classes: 165 completed classes and received a free computer
Clothing and Household Pantry: Hundreds of items given away.
Bikes to work: 4
Provided Community Service Hours to 6 individuals
Mentored and provided Service Hours to 3 teens

SERVICES FOR CHILDREN:
VBS at 8 Neighborhoods of Hope reaching nearly 200 children
Sewing classes
Dance classes
Recreation, crafts, art and writing contests
Horse therapy EGALA -- Equine Assisted Growth and Learning 15
Cub Scouts – 2 boys went to summer camp and Charter Received
Girl Scouts – 4 kids attended an Indianapolis Indians Game
Kindergarten readiness classes provided at Trinity
Elwood Haynes conducted Kindergarten screening at Trinity
Back to School Backpacks were provided to 530 students at the Neighborhood Cookouts

PARTNERED WITH:
1. Olive Garden- Weekly pick-up of leftovers used to provide meals to interns, mission teams and lunches
2. Panera Bread- Delivered weekly distributed through food pantries
3. Community Garden- Produce delivered twice a week, used in lunches and pantries
4. Deals- End of season miscellaneous items
5. Dollar General- End of season miscellaneous items
6. Kroger- Almost daily, bread, produce, etc. used for lunches and pantry -Parking Lot use for food drive
7. Walmart- Cash and 1200 Easter Baskets, 5000 bags of grass and 150 large stuffed animals. Volunteer from Walmart mows grass at trailer for free, when volunteer reaches 25 hours, Walmart sends us a check for $250.00
8. Sound of Music- Drumsticks
9. Frito Lay-Provided chips for all cookouts
10. Old Navy- Volunteers, cash, videos, food drive
11. Kohl’s- Volunteers and cash
12. Syndicate Sales- Semi use for food drive
13. Indiana Blood Center- Donated a case of food for each unit of blood given at Give for the Good Food Drive
14. Howard Regional- Working on joint grant for future Parents of Teens classes
15. Coca-Cola- Contingency plans in place for mobile food pantry if economic downtown gets worse using Coke vehicles
16. Outback Steak House- Provided Graduation Dinner to Baby College Graduates at a greatly reduced cost
17. Center-Township Schools- Buddy Bags, coordinate summer lunch program, provided volunteers for the school summer lunch program, provided space for Kindergarten screening
18. Button Motors Downtown- Provides free space to store pantry food and Buddy Bag food
19. Kokomo Police Department- KUO provided 1500 meals for August night out(hotdogs, chips, cookies and drink)
20. Community Foundation- $1000 grant for ArtReach
21. City of Kokomo: KUO provided information about food pantries at an event planned by the city
22. Leadership Kokomo- Working with us to provide Buddy Bags
23. Villages Inc- KUO provides wrap around support through the villages to families in need of emotional support
24. Bridges Outreach- KUO strongly supports and promotes Bridges after school programs, especially the Project 30 Program-Bridges van used by KUO often
25. United Way- Working with United Way to receive a grant to strengthen families
26. Info 211- Refer many people to the 211 services
27. Cam- Mission Team volunteered for an afternoon at new CAM Transitional Housing
28. Kokomo Rescue Mission- Meet weekly for prayer with Mission Staff, Mission has helped us with food, provided a meal for Poverty Plunge youth, as well as box truck and driver when needed
29. Food Finders- Provided KUO with free meat and has made special deliveries of a semi-loads of food
30. Housing Authority-Provides space at Pine Valley for Children’s ministry and meal distribution without cost---also allows us to work freely at Garden Square and Pine Valley
31. Center- Township Trustee- Provided funds for Buddy Bags, as well as food pantries
32. Open Arms- KUO provides children’s ministry including VBS
33. Domestic Violence Shelter-Donated extra food to KUO Kitchens
34. Prevent Child Abuse- Provided KUO with life-size board game called “Bee Safe/Bee Sorry it has been used by KUO and St. Joan of Arc School
35. Reins and Rainbow Ranch Wabash- Reduced rate for EGLA Therapy
36. Early Childhood Center/IUK- Baby College
37. Family Services Association- Baby College
38. Bona Vista- Baby College
39. Purdue Extension- Baby College
40. Gear-up for Safety Program- Baby College and referrals
41. Ivy Tech- KUO staff taught section on Poverty in Sociology Classes
42. Trinity United Methodist Church-Free office space and outreach space
43. Grace UMC- Provided free downtown office space and outreach site
44. St. Luke’s UMC-Free use of church van
45. Main St. UMC – Fee use of church van
46. Riley Modern Estates- Provides free lot rent for Outreach Trailer
47. Maple Lawn- Provides free Community Room for Outreach events
48. Carpenter’s House Church- Provides free space for the County-line Food Pantry
49. Alto UMC- Provides free space for food pantry for Pine Valley
50. Chapel Hill Christian Church- Backpacks
51. Oakbrook Community Church- Storage space for Easter items
52. Girl/Boy Scouts- Providing troops in neighborhood and free summer camp
53. Kiwanis- Free Swim passes to Kokomo Beach
54. Samaritan Love Center- Food Pantry Data Base
55. Servant Ministries (Crossroads)-Food Pantry Data Base
56. Zion Tabernacle Food Pantry - Food Pantry Data Base
57. Kokomo Rescue Mission Food Pantry - Food Pantry Data Base
58. United States Post Office- Food Drive
59. Kokomo Howard Co. Public Library - Reading club prizes from previous years
60. St. Vincent DePaul – monthly giving for Buddy Bags

PROVIDED SUPPORT TO:
St. Andrews Church for Downtown Community Breakfasts
Kokomo Police Department for August Night Out

COMMUNITY VBS PROGRAMS
Oakbrook – donated shampoo (600 bottles)
First Friends – donated soap(1000 bars) & 3 Buddy Bags
Zion UMC- donated food
First Congregational – donated food
First Presbyterian – 7 Buddy Bags
Burlington Church of Christ- $1000 for horse therapy

Food Drives:
Old Navy
Give for the Good
Delphi Employee
Hope for the City
Chapel Hill
St. Luke’s

Cooked Meals
Cookouts – have served 7,429 meals in 7 neighborhoods
Let’s Do Lunch – have served 1,837 meals during 5 ½ weeks
Breakfast – have served 200 meals on the last Sat of each month & one additional Saturday (Aug 1st)
August Night Out – provided hotdogs, buns, cookies and drinks for 1,500 people

Food Pantry
KUO is represented at the monthly Food Pantry Network Meeting
KUO continues to provide food to 4 Pantry locations
During the months of May-July, KUO has provided 811 families with food

GRANTS
Three Staff Members attended a Grant Writing Workshop sponsored by the United Way
KUO has applied for the following grants:
FEMA –$11,987.00 for food pantries
Kohl’s Employees - $500.00
Old Navy – $250.00 (two great video’s)
Clifford The Big Red Dog - Pending
Duke Energy - Pending
Quaker Oats - Pending

MISSION TEAMS

Western FCCLA
Cooked Lunch for Neighborhood Children
Worked in Food Pantry

St. Luke’s Poverty Plunge
Cleaned and sorted food at Button Motors
Cleaned CAM House and worked at CAM Transition House

New Albany
Painted 3 bedroom apartment
Worked nightly at Neighborhood Vacation Bible School
Worked in Food Pantry
Sorted Semi-load of Canned Food
Sorted Clothing at Servant Ministry Warehouse
Put on a carnival for neighborhood children
Prayer Walked

Goshen Mennonite
Prepared Lunch for Children
Prepared Breakfast for Children
Filled Back to school backpacks
Rearranged food pantry at Trinity
Took down computer lab at Trinity

ADMINISTRATION & FACILITIES

E-mail newsletters are sent to appx. 800
KUO has had 220 new volunteers since May
An invitation to include KUO in 2010 Mission Budget Brochure was sent to 100 Churches in Kokomo

Riley Trailer(All at no cost to the Outreach)
New Front Porch
Finish Bathroom and kitchen
Carpet for Big Room

Trinity
New Computer
New Laminator
Increased usage of Fax Machine
New Pantry Shelves
New Desk in the Pantry
Two office desks and two chairs

Directors Report

Supervised 7 Interns Jeff and Sue
Conducted weekly Intern meetings Jeff and Sue

Committee Representation:
Strengthening Families Grant Committee-Jeff
Winning Communities – Non-profit Committee-Jeff
Winning Communities – Chairperson Faith Based Committee-Jeff
Kokomo Center School Nutrition and Wellness Committee-Jeff
Kokomo City Transportation Committee-Jeff
Hope for the City Committee-Jeff
Prevent Child Abuse Committee-Jeff
Food Pantry Network Committee-Deanna/Sue
FEMA Committee-Jeff
Howard County Social Agency Committee-Pam
Baby College Committee-Sue/Jeff

Speaking Engagements:
§ Retired School Teachers-Jeff
§ Workshop on Networking at Plainfield UMC -Jeff
§ Impact(FSA)- Jeff
§ Information Referral-Jeff
§ Wrap around specialists-Jeff
§ Ivy Tech Sociology Class, Peru-Jeff
§ 1st Friends VBS – Pam
§ Rotary – Sue
§ Chapel Hill – Deanna
§ Setting Up A Food Pantry/Food Pantry network - Deanna

New Neighborhoods of Hope:
Bon Air Mobile Home Community -Bon Air Nazarene
Southern Indian Heights -Brookside Free Methodist
Crossroads Church-Servant Ministry Food Pantry

INTERNS:
Grant Langenbehn-Senior at Purdue majoring in Political Science
Alison Berghoff-Senior at Ball State majoring in Social Work
Jessica Gilmore-Senior at Greenville College majoring in Recreation
Darren Miracle-Attends Cincinnati Bible College was ordained last month in the Independent Christian Church
Ben Bourff- Sophomore at IU Part-time Intern
Melissa Zimmerman-Senior at DePaw Part-time Intern Mary Ingle-participated in Intern meetings

The Interns have provided the following functions:
· Attended Horse Therapy camp (10 Days)
· Conducted Dance Classes
· Prepared, served and cleaned up lunches at KUO
· Supervised work groups handling lunch at KUO
· Assisted with serving the school lunches
· Organized and staffed crafts at Garden Square 2 days per week for 5 weeks
· Attended wrap-around meetings
· Assisted with VBS at all locations
· Worked with all mission teams and work groups
· Led poverty plunge
· Painted an apartment
· Sorted cans of food
· Sorted clothes
· Clean Button Motors building
· Toured CAM House and worked at CAM
· Assisted with cleaning Crossroads warehouse
· Conducted the poverty game
· Conducted prayer walks
· Conducted worship services under the bridge
· Ate and served at the Mission
· Played games with the neighborhood children
· Attended the cookouts each Sunday
· Provided transportation for boys to Scout camp
· Taught computer classes
· Cleaned the church balcony
· Hospital visitations
· Provided transportation
· Grant and Darren preaching
· Pick up donations from Olive Garden and Kroger
· Delivery of items to the Mission
· Assisted with Food Drives
· Researched and wrote grants
· Addressed envelopes
· Answered phones
· Assisted with August Night Out
· Moved boxes, boxes, boxes
· Put together shelves
· Cleaned the computer room and set up new game rooom
· Counted and assembled backpacks
· Helped to set up office downtown
· Conducted tours
· Taught poverty workshops
· Read Simply Christian and taught chapters
· Participated in Ministry Reflection
· Participated and lead Bible Study
· Played with children
· Mentored children
· Took Thomas Swimming through wrap around program
· Passed out flyers
· Mopped Floors/Clean Restrooms
· Cleaned and defrosted freezer/refrigerator
· Sermon Research
· Door-to-door canvas
· Passed out food door-to-door
· Led family focus groups for United Way Strengthening Families Grant (60 families participated)
· Delivered Buddy Bags
· Wrote Mission Team Devotionals
· Did “Whatever it took” to get the job done this summer!!!

Frequently used Terms and Abbreviations used at Kokomo Urban Outreach

1. ArtReach- Fine art classes aimed at disadvantaged children ie. dancing, writing, art, instrumental lessons.
2. Baby College- Parenting Classes that are nine weeks in length led by experts in the field of early childhood education, development, health and safety. A nine week course is called a cycle, our second cycle will begin in September.
3. Buddy Bags- Weekly food bags given to any student from Elwood Haynes whose parents have requested it. Food bags are delivered on Friday and contain 6 meals and 2 snacks for the weekend.
4. CPS- (Child Protection Services) The government agency that protects the well-being of children. KUO reports all reported and suspected child abuse/neglect incidents to CPS.
5. EGALA- (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Founded in July 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization developed to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. Fifteen of our highest risk children participated in this program in Wabash over the summer. Susan Zody, Alison Berghoff (summer intern) and other volunteers took children to Wabash to Reins and Rainbow ranch for the therapy.
6. FEMA Grant- (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Grant from the Federal Government to be used to supply food to those in need.
7. Food Finders- Food Bank in Lafayette that supplies food to food pantries in a multi-county area. Food from food finders is purchase “off the shelf”(specific food such as Mac and Cheese) at wholesale prices or “off the floor”(sort of a grab bag of food) for 19 cents a pound. KUO purchases Buddy Bag Food “off the shelf” as we are looking for specific items and generally, purchase food for our pantries “off the floor”.
8. Food Pantry Network- Food Pantry Network meets once a month to check on food supplies at Kokomo Pantries, ideas and information are shared and Postal Drive is planned through the network. There are about 11 pantries in Kokomo.
9. Food Pantry Network Data Base- Maintained by KUO, visits to pantries are recorded in the database, which helps ensure that families receive food monthly. If more food is needed a referral is secured from United Way Information 211 or the Trustees office. We also take referrals from social workers, churches and other non-profit organizations in town.
10. FSSA- (Family and Social Services Administration) Food stamps, Welfare and Medicaid is administered by this organization.
11. HCSAC- (Howard County Social Agency Council) Meets monthly for networking and information/idea sharing.
12. IMPACT- Indiana Manpower and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT) provides services designed to help recipients of Food Stamps and TANF achieve economic self-sufficiency through
education, training, job search and job placement activities. IMPACT services are a component of Indiana's Welfare-to-Work program --a critical element of Indiana's welfare reform initiatives--which places an increasing emphasis on "work first". Work First" means that individuals are expected to accept a job when it can be secured with their existing education and skills.
13. Lectio Divina- is Latin for divine reading, spiritual reading, or "holy reading," and represents a traditional Christian practice of prayer and scriptural reading intended to engender communion with the Triune God and to increase in the knowledge of God's Word. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray and even sing and rejoice from God's Word, within the soul. Summer Interns practiced this discipline in their weekly team meetings.
14. Let’s Do Lunch Club- Lunches are provided weekdays at Trinity UMC anytime school is not in session. KUO through generous donors provides a nutritious lunch to anyone who attends. Lunch is served from 12:00-12:30, children and parents are invited to stay until from 12:30-1:00 to participate in organized games/crafts. Lunches are generally prepared by volunteers and the activity time is provided by the KUO staff.
15. Ministry Reflection- Each week interns brought a ministry reflection to the team meetings. Ministry reflections had to be an encounter they had during their internship with us this summer. The encounter was presented, discussed and ideas were presented on what others might have done in that same situation. This often was a growing edge for interns.
16. Neighborhoods of Hope-Specific geographic areas where the four strands of outreach are practiced (compassion, opportunity, witness and community organization and action) ideally adopted by a church, although in some cases is staffed by KUO.
17. Poverty Plunge- Weekend “retreat” experience for High School and College aged young adults. Participants are thrust into the world of poverty, learning as they experience it. Plunges are ran by KUO trained staff.
18. Project E.A.T.- (Everyone Ate Today) Includes all food outreach of KUO.
19. Project 30- Bridges Outreach elementary mentoring program. Mentors spend 30 minutes per week one on one with one child. KUO promotes this program and has seen the affect it has had on many of the children we work with.
20. Strengthening Families Grant- Through United Way, many non-profits and businesses are joining together to try to secure a grant that would help us strengthen families in Howard County. Our vision is that families would be first in Howard County.

21. Urban Impact- Life Skill classes primarily for adults ie. sewing, computer and Baby College.
22. Urban Plunge- Weekend or week- long overnight work trips. Participants work throughout the city in various Neighborhood’s of Hope.
23. VBS- (Vacation Bible School) Children’s summer ministry generally a week long. May VBS groups supported KUO in various ways. KUO provided 8 neighborhoods and Open Arms with VBS.
24. Winning Communities- Through a visioning process that started more than a year ago by Ron Harper and the Community Foundation, Kokomo has been designed a Winning Community. There are seven goal areas: Image and positive attitude, excellent and efficient health care, faith-based communities, world-class schools and lifelong learning, a thriving non-profit sector, sound proactive government and infrastructure, and a robust, growing 21st century economic climate. Each of the seven areas have three goals that they will achieve in the future.
25. Wrap-Around- Children who are high-risk of not being successful in school and/or society can be part of a wrap around group. The group may be made up of parents, family members, pastors, teachers, social workers, counselors or anyone else who has contact with a family. Wrap around specialist led the group which meets monthly to help the family deal with various issues. Presently, staff of KUO are working with two wrap around teams. The two families we are working with are working with the Villages wrap-around team.

Mission Trips to Kokomo

2009-05-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Open Dates:

July 6-10
July 20-24
July 27-30
August 3-7

Most weekends are open for the Povery Pluge experience.

Kokomo Food Pantry Network

2009-01-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

Most of the food pantries in Kokomo met early in January to address the present needs and to prepare for the future. We agreed in principle (with details to be worked out) to network together. That means using an on-line data base at each pantry to be sure families are visiting pantries only once a month. That will ensure we have enough food available to help everyone.

It also means that Networked Pantries are able to do food drives together and share food. Food could be traded back and forth as needed. It should help keep pantries from running out of food.

Some have asked what if a family needs to come more than once a month. The answer is they are to call Information 211 to get a referral to one of the referral only food pantries. Being network together ensures that there are many pantries within walking distance and everyone will be able to have food in their home each day.

The four pantries that KUO operates are Alto United Methodist Church for Pine Valley Residents, Trinity United Methodist, Zion Church, and Riley Modern. With expectation of Alto all pantries are open on Monday and Wednesday from 12-3. Alto is referral only from Pine Valley residents.

We have put together 1500 Food Orders in 2008 compared to 140 in 2007 .

City Church

2009-01-17T09:24:00.001-08:00

City Church needs:

Hand held cordless microphone
Media projector
Sanctuary chairs (at least 100 – preferably one color)
10 or so 8-ft. Tables (for feeding and Sunday school/bible study)
Drum set
Teaching supplies (will accept used) Sunday School, VBS resources
Plexiglas podium or lecturn

From Pastor Kevin,
We’ve never had one, but I’ll just throw it out there, we desperately need a church van. We carpool and help transport a number of people in our church as best we can, but it would be a huge blessing to our ministry to have a church van.

City Church Website

Pastor Kevin's email: essett@comcast.net

Neighborhood Cafes

2009-01-17T08:42:00.001-08:00

Designated Fund Activity 2008

2009-01-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

	INCOME	EXPENSE	BALANCE
Preschool Computer	1,424.82	0	1,424.82
Equipment	3,110.00	2,581.10	528.9
Hygiene Supplies	500	45.78	454.22
Baby College	1,800.00	0	1,800.00
Christmas Gifts	500.00	415.5	94.5
Easter Baskets	300.00	281.17	18.83
Special Program	1,745.00	1,632.55	112.45
Buddy Bags	21,257.57	13,718.58	7,538.99
Project EAT	9,028.00	4,960.03	4,067.97
Sewing Class	527.00	170.31	346.69
Riley Trailer	1,000.00	1,000.00	0
Truck Repair	198.29	198.29	0
Bibles	60.00	81.09	-21.09
Socks	500.00	371.69	128.4
Public Housing	81.00	81.00	0
Christmas Gifts	100.00	100.00	0
Office Shelving Units	180.00	118.51	61.49
Food Pantry Donations	4,698.16	1,145.90	3,552.26
	47,009.55	26901.50	20,108.14

The negative line in "Bibles" was due to undisclosed shipping charge.

Outreach sites

2008-11-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

Garden Square Outreach in Trinity UMC led by KUO volunteers and Trinity church.
Pine Valley Outreach led by Alto United Methodist Church
Briarwick Outreach led by West Middleton United Methodist Church
Zion Outreach which contains a food pantry located in the heart of Kokomo
Open Arms a Sidewalk Sunday School location led by KUO staff
Riley Modern Outreach led by KUO staff with cook-outs being supplied by Zion UMC.
Wabash and Broadway Neighborhood led by Parr United Methodist Church
Vinton Woods Apartments led by Center Road Church of Christ.

Trailer pictures check back for updates

2008-11-11T18:17:00.002-08:00

Before the trailer was brown and dirty.
After trailer painted and cleaned

Before trailer floor full of holes.
Below New floor being installed.

Trailer pictures

2008-11-11T18:17:00.001-08:00

Click here to see pictures of trailer.

stories from our Outreach Sites

2008-09-01T17:47:00.001-07:00

PINE VALLEY
Written by Mary Ingle

Since we have started SWSS and the cookouts, several relationships between the volunteers and neighbors has been developed.

Think back as to where we were two years ago, God has definitely opened doors and the neighbors hearts to and for us. We are not just a "Church" group of people coming to help the needy, but we are friends. Some call us family.

God has blessed us so much with being accepted and trust being built. Relationships has been established. Here are examples of fruit being sown:

* Several people has asked us to for them .

* Charlotte asked me, prayed for her after SWSS about a personal matter. I was speaking on forgiveness and she opened her heart up to me and we all prayed over her. She released what was on her heart to God.

* Bonnie and I laid hands on Sarah for healing. She had been very sick for two weeks. All kinds of tests were ran on her from gall bladder to kidneys to liver. Everything checked out fine, but she was still running fever and vomiting. And having severe stomach cramps. Bonnie and I went down and laid hands on her right before VBS started. The next day, Gina and I was out there visiting a little gal and she was not home, so we checked on Sarah. She was outside playing and looked wonderful. Her mom told us that a couple of hours after we prayed over Sarah, she came out of her room and said that she was hungry. She ate and kept it down. Had a good night's rest and was playing outside when we arrived. Her color was normal and she was eating and keeping everything down. She saw me and said, Miss Mary, God is good!! Our prayers were answered.

* Tamera, age 6 faccepted Jesus in her heart last spring. Dave, Gina, Margaret, Dave P, and myself lead her to saying the sinner's prayer and explained to her what those words meant. Then we prayed over her. I shared with her mom Erin that night at the meal that her daughter accepted Jesus in her heart. She begin to cry.

Carolyn and Nick The Kilty's and myself has prayed several times with her for guidance and healing. We have also prayed for her to have a deeper relationship with Jesus.

* We have had an awesome turnout for the clothing give-away, cookouts, one year anniversary, Christmas Eve service, Sunday night service,VBS, and movie night. The neighbors keep asking me why are always doing wonderful things for them. They have told all of us how thankful and appreciative they are in all we do.

* I cannot express the number of relationships that has been built among all of us (volunteers and neighbors) and relationships restored among the neighbors themselves since we have started the cookouts.

* Dean Bausom, KHA has told me that there has been a lot of positive changes out there.

Adults and kids are getting along better.

* When I am passing out flyers and I come up on adults who are swearing, one of them usually tells the other one to clean up his mouth, here comes the church lady. They are showing me respect.

* We gave out 69 school bags compared to 39 last year. every person and child that received a book bag with supplies all said "Thank You" and told us how appreciated they were. I knew in my heart that they meant every word.

Volunteer Opportunties

2008-08-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

We are looking for folks to fill some very important volunteer positions. Below is a thumbnail job description and the weekly hour expectations.

Marketing- Design promotional materials including brochures, posters etc. Write press releases to area media. Arrange interviews with local media. 10-15 hours per week

Fund Development- Analyze budget and giving patterns. Explore new streams of income ie grants. 5-10 hours per week

Project E.A.T.'s Buddy Bag and Student to Student Program Coordinator- Develop a TEAM that would administer all facets (developing menu's, ordering food, unloading food, keeping inventory, coordinating Student to Student aspect, and work on the expansion of the Buddy Bag program. 20 hours per week

Work Team Supervisor- Host and supervise scheduled work teams. Periodically, work teams come to KUO to work on various projects. We are looking for someone to care for team while they are here including: making arrangements for food, snacks etc, welcoming and overseeing the groups work, and be sure everyone has a great experience. Hours dependent on group coming, estimate 10 hours per month.

Furniture Pick-Up Delivery Coordinator- Develop a team of people with trucks that can pick-up and deliver furniture for those in need. 10 hours per month

Director of Preschool Computer Classes- A teacher who will coordinate preschool computer classes. With a grant through Leadership Kokomo, we will be securing several laptops for the classes. Classes will be held at various Outreach locations throughout the city. Initial training will be done by Leadership Kokomo. After initial training the director will train other teachers. Class times, locations will be determined by teachers. The director will train teachers, coordinate classes and if desired teach a class. 4-6 hours per week

Urban Connection Developer- We looking for just the right person to develop a new ministry idea. . The idea is to provide non-threatening places where people can explore the Christian faith--- connecting with each other and with Jesus. The developer will develop the program from ground up. If you feel called to this give me a call and we will talk more. Jeff 461.9618
hours unknown

Director of Technology -- Someone with computer skills to update and design websites, help with computer networking. 5hrs per week

Art Reach Director- Develop a fine arts classes directed to those that do not have the resources to take lessons. Classes might include: guitar classes, art classes, dance classes, drum lines etc. We ran a pilot program a couple years ago and are ready to start on more of full-time basis. 5-10 hours per week.

Board of Director Member---looking for CPA and/or Attorney. Board Meetings on the second Monday at 6:00 PM

Most of the work can be done at home. The outreach is expanding and we really need your help.

Thanks Jeff

Thank You to volunteers that are already spearheading Outreach Components:

Sidewalk Sunday School Coordinator Mary Ingle
Food Pantry Avery Cosley
Household Pantry Gloria Strickland
Urban Impact Marla Edmunds and Judy Rider(sewing component)
Pine Valley Outreach Leaders David and Gina Kitley(Alto UMC)
Parr United Methodist Church Outreach Deanna Ancil with help from Oakbrook Community Church
Briarwick Apartment Outreach Walt and Cindy Steele(West Middleton UMC)
Vinton Woods Outreach completely underwritten by Center Rd. Church of Christ Karen Ely Leader
Preschool Leeann Hughes
Club 45 at Garden Square Pastor Steve Sherwood
Youth at Garden Square Darren Miracle
Sunday Night Dinner at Garden Square Chris Newton
Parish Nurse leaders Cathy Shaw, Cindi Myers
Riley Mobile Home Park Outreach Caretakers Pete and Norma Blue

Quick Way to Collect Food

2008-08-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

A quick easy way to collect food for our food pantry is to pass out grocery bags on Sunday Morning and have parishioners return them the following week. We have grocery bags decorated by children or you could have your Sunday school classes decorate them. Call me and I will gladly bring in bags and/or pick up food.

Kokomo Tribune Article August 1

2008-08-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

By KEN de la BASTIDE
Tribune enterprise editor

Area residents used to waiting up to
one hour to talk to someone at a call
center to receive Medicaid or food
stamps, had to wait 90 minutes before
addressing a legislative commission
Thursday in Kokomo.
The legislative study commission
conducted the first state hearing on
problems since the Indiana Family
and Social Services Administration
signed a contract with a private company
to handle eligibility for the two
programs.

People filled a room on the Indiana
University Kokomo campus waiting
to relate to lawmakers problems they
have experienced with the new procedures.
Commission members spent the
first 90 minutes listening to explanations
and questioning FSSA Secretary
Mitch Roob.

When they got a chance to speak,
recipients spoke of denied claims,
long telephone waits and going without
benefits.

“Since you changed the new system
over, it’s full of crap,” Judith Phillips
said. “I had to fight them on my own.”
Phillips said for two months, she
had to go without food stamps and
was forced to borrow money while
awaiting approval.

“You never get to talk to the same
person twice,” she complained.
At one point, standing with the aid
of a walker, Phillips waved a thick
pile of yellow legal paper at
committee members. Listed
on the sheets was every call
she made to the call center in
Marion.

“A lot of these people don’t
know,” she said of the fight to
get benefits. “You never walked
in our shoes. There should be a
group that comes to our homes.
“The new system is not working
right, it is a fake and a
fraud,” Phillips said to applause.
Wendy Abcock said her benefits
were scheduled for recertification
on July 1 and the claim
was denied because her income
was not verified.

“The county offices can’t
help,” she said. “They are there
to fax information or help you
get on the Internet to apply.”
Abcock said the family is still
awaiting approval to get a prescription
medication for her
son.

Kathy Purvis said the paperwork
filed for an individual
who is legally blind was lost
three times.

Purvis said she cares for her
granddaughter and because her
income is $23.76 too much each
month, the girl is not eligible for
assistance.

“We can’t get her hearing aids
because she was denied,” Purvis
said crying. “She can’t hear the
teacher at school.”

Jennifer Workman said she
has been trying to get Medicaid
coverage for her 19-year-old
son. She passed a photograph of
her son to commission members.
She said her son was receiving
medication through Medicaid
while at the Robert J. Kinsey
Youth Center.

“They sent the denial letter to
the youth center,” Workman
said. “We didn’t know it until
we went to the pharmacy.”
Workman said her son is
bipolar and has physically attacked
her and her husband.

“On April 2, we did an application
online,” she explained.

“We waited on hold for one
hour and were finally told they
didn’t receive it.”

A second application was
submitted on May 12 and is
still pending.

“We ’re talking life and
death,” she said. “I’m afraid of
my own kid if he doesn’t get
his medications.”

Workman said she has wasted
30 hours on the telephone
and her son still doesn’t have
coverage.

Former FSSA case worker
outlines problems

Steve Woodall, a former state
case worker, went to work for
ACS at the new system’s Marion
call center for about a year until
quitting last April.
Woodall was introduced by
his brother-in-law, state Rep.
Ron Herrell, D-Kokomo.
Woodall said he worked for
the state for 37 years and
walked off the job in Marion
last April after working six
months with the private firm.
“The system is flawed when
it doesn’t provide good services,”
he said. “We had problems
before, but the clients knew or
should have known who their
case worker was.

“I’ve seen many, many
things that are flawed with this
system,” Woodall said. “I believe
any client should be able
to call in and talk to someone
who has ultimate responsibility
for their case, and this system
does not provide that.”

Food stamp cases were not
being processed within two or
three months, he said. When
paperwork is not received, the
claim is automatically denied.

Woodall said when he
worked for the state, he was
assigned to 300 or 400 cases,
but monitored them for recertification
of eligibility every six
months or year.

Lawmakers ask FSSA
officials tough questions
FSSA began rolling out the
changes in the administration
of the Medicaid and food
stamp program last year in a
12-county area, including
Kokomo. It has been expanded
to 47 counties.

The state awarded a team of
vendors led by IBM Corp. and
Affiliated Computer Services
Inc. a $1.16 billion, 10-year contract
to process applications for
Medicaid, food stamps and other
public safety net benefits received
by about 1.1 million
children, seniors, people with
disabilities and other Hoosiers
in need.

The federal government informed
the state to stop the
process of adding more counties
to the system until applications
could be processed in a
more timely fashion.

Roob said FSSA stopped the
rollout of food stamps to additional
counties because of the
flooding in southern Indiana.
“We independently suspended
the roll out on June 13,” he
said.

Rep. Bill Crawford, chairman
of the commission, said the
federal Food and Nutrition
Service issued a cease-and-desist
order.

“I don’t believe they have the
authority to tell us to stop,”
Roob remarked. “We already
decided to stop the rollout.”
Crawford said he had a copy
of the e-mail directing FSSA to
cease and desist.

“The federal government pays
66 percent of the cost of Medicaid
and 100 percent of food
stamp costs,” he said. “If you accept
the program, there has to
be access to food stamps on an
equal basis for the entire state.”
Crawford said the golden
rule is that the person who has
the gold makes the rule, and in
this case, the federal government
has the gold.

“In the rollout areas, there
are complaints,” Crawford said,
drawing applause from the
crowd. “We want to assure the
public that these programs are
going to operate in a timely
fashion.”

Roob told lawmakers at the
public hearing that the agency
is working to improve the system.
He said the state wants to
process applications within 60
days.

He said there has been a decrease
in the food stamps being
issued in some of the rollout
areas.

Crawford said the lawmakers
wanted all the bureaucratic
obstacles removed from the
system which is keeping people
from receiving benefits.

“We want you to assure the
public that the applications will
be processed in a timely fashion
and comply with the federal regulations,”
he said. “Medical care
delay compounds the problem
and becomes more costly in the
long run.”

Sidewalk Sunday School Basics

2008-04-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Sidewalk Sunday School is an effective, rather simple, way to build relationships with families with the goal of leading whole families to Christ.

Here is the format:

Gather children 5 yrs old-5th grade
Go over three rules---(boys on one side girls on the other, sit on pockets, quiet when we count to three)
Singing (all your favorite children's songs)
Story (short, basic Bible Stories especially the stories of Jesus)
Prayer Time (groups of 3 or 4 kids per one adult)
Game Time ( a fast moving game that everyone can play)
Kid of the Week (prize, trophy or certificate given to boy and girl that displayed excellent behavior)

Secret to SWSS: Each week, each child is visited in their home and a flier is given reminding them to come next week. Over time parents are open to sharing prayer concerns etc. and relationships are built and ministry happens.

Urban Impact Plan

2008-04-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Urban Impact is a brand new program of KUO. It is in the very beginning stages. Our goal is to help folks start small businesses with business mentors/partners, impacting their family in a positive way. A good paying job is needed to move out of poverty. Education is a way to get a good job. So many in poverty do not have the education to have a high paying job. Many of the folks that I work with may not have an education but they have a "passion". There are some folks who love to make things with their hands--pillows, pillow cases, flower arrangements etc. We have begun to work with the sewing class. We are providing the students with all of the materials they need to make the things they love to make. On June 7th they will sell what they made at a sale. Judy and Marla are teaching the students not only how to sew but how to succeed in business. They will help students price their wares. For example if a pillow costs $2.00 to make and is sold for $5.00, the student will receive $3.00 with $2.00 being set aside to purchase more material. If things go well a business could be created with a catalog on the internet.

There are also some clients who would like to start a small service business such as window washing, lawn care etc. I think it is possible to help folk start small business. What is needed is education, maybe not "formal" education but informal teaching as folks start their own business learning from a business mentor/partner. It would be great if a couple of people could set down with me and help me develop this further.

2008 Budget

2008-02-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

Executive Director ---------------36,500.00

Medical Insurance -----------------7,400.00
Administrative Assistant--------- 10,000.00
Crisis Childcare Director----------- 9,360.00
Social Security Taxes-------------- 4,500.00
Fund Raising------------------------ 500.00
Office Supplies--------------------- 1,000.00
Postage ------------------------------500.00
Liability Insurance----------------- 2,200.00

Grand Total -------------------71,960.00

One Prayer

2008-02-21T14:53:00.001-08:00

Jilly(not her real name) told me how she prayed for Jesus to come into her heart during Sidewalk Sunday School. She is a special little girl who loves Jesus and loves to be in church where she can experience peace and joy. Her simple prayer not only has affected her life but that of her family.

We have lots of stories of how one prayer changed a life. Check back later for more stories.

One Trophy

2008-02-21T14:52:00.000-08:00

Kid of the week trophies have changed the life of many children. It was hard for me to believe that one trophy could change a life. There are stories of children sleeping with trophies, of taking trophies to school and since one boy became kid of the week his behavior at school has dramatically changed. The trophies promote self esteem and excellence. It makes every kid feel important and gives the children a sense of accomplishment. To become Kid of the Week, a child must not just be good, they must be excellent. They must display great table manners, talk quietly, and participate appropriately during Sidewalk Sunday School.

This semester the United Methodist Men at Grace UMC provided the trophies. Thanks.

One Person

2008-02-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

At KUO we have many, many stories of how one person makes a difference. There is Suzie who picks up children in the cold, rain, snow, heat to bring them to Sidewalk Sunday School. She patiently eats with the children, cares for the children and is loved by the children. She knows the children by name and knows many parents. She is used by Jesus each week to make a difference.

History of Easter Basket Workshop

2008-02-21T13:49:00.001-08:00

The Easter Basket Workshop began in 2006 when Tribune reporter Tom Carey brought us thirty well filled Easter baskets to give to children who were in need. I shared with a mother that we would be giving her child a basket the Sunday before Easter. She said, "I wish I could give a basket to her". I asked her if we had a Easter Basket workshop would she come and make one for her and she said, "yes".

I then called Tom Carey and asked if we could take the baskets apart. I told him in 5 days we would have the workshop. Tom put an article in the paper and the donations came pouring in. Easter grass in bales, 1/2 pound chocolate rabbits, balls, yo yo's, candy eggs, full size candy bars, gum, we had it all. The first year 150 baskets were made and the second year 500 baskets went out the back door. I am anxious to see what happens in 2008,

Task Force Members

2007-11-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

Mark Sloss
Christ Lutheran Church
Mary Pruiett
First Christian Church and Bon-Air School
Greg Reed
Morning Star Church
Travis Taflinger
Bridges Outreach
Casey Cline
Bridges Outreach
Jeff Newton
Kokomo Urban Outreach
Ned Hoover

First Nazarene
Shirley Hoy
Grace UMC
Dee Lohman
Executive Director of PreK-12 Instructional Services
Ted Schuck
School Board Member and retired Principal

plus representatives from all 11 elementary schools in the corporation.

Education

2007-10-15T16:38:00.001-07:00

Expand what is already working into more churches, more schools!
Training program for mentors/ tutors?”
How many church have seen this presentation?
Go to all churches where they are
Go to the churches rather than them come to us
Go to them/ marketing
Open church in neighbors- go to church as for help

Advertise locally

Share building (exactly what bridges use)

Church/ community kid centers are not open in Fridays

Market already existing at community centers

English students /LEP ESL/LED

Go to local pastor groups 10% part downtown alliance

Talk to Huddle

Great Banquet

5% kids come to bridges to stay away from home.

Head start/ 21^st cent = Marilyn Skinner KAK

Education of the church- understanding

What can we do now!

Get into schools

Coordinate churches

Call schools need help!

Establish relationship there - school- church

Educate churches on adopting schools!

If church cant’s go to school

Who do we contact- Jeff KUO

Middle School/ High School should not be neglected – battle the problem

Elementary useful prevent problem

Relationship

Children with in sports

Adult/ family class programs

Breach the cycle

Schools as a distribution center for food

Recap:

Expansion (existing programs)
Go to them (congregation presentation)
Marketing (local)
After-hours use church facility
Sports (neighborhoods)
Schools- willing to use
Community centers
ESL/ LEP
School/ pantry
All schools relationships
Education/ church

Youth and Children Programs

2007-10-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

Enough programs?

Not well known, marketing an issue

Transportation to the activity is the problem

Somebody has to subsidize program if particpants can't pay

Possible problems

Gap parent and kids

At risk kids can’t afford it

If things cost money how do we bridge the gap

Step back and look at programs and see what impact the lives of our children

Possible problem: Church not willing to work together (deep seeded mistrust)

The community foundation will help support a discussion community forum

Get the church to take care of its neighbored—minister to the neighborhood and listen to the needs.

Market better

Share opportunities

Community forum

All pro dad programs

Carver Center untapped resource not just basketball ie computer labs etc.

Could churches sponsor a student at Carver center for $12.00 per year?

Market better

Share opportunities

Collaborate

Community forum

Church has to come outside the walls

Needs to be a clearing house with information

Youth sports

Mentoring developing trust

Newsletters at schools to go home with info

Make a link with youth pastors

Partner with Great Banquet, Huddle, Youths sport programs

Possible "pick up" sports day where kids just show up and play a game, learning as they play

Lots of empty church gyms on Friday and Saturday.

Family Homelessness and Single Father issues

2007-10-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Cam House- emergency housing for 3 families (planning)
Purchase houses/ condos/ apts for continuum of care
Ministerial Assoc become involved
How to staff and maintain? Houses
Research what other cities are doing- Logansport Emmaus Ministries
Staffing could make jobs of houses
Get small business interested
Breakdown barriers of competition among churches
Groups of churches working together to solve a specific problem- doing a great deal for an issue not a little for many issues
This is a generational problem
Research how many homeless families and single father families need to be served
Relationships with people
How to get churches on board
Contact 211, Cam, Kokomo Rescue Mission, Schools for hard numbers
Get Budget established
Not a handout, but a handup
3 main issues in getting things started
Get data chronically homeless.
Get working budget on paper to run a house
Get church to focus together on one issue.( make a plan for individual churches)
Small business scoped to help with sustainability of program

Road blocks:

Competing between churches
Fear
Weakness of relationship between pastors n the community
Churches fear loss of money for internal uses.

Food Insecurity

2007-10-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

How can we fix the problem?

What’s the next step
People should not be going hungry in our community

aim at better nutrition not just more to eat- better choices
Access to food/ can’t get groceries at convenience stores- the cost is prohibitive at end of moth they are out of food at beginning of month the buy a lot because they have been hungry for the last 10 days
Pantries need to make sure the food goes together

Pasta- sauce
Cereal- milk

May not have a refrigerator to keep things cold
Could a church do milk?
Coordination of churches and food banks
Crisis center has fridges/ can we use some to give to food banks
There are lots of food banks that people don’t know about

Food banks must rely on donations and sometimes they don’t come in
Summer- kids only can eat- not parents
Not published enough that there is food for kids in summer- grant for schools
Sometimes kids eat at school through week- but have little on the weekend
Food (lunch) Spirit Wind Church - Wednesday
Food (lunch) Fresh Start- Tuesday
Kokomo Rescue Mission -every day
Teach parents the right things to cook
In summer while kids are out of school they eat more so the food stamps don’t go as far
Can groceries come to downtown for the urban people
Would grocery stores shuttle folks to their stores
Get to know your neighbors talk to them- visit them
Get out of your church walls- to see what people need
Group used to sponsor milk vouchers
Food pantry communications need some meeting where people can agree
Need list of all food pantries (1^st/ step)
So every church will know how to reach pantries
Golden choral, etc. can put food they don’t use in freezer and volunteers can pick up and distribute- is it legal
Send e-mails to all about food pantries meetings
Angel Food Ministries/ all churches are with-in walking distance
Why can’t we do this with local groceries
Churches could distribute
Could feed for whole month (Angel food)
Could be people in your church- even is you don’t know it- they might be going hungry
May just have just one week of a little extra
Not asking for help
Sometimes its pride
Make just a little too much
1 church in charge to distribute
Advertise what needs are
Pantries could swap if one has too much of something and the other has something else- etc. cereal for tomato sauce
Needs could be put on web site
Community garden maybe people could be taught to can tomatoes- green beans- potatoes
Non-essential items

Tooth paste/ tooth brush- diapers/ toilet paper/ detergent
Food stamps do not pay for

People usually need toilet paper- this is what they look for
If you have never went hungry- you really don’t understand what is like
Doing what Jesus told us to do- if you love me feed my sheep- feed my lambs- not just spiritual
Most problems core from being hungry

Can’t concentrate
Can’t think
Can’t make decisions

Go to bed without dinner tonight and not breakfast in the morning- see how well you can think
Transportation should not enter if all churches would be involved in food distribution
Find people outside your church
Churches-soup kitchens- alternate weekends
Angels Food Ministries- or the like
Churches could take turns cooking- staffing- distribution
Church buses used to get people to get food (groceries) (volunteers- staffing- drivers-gas)
Could also deliver groceries to people
Volunteers are the main issue
Need to be coordinated (communications)
Model after meals on wheels as far as distribution
How many soup kitchens?
Meal everyday- shared by several churches
Different groups of churches (then one from each group come together)
Would you be willing to have poor needy to fish fries, chic and noodles, etc. for free?
Get all for community- needs one person in charge- then a committee to let everyone know what we have and what is needed
Keep in touch with Jeff after meeting with your churches to see what they think your need are

August Sidewalk Sunday School

2007-08-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Risk takers steps out in faith for Him. When we know that God is wanting us to be "Risk Takers" and we invest our time, money, prayers, the Word, and live by serving others, how can we fail? We can't because the Word tells us, "He who lives in us is greater than he who lives in the world." We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.

Christ has predestined (preplanned) our works (mission) in advance. God did not save us so that we could just be Sunday church goers, but to be DOERS not just hearers. Jesus has a mission for each and every one of us to accomplish for His Kingdom gain in every generation. All which has been planned in advance and perfectly timed. In His sovereignty, God has chosen to do His work through us. If we miss our ministry, we will miss our entire purpose in remaining here.

Faith is the key. When we step out and put complete trust in God, we become His Risk Takers. God does all the work through us by giving Him our hearts, hands, and feet. I am challenging each one of you to become a "Risk Taker" by stepping out and sharing with others about KUO/SWSS, and if you are not involved with us, pray and see where God wants you to serve. He may just want you to be a prayer warrior or He may want your hands and feet to be used as His.

God has blessed us so abundantly at KUO with awesome volunteers, provisions, prayers being answered, and He just keeps opening doors for us. God has allowed us to be Risk Takers and to step out in faith by starting another site of SWSS in September. We are headed to Stoney Creek Mobile Home Community. There are approximate 30+ kids . I am so excited about going there and building relationships with them and their families. Most importantly, sharing the love of Christ with them.

If you feel the Spirit tugging on your heart to be a Risk Taker on Saturday, September 15th from 2:00-3:00, please email me. Please pray and seek God for His guidance and wisdom about where He wants you to be used as His Risk taker. I want to share this inspiration poem with all of you and it would be a prayer to meditate on. Then listen for the Spirit to speak to you. It is by St. Teresa of Avila.

Christ has

No body now on earth but yours;

No hands but yours;

No feet but yours;

Yours are the eyes

Through which is to look out

Christ's compassion to the world;

Yours are the feet

With which he is to go about

Doing good;

Yours are the hands

With which he is to bless now.

AMEN

Love In Christ.... Miss Mary

COOKOUTS AT PINE VALLEY

Our cookouts are still going great!!! We have wonderful volunteers who are very devoted in coming out every Sunday and serving the residents at Pine Valley.

We have been serving 50+ every week. We have developed close relationships with a lot of the families. They offer to help us serve and clean up.

Our volunteers from Alto UMC brought two flavors of ice cream last week. That was really a hit!! I don't know who enjoyed it the most, adults or the kids. HA!!

Thank you to all of you who comes to help serve, donates, and you prayer

warriors. God has truly blessed us at both sites.

All of you are invited to join us at PV any Sunday. We are there around 3:00 at the Community Center and start serving between 4:15 and 4:30. We stop at 5:30.

Again, THANK YOU from all of us at KUO. God bless, Mary

SUMMER SIDEWALK SUNDAY SCHOOL

WOW!!! How time flies when you are having fun. We have just finished our first Summer Sidewalk Sunday School``. We averaged 10 kids from Garden Square on Thursdays and 14 kids at Pine Valley on Fridays. The kids really enjoyed the lessons on the "Sermon on the Mount". Better known as The Beatitudes. The kids learned that we are to have the attitude and views of Christ. I told them that if they confess that Jesus lives in their hearts, then they must "Walk the Talk". Let others see Jesus in them. During our last seeion, instead of separating in small groups, we prayed over all of them. I shared with them that we were still doing the cookouts but ending SWSS until mid September. (Alto UMC will be leading it. Praise God!!) They wished we could still do SWSS . I might squeeze in a bible story and singing with the kids at our cookouts. When we have extra volunteers, we usually play games with them. They love the parachute.

I would like to say "THANK YOU" to all of the volunteers that helped me with SSWSS. Thank you for sharing your love for Christ and serving others. All of you really did a great job. Also for all who donated snacks, supplies, and prayers. May God bless each one of you more abundantly for your faithfulness and obediencee to Him. Faithfully Serving, Miss Mary

THANK YOU!!!!!!

A big THANK YOU to Grace UMC for a great VBS. Thank you for organizing and sharing VBS with all of us at KUO. The kids really had a blast. We averaged 60+ kids per night. It was an amazing and awesome week.

Also, THANK YOU for an incredible first ever "Block Party" Friday night for all of the kids and their families at Garden Square. The fellowship, food and music by Stephen Sherwood and Praise band, WOW!! WOW!!! WOW!! They are so anointed with theirmusic, praise and worship. You guys were great!!! The families loved it!! You have been asked to come back and do another concert. Thank You!! We love you all for your love for Christ and your testimonies. You blessed all of us. God bless you guys over and over...Mary Ingle

Visit my blog here.

Individual Volunteers

2007-08-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

We appreciate and thank every volunteer!!While many come to work with their church groups many come to help on their own. Every volunteer that filled out a form for the summer are listed below:

Angie Sparks
Harry Sparks
Betty Spencer
Jackie Patterson
Gloria Strickland
Eve Yohn
Pam Yohn
Chris Newton
Pete Blue
Norma Blue
Jamie Willis
Ed Catron
Pat Catron
Grant Poytner
Margi Bailey
Avery Cosley
Suzanne Phillips
Judy Whorley
Dinny Bailey
Mary Ingle
Melissa Zimmerman
Stephanie Berghoff
Karen Malone
Jerry Berghoff
Pam Grohman
Suzie Zody
Lanna Kirtley
Margret Brown
Shirley Hoy
Dee Hostetler
Gary Hostetler
Boyd Mozingo
April Mozingo
Dan Mozingo
Cindi Meyers
Walt Doering
Melba Doering
Evan Strong
Mike Tarner
Jean Tarner
Marla Edmonds
Judy Rider
Allison Berghoff
Richard Lightsey
Sawyer Lightsey
Karen Zimmerman
Leanna Zimmerman
Peter Inman
Molly Lauterbach
John Alexander
Sandy Hurst
Sheri Fogelberg
Mark Sloss
Courtney Fogelberg
Eric Fogelberg
Anna Sloss
Ron Harper
David Plantenga
Madelyn Stanforth
Mark Stanforth
Robin Van Auken
Jerry Van Auken
Martha Howshaw
Andrew Van Auken
Joel Van Auken
Vanessa Grohman
Aaron Van Auken
Cathy Shaw
Nick Osborne
Kirsten Milliron
Levi Millron
Travis Taflinger
Casey Cline
Alyse Adkins
Brandon Kidwell
Keri Barnes
Colby Cuthbert
Kara Blattner
Shelia Bailey
Val Cuthbert
Val Harris
Brad Johnson
Emily Thice
Alex Kohne
Jordan Kohne
Cindy Kohne
Pat Kohne
Bill Ramseyer
Paula Shrock
Lori Collins
Katie Vahie
Molly Locke
Katie Davisson
Kritie Vahle
Jim Williams
Susan Garner
Liza Fiers
Taylor Kennedy
Erik Kile
Clarinda Crawford
John Vahle
Tracy Campbell
Bonnie Minor
David Kilty
Regina Kilty
Walter Rossmanith
Martha Rossmanith
Beth Swing
Kent Kessler
Bruce Larson
April Larson
Sandy Wilhoite
John Stark
Teri Stark
Emily Stark
Alexandria stark
Anna Stark
Mike Lupoi
Cristi Brewer-Allen
McKale Brewer
Brevin Allen
Tireon Allen
Rylee Burnet
Kasey May
Kaile Branch
Modeline Cassidy
Ashli Minor
Kaylee Johnson
Bailey Sandlin
Whitney Weir
Heather Hemmeger
Brittany Camp
Darrian Greene
Ashely Neniman
Aly Robins
Mark McClure
Jennifer McClure
Christine McClure
Kimberley McClure
Allexandria McClure
Jeremiah McClure
Ann Ihms
Hannah Ihms
Bruce Bryant
Peggy Hawk
Shirley Hatfield
Marsha Sanders
Nolan Sanders
Cameron Sanders
Elizabeth Hoover
Michael Meehan
Renate Musgrove
Debbie Meehan
Debbie Mitts
Courtney Mitts
Betty Corn
Betty Fields
Christine Whitaker
Linda Reed
Deanna Ancil
Sherry Matlock
Gale Eikenberry
Bev Wartenburger
Lee Pike
Kevin Cornell
Dan Grinsdale
Joyce Eikenberry
Thomas McGrew
Jim Fuller
Harry Williams
Joyce Ancil
Jason Kelly
Marsha Ward
Geri Brewster
Robert Bell
Kati Carter
Jenny Jones
Victoria Failor
Hailey Quacles
Nathan Vent
Ashley Newton
Stephanie Hollingsworth
Micah Kistler
Brodic Malone
Rachael Arredondo
John Wheeler
Matt Boicourt
Kyle Wysong
Candra Smith
Christina Galloway
Dannielle Reed
James Reed
James Miller
Mary Miller
Mona Phifer
Stacy Stoyke
Dixie Hogan
Mike Klutzank
Alan Weaver
Ethel Devine
Mallory Willis
John King
Shem Nuss
Denise Renhenberger
Jerry Renhenberger
Tom Collins
Andrea Brown
Kelcy Compton
Alan Burns
Anne Reder
Alex Eruer
Margaret Gillis
Jeneal Hunt
Sam Locke
Amy Ayers
David Ancil
James Jacobs
Nick Kile
Kim Kile
Emily Kile
Erik Kile
Erin Kay Kile
Ethan Kile
Carol Bachiniski
Beverly Kussy
Patrice Martin
Nancy Scaggs
Steven Sherwood
Wayne Pence
Barbara Kinsler

Not included in this list are all that volunteered but did not fill out a volunteer form. Not appearing on the above list were about 30 helpers for VBS, 15 helpers at Give for the Good Day, 20 helpers who arrive at cook-out site, some of the bean pickers at the Garden and 4 more people in the band at the VBS Celebration. We are pushing 300 summer volunteers. The danger of listing everyone is excluding someone. I can easily add someone here. Let me know if you or someone you know were omitted. Jeff

Community Garden

2007-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Community Garden of Kokomo has provided KUO with fresh produce all summer. Recently, volunteers from KUO went to the garden and picked beans. Over 450 pounds were picked by KUO volunteers.

Thank you Community Garden and volunteers

Kawanis International

2007-08-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Sunriser Kawanis Club recently, presented KUO for a check to purchase back packs for children.

Thank You Kawanis

Main St. United Methodist Church

2007-08-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Main St. UMC's Vacation Bible School collected offerings through the week and then purchased laundry soap for KUO to give to those in need. Main St. recently, became a distribution point for Angel Food Ministries.

Main St. also is the home of "God's Neighborhood Closet"!

Thanks Main St.

First Presbyterian Church

2007-08-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

First Presbyterian Church has sent many volunteers to help on Sunday night. Recently some of their members have been providing us with food for lunches and cookouts. They have also provided some Angel Food Ministry boxes to some families. Several of the church have been prayer walking their neighborhood.

Thank You First Presbyterian

Shiloh

2007-08-18T12:00:00.001-07:00

The folks at Shiloh gave me an opportunity to speak at their church recently, and presented KUO with a check.

Thanks Shiloh

McGrawsville

2007-08-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Several folks from McGrawsville help us each week. Boyd, April and Dan pull the trailer and makes sure it is packed back correctly while Gary and Dee keep us organized and the hotdogs grilled.

Thanks McGrawsville

The Huddle

2007-08-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Kokomo Huddle presented KUO with a new portable grill that is used at Pine Valley and enough lemonade mix to make 500 gallons of lemonade. I would like to personally thank Rex Gingrich and Dick Sanburn Kokomo Huddle Board members for their support of KUO.

Trinity UMC

2007-08-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Trinity is the church I pastor. Trinity has given us space of our office and much of what we do is filtered through the church building. During the recent lunches many from Trinity helped prepare, serve and clean-up the meals. They include:

Angie Sparks
Harry Sparks
Eve Yohn
Betty Spencer
Mary Ingle
Chris Newton
Pete Blue
Norma Blue
Pam Yohn
Dinny Bailey
Jamie Willis
Judy Whorley

Thanks Trinity for all you do!!!

Faith United Methodist Church

2007-08-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Faith UMC(my home church) under the leadership of Pastor Evan Strong has provided the outreach with hotdogs, peanut butter and volunteers.

Thanks Faith UMC

Christ Lutheran Church

2007-08-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Christ Lutheran under the leadership of Pastor Mark Sloss have sent their youth to help us on several occasions this past summer. Recently, they provided the outreach with school supplies.

Thank you Christ Lutheran

St. Andrews

2007-08-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church under the leadership of Father Richard Lightsey was one of the first churches to come on board at KUO. This summer St. Andrew's youth has continued supporting us during our cook-outs. The youth and their leaders do a great job interacting with the children.

Thanks St. Andrews

First Church of God

2007-08-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

The First Church of God Youth Group has helped with cook-outs each month. They play with the children. One guy spent a great deal of time teaching children how to play "jacks". They also have helped draw pictures on sidewalks, jump rope, play balls, throw Frisbees etc. etc.

Thanks First Church of God!!!

Parish Nurses

2007-08-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Parish Nurses from churches all over the county have been coming to the cook-outs at Garden Square on the second Sunday of each month. They have been doing blood pressure checks. They have had a great response each time, not only are they taking blood pressures they are building relationships. Often mother's ask questions about their children. Parish Nurse, Cindi Meyers, is spearhead a drive to bring smoking cessation classes to the neighborhood.

Thanks Parish Nurses and Cindi.

Alto United Methodist Church

2007-08-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Alto United Methodist Church under the leadership of Pastor Kent Kessler have been putting on weekly cook-outs at Pine Valley(another government housing apartment complex). They have provided much of the food and volunteers, along two KUO staff members. The church gave away back packs and school supplies. This fall they will take over Sidewalk Sunday School giving us a chance to move into a third area.

Thanks Alto!!!!

Russiaville UMC

2007-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Russiaville UMC under the leadership of Pastor Mike Tarner has been a big supporter of KUO. Our friends from Russiaville :

Have provided hamburgers for cookout
Have served in some fashion each week at the cook-outs
Had a back to school clothing give-away at the cookout site. They put tarps on the ground and filled it full of clothing.
Under the leadership of Judy and Marla have provided sewing lessons. Participants have made everything from pillows to pot holders.

Thanks to all of our friends from Russiaville UMC

Lowell United Methodist Church

2007-08-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

A group from Lowell UMC which is not too far from Chicago spent a Sunday Afternoon, learning about KUO and helping us with cook-out. It was great to see old friends. It was such a blessing.

Thanks to all my friends from Lowell.

Bishop's Christmas Offering

2007-08-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

The local school system provided lunches for neighborhood children from the time school ended until July 20. We began serving lunch the following week, we thought about 20-30 meals a day, we averaged about 100 meals a day. The difference concerned me as we did not have the food nor the money to keep that going for 18 days. I wondered what we were going to do. About the third day, I received a letter from the Bishop. I quickly opened it, as it is rare that I would receive a letter from the bishop. There was a check enclosed for $1400.00!!!! It was a portion of "The Bishop's Christmas Offering", that goes to children in poverty. God is good!!! We spent almost all of it, serving over 1,750 lunches.

Thank You Bishop Coyner and all the churches that collected the offering.

Bradley United Methodist Church

2007-08-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

Pastor Clarinda Crawford from Greenfield, IN, has led two teams to Kokomo to help with our Sunday Night Outreach. Not only did they bring some great volunteers, they also brought lots of food....hotdogs, chips, cookies etc, etc, etc.

Thanks to Bradley UMC

St. Luke's United Methodist Church

2007-08-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

During their Forty Days of Community program various small groups from St. Luke's UMC:

made 100's of homemade cookies
repaired bikes
supplied dinner
provided food

Along with the above:

Vacation Bible School provided potato chips for cook-outs all summer
One small group led by Lori Collins came to cookouts and did bike repair, did a personal hygiene education/ giveaway, and brought watermelon and taught kids new songs.
Provided Back Packs

Thanks St. Lukes

Grace United Methodist Church

2007-08-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Grace United Methodist Church:

will house Crisis Child Care Center
provided a grant of $5,000 for the Center
brought Vacation Bible School to Trinity providing leadership and all resources plus their children attended
put together a closing VBS celebration in Apartment complex with over 300 served
provided back packs and hygiene supplies
Susan Garner read and distributed books to neighborhood children
provided volunteers for a lunch
is the home church of summer intern Melissa Zimmerman
provided laptop and projector for power point presentations

Leadership Kokomo Thanks

2007-08-17T05:36:00.001-07:00

Leadership Kokomo has provided KUO with:

A new fully equipped utility trailer(grills, toys, utensils, sound system, coolers, chairs, tables)
New shelving updating of our food storage area
One hundred plus backpacks with personal hygiene supplies in each one

Thanks Leadership Kokomo for your generosity.

Crossroads Community Church

2007-08-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Crossroads for giving me a chance to share the story of KUO at their Saturday Night service and to allow a board member to share during the two Sunday Morning Services. I also want to thank Crossroads for sending several of KUO teens to their church camp for free. Thanks Steph. We also have had several volunteers this summer from the church along with regular volunteers Stephanie Berghoff and Karen Malone and their families.

Bridges Outreach

2007-08-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

Bridges Outreach spent a day at KUO packing picnic dinners for the Vacation Bible School bash held at the end of July. Bridges also went door to door at Garden Square and Pine Valley passing out bags of groceries. Three hundred bags were distributed.

Thanks Bridges Outreach!!!

Community Foundation of Howard County

2007-08-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

The Community Foundation of Howard County:

provided a series of workshops relating to non-profit capacity building
in cooperation with the Indiana Youth Institute provided KUO with a mini-grant that will enable us to receive 50 hours of non-profit consultation and coaching

Thanks Community Foundation

Serving in Love

2007-08-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

Serving in Love:

is helping us expand in different areas of outreach throughout Kokomo
has offered to train churches to tutor/mentor in schools

Thanks "Serving in Love"

Kokomo Rescue Mission

2007-08-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

Thank You Kokomo Rescue Mission!!! This summer the mission has:

provided some food for our lunches
provided us with a freezer
delivers products from Frito-Lay
been a source of encouragement for me

Next Steps

2007-07-06T19:55:00.001-07:00

I believe we are in a position to consider expanding. We know for sure we are expanding the Board of Directors. We are excited and pleased to have received a Grant from the Community Foundation to provide a non-profit coach that will help us to understand what we need to do next as an organization. Please be in prayer for us as we begin to discern what our next step will be. You can continue to help by partnering with us through giving.

Our Address is:

Kokomo Urban Outreach
P.O. Box 20122
Kokomo, IN 46904-0122

Presently we have a balance of $26, 428.88, of which $5,000 was given for the Crisis Child Care Center. We have 21,428.88 available to us. Our budget is about 51,000 for the year not including Crisis Child Care.

Cook-Outs Continue

2007-07-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

groups that have repaired bikes, provided hygiene supplies, organized games and passed out sacks of groceries. Along with all of that Parish Nurses have provided residents with blood pressure checks. The cook-outs at Pine Valley are led by Mary Ingle with our friends at Alto United Methodist Church volunteering weekly. Pine Valley has had face painting and almost always have hamburgers along with hot dogs. The cook-outs are going well.

Sewing classes are still going on Tuesday's at 10:30 AM, as well as reading. Sidewalk Sunday School will continue on Thursday's and Friday's until the end of July when there will be about a six break.

Vacation Bible School will be provided by Grace UMC, July 16-19 from 6:30-8:15 PM at Trinity UMC.

We are still looking for used computers to start a computer class in the fall and we are gearing up for smoking cessation classes.

I will be working with two new churches and will continue to work with those already moving into their neighborhoods.

Thanks to all who are helping to transform our community.

Kid's Cafe

2007-07-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Menu

Week One

Pizza/fruit/desert

Hotdogs/Macorni and Cheese/Green Beans/Desert

Peanut Butter sandwiches/ corn/ fruit

Spaghetti/sauce/salad/desert

Left- over buffet

Week Two

Hamburger Helper/corn/desert

Grilled Cheese/Tomato Soup/desert

Pancakes/sausage/Fruit Cocktail

Chicken/rice/ veg/desert

Left-over buffet

Week Three

Pigs in blanket/Mac and cheese/desert

Tacos/fruit/desert

Hamburger sandwiches/ chips/ fruit/desert

Spaghetti/sauce/salad/desert

Left over buffet

Week Three(School Starts on Wednesday)

TBA

TBA

We Need

Salad in bag

Hamburger(40 pounds)

Shredded cheese(10 pounds)

2 five pound blocks of sliced cheese

Taco Shells(about 75)

Each Friday children will receive food to take home for weekend.

Backpacks

2007-07-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

We will start collecting Back-to-School back packs. The back packs will be stuffed full of personal hygiene supplies. Things we need include:

Toothpaste(full size tube)
Toothbrush
Bar of Soap
Comb/pick
Wash cloth
Shampoo(full size bottle)
4 pack toilet tissue
Deodorant for older kids

And of course Back Packs

We would like everything by August 10th. If you or your group can help us please call me at 461-9618.

Sidewalk Sunday School July 2007

2007-07-06T19:49:00.001-07:00

We just finished up with the first fruit: Love. WOW!!! I learned there are several types of Agape love. Agape love is more a "response" than a feeling. We respond to others the way Christ responds to us. We should be meeting people's needs, not just physical needs, but spiritual needs. God's command to us is to love as He loves. God demonstrated His love for us when His precious Son died on the cross. His blood was shed for you and me. We now have liberty (freedom)to live a life loving and serving Jesus and others. While Jesus was here on earth, He had an intimate relationship with His Heavenly Father. He showed "Agape love" (actions) by the way He responded to meeting the people's needs. Healings, deliverances, and building relationships with them.

I challenge all of you to read John 17. Read it several times and let the words soak in to your spirit. You will get a glimpse into the very intimate moment between Father and Son. The first five verses is Jesus praying for Himself. Verses 6-19, Jesus is praying for His disciples. The last set of verses, 20-26, Jesus is praying for the saints. (Us) Praise God, we all have an Intercessor.

In closing, please remember where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. We have the liberty (freedom) to share and show the love of Christ to all. You may be the only Jesus they may see. Agape love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, not rude, not self-sought, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, and finally agape never fails.

Update on the Pine Valley Cookouts

The Lord is good!!! The cookouts are going great!!! We have an awesome team of volunteers that comes every week and helps us. We serve approx. 50+ kids and adults every Sunday. We grill 100+ hotdogs and we also grill 30+hamburgers. Plus we serve chips, cookies, and drinks. I play games with the kids and sometimes I get their parents involved with the games as well. We have a parent who does face painting for the kids. They love it!!! Their favorite game is when I bring out the big parachute and we play games with that. We have a great time of fellowship with the residents there. Alot of new friendships has developed through the cookouts. They know we are there to share Jesus with them and to let them know that we love them also. Please continue to keep ALL the Kokomo Housing residents in your prayers. Please pray that they will see Jesus in all of the changes that may be taking place. THANK YOU to St. Luke's VBS for their gifts for the kids, money for chips, and to all who have prayed,donated food, volunteered. Without all of you, this ministry would not be going. THANK YOU and God bless.

Summer SWSS Update

The kids are having a great time at SSWSS. We are teaching the kids the Beatitudes. We have a lesson, singing, prayer time, and a craft. Sometimes we play a game.They all get a snack to take home with them. We have approx. 15-20 kids from Garden Square on Thursday afternoons and 20 from Pine Valley on Friday afternoons.

We have 6 adults who helps me and I appreciate ALL they have done. I have had to miss a couple of weeks and they stepped up and did a great job. Again, I cannot thank God enough for ALL He has provided for Sidewalk Sunday School and the cookouts. We are so blessed to have this opportunity to spend time with the kids and to continually tell them about Jesus' love for them. These kids mean soo much too me and to the volunteers. Again ,THANK YOU to all who has supported SWSS. Please keep all of us, kids, and their parents in your prayers.

OPPORTUNITIES/PRAYER CONCERNS

Vacation Bible School "Quest for Truth" Grace & Trinity teaming up July 16th-20th

Time 6:30-8:15 at Trinity. Friday night (20th) " Block Party" in front of Garden Square

Community Center. Featuring Stephen Sherwood and Praise Team. Free food!!

Free Admission!!! Come and enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit. Don't forget your

lawn chair. There will be a training meeting July 9th @7:00 at Trinity.

Needs: Volunteers & Cookies

Cookouts: Anyone who would like to come and observed what we do at the

cookouts on Sundays are ALWAYS welcome. You may either come to Pine Valley

from 4:30-5:30 or Garden Square 5:00-6:00. You are truly missing out on being

blessed.

Prayer Concerns: Cookouts, VBS, Pastor Jeff and Miss Mary, all of our

volunteers, donors, ALL Kokomo Housing Residents, churches who are

stepping out and ministering to their neighborhoods, God continually blesses

and guides KUO/SWSS as we step out MORE in the neighborhoods in our

community and we will be accepted by them. They will see Jesus through our

love, caring, and sharing for them.

May God bless all of you as all of you are blessing God. Amen.

Miss Mary

Summer Intern

2007-07-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

.....doing a great job as she works in Sidewalk Sunday School, coordinates loading of cook-out trucks, teaches Children's Sunday School, participates in worship, keeps the food pantry area clean and food stocked, plays with kids at cook-outs, passes out fliers and the list can go on and on. I will let her introduce herself to you:

My name is Melissa Zimmerman. I grew up in Greentown and attended Grace United Methodist my entire life. This fall I start my sophomore year at DePauw University where I double major in Spanish and Religious Studies. When I was twelve I first recieved my call to be an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, so I am working through the process I must
follow to achieve that goal. After Undergraduate School, I will go to seminary and continue through the steps to ordination. This internship gives me an opportunity to see what a pastor like Jeff does, and it shows me the importance of missions in our own backyard.

Keep Melissa in your prayers.

Give for the Good

2007-07-06T19:46:00.001-07:00

the answer is YES!!!! Actually, on the Fourth we filled about 1/2 of it with about 2 1/2 tons of food and other supplies. The miracle happened on the 5th. We were unloading the semi into trucks when Deanna received a call on her cell phone from Tyson Transport of Wilmington, NC. They had a question for her....she asked them how they got her number. They said they did a search for food pantries in Logansport her number came up. As a side note Deanna is not associated with any food pantries anywhere. She does work for the Girl Scouts in Logansport. I came home and did the same search on several search engines and nothing came up at all. The question was could we take 79 cases of whole chickens. Cases were damaged, chickens were fresh and they had to give them away quickly. The 79 cases represented 790 whole chickens or 2 3/4 tons, of course we could not take them however, the Rescue Mission could take them. When the chickens were added to the other food collected there was more than a semi load of food. We estimate that we have 5 tons of food to giveaway because of Deanna's efforts(that is about 10,000 meals). Deanna recruited volunteers and promoted the event in a newspaper article and through some radio promotion, however, email was what did the trick. People emailing others. What a day!!!!! Thanks Deanna and volunteers along with Kroger who gave a portion of the parking lot for the day and Syndicate Sales for the use of the semi trailer. God is so Good!!!!

The Hallway after collection

Leadership Kokomo

2007-07-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

a disaster trailer(we will be working on preparing item to put on trailer to respond to a disaster),
mobile Side Walk Sunday School trailer(pull into neighborhoods and put on SWSS in parks, etc. ) and a rolling food pantry. A special thanks to Kokomo Leadership Team Three for all that has been done and will be done.

Crisis Child Care Center Director Job Description

2007-06-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

Crisis Child Care Center Director

Job Description

Our mission is to provide quality, short-term, emergency childcare service to families in need, enabling parents to go to job interviews, healthcare appointments, and other essential appointments.

Job Title: Director of Crisis Child Care Center

Reports To: Executive Director of Kokomo Urban Outreach

FLSA Status: Part-Time (Mon, Wed, Thurs 7:45 AM-12:15 PM with an additional 4.5 hours of administration)

SUMMARY

Directs activities of CCCC to ensure the physical and emotional well being of our children by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Recruit, train, and oversee all CCCC volunteers.

Complete a reference and background check for each volunteer.

Ensure cleanliness and safety of facility.

Understand, review and enforce CCCC policies.

Maintain an adequate inventory of supplies; i.e., snacks, drinks, diapers, wipes, etc. and ensure that rooms are well stocked at all times.

Routinely inspect nursery equipment and toys.

Plan activities for children.

Keep detailed records of clients, children and volunteers.

Schedule all workers and find substitute caregivers when necessary.

Understand budget of CCCC.

Prepare and submit monthly reports to Director of Kokomo Urban Outreach.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises the volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Additionally, CPR training is required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Prefer a candidate with Early Childhood Development degree or equivalent experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems efficiently and effectively while maintaining good working relationships.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job...

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The building is multi-level with several sets of stairs, but is handicap assessable and equipped with an elevator. It is a nonsmoking environment.

COMMENTS

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of this job and the level of work performed by employees in this position. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties required by their supervisor.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

Sidewalk Sunday School June 2007

2007-06-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

......"Kingdom Builders" here on earth. Jesus is counting on us to be his disciples. I am so thankful for the Body of Christ who are so willing to come and work together for His Kingdom at KUO. Touching hearts and Changing lives is what our mission is about. Serving and loving others. If you have not had the opportunity to come and be a part of the cookouts at either Garden Square or Pine Valley, please come at least once. You will definitely be blessed.

Pine Valley Cookouts

I have been praying all winter about should we start cookouts at Pine Valley . God has definitelty answered my prayers. I give Him all the glory for everything!!!

WOW!!! God is so good!!! So amazing!!! So awesome!!! The cookouts are going so well.

God is and has been providing everything we need from food, drinks, and especially special people to come and serve. Thank you! Thank you to those who have donated hot dogs, buns, cookies, and pieces of cake. You are all a blessing. Just to give you an idea of how many we are serving, we average every Sunday from 50-70. Our first Sunday we served 100+. Since then a little lower. That's okay. Numbers are not what is important. People are.

All are welcome to come and join us. EVERY Sunday. Rain or Shine. Our starting time for serving has been around at 4:30. We have been done by 5:15-5:30.

Summer Sidewalk Sunday School

We will be starting our first time Summer Sidewalk Sunday School Thursday, June 7th for Garden Square from 3:00-4:00 on the church yard. Friday, June 8th, 3:00-4:00 we will be at Pine Valley by the community center. Our theme is "Sermon on the Mount". The

BEE-ATTITUDES. We will be singing, praying, storytime, crafts, games, and a giving a snack to take home. I could use more volunteers. Please let me know if you want to receive a blessing.

Upcoming Event

Vacation Bible School is coming to Trinty UMC July 16th-20th. This will be a joint event with Grace UMC. Time is 6:30-8:15PM. We need more volunteers for VBS. We will be having a meeting Monday, June 4th at 7:00 . The last night of VBS, Friday night, "BLOCK PARTY" featuring "God's Alliance" in front of Garden Square Community Center. The Holy Spirit will definitely be "rocking". I am so excited about this event. Steven Sherwood and other members of God's Alliance is soooo AMAZING!!! So spirit filled!!! Mark this event on your calendar. You will not want to miss it. Don't forget your lawn chair. Oh, you may not need it if you like to jump and get excited for Jesus..like I do!!! I call it the "Holy Spirit Jump". HA!!

Items needed

Juices boxes, cases of pop (cans) individual bags of cookies & chips, assortment of individual wrapped candy bars, twizzlers, popsicles, hot dogs, or whatever else you feel led to donate. Very much appreciated!!!

As you can see it is going to be a busy summer, but a rewarding one. Please keep me, volunteers, and KUO in your prayers as we continue to do His work and show His love to the kids and to their families. That all we do is in His plans. Also, pray for yourselves, say "Here Am I, Send me". He may put on your heart to be a part of one of the many opportunities you are given to serve Him this summer at KUO.

In Christian love,

Miss Mary

Sidewalk Sunday School May 2007

2007-05-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

is the Fruit of the Spirit that dwells in me, faith, walking and serving in love for others. Those I’ve caught, they’re not too small; therefore, I’m not throwing them back in. Instead, I’m praying and letting them know how much Jesus and I love them.
Have you been fishing for Jesus lately? Through faith, we become disciples of Jesus Christ and, as such, it is our privilege to share and tell the good news about Jesus. We share with others the message of the salvation that is ours. We need to not only share Christ with our family, friends, and church family, but with all that we meet in our everyday lives. We need to “stretch” ourselves to identify and recognize opportunities to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. We also need to be the “face of God” to others. When people expect condemnation, God’s face says, You are forgiven. When they need a friend, they see God’s face and it says, You are welcome here. Our faces can become the face of God to a world looking for grace. So let’s “go fishing” together for Jesus at Kokomo Urban Outreach and in our surrounding community and especially our neighborhoods.
It is hard to believe that we just had our last indoor Sidewalk Sunday School this past weekend. We will be starting our cookouts May 6th. Which is this coming Sunday. They will be from 5-6:00 at Garden Square. God has put it on my heart to start doing cookouts at Pine Valley on the same day and the same time. Pastor Jeff will be overseeing the cookout at Garden Square while I will be overseeing the one at Pine Valley. We only need approx. 5 people out at Pine Valley. Please pray and if you want to help serve out at Pine Valley, Please let me (maryingle@yahoo.com) or Pastor Jeff know. Our cooks gives us the opportunity to meet the kids families that we have been ministering to. Building relationships is the key to starting a new ministry.

Other Opportunities for you to “Go Fishing”

Summer Sidewalk Sunday School
Theme : BEE-ATTITUDES (Sermon On the Mount)
Summer Sidewalk Sunday School at Garden Square
Every Thursday starting June 7th from 3:00-4:00 in the church yard.
Then we will be doing our Visitation (passing out flyers to every apartment)

Every Friday starting June 9th from 3:00-4:00 at Pine Valley we will be doing the same lessons with the kids there. Then we will be doing visitation there as well. (100 apt) Summer SWSS consists of singing, story, prayer time, and a game. We will be doing crafts twice a month. Our lessons take us up to the end of July. Then we will take the month of August off so that I can start planning our fall session of SWSS. Actually, I have it narrowed down to two themes. I am praying about. Which theme the Lord wants us to go with. If you are interested in helping, Sunday School groups, youth groups, Bible study groups, or just families wants to help, please let me know ASAP.

Grace UMC is teaming up with us at Trinity UMC (SWSS) for VBS during the week of July 16-20. The time is 6:30-8:15. The theme is “Quest for Truth”. It is like an Indiana Jones them. The kids are going to love it. Please let me know if you want to be a part of our VBS.

What we can use for our Summer SWSS/VBS

Hugs (drinks)
Honey Comb cereal
Candy bars
Juice boxes
Suckers
Individual bags of chips

As you can see, our summer calendar for SWSS is full. I am so excited to be doing this during the summer for the kids. The kids need something “positive” to do while school is out. I would love for all of you to be a part of our Summer SWSS/VBS. Without all of our awesome volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do this ministry. Thank you for giving your donations, and especially your time serving the Lord. Please pray and ask the Lord where He wants you to serve and "Go Fishing" at KUO or in your own neighborhood. Please also to continue to pray for all of us at KUO that His will be done and that He receives all the glory.

In Christian Love,
Miss Mary

Sidewalk Sunday School April 2007

2007-03-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

They are such a blessing to me as we work together as God's hands and feet. He is counting on us to be "kingdom builders" for His kingdom here on earth.

The kids are just incredible. When I was out in Brooklyn last April, learning about SWSS, I now see what Pastor Bill Wilson meant when he said that the kids look so forward to SWSS. It is their biggest joy of the week. When the kids see me over at Garden Square doing visitation, they either yell at me from their top windows of their apartments, or they run to me when they see me and say, "Miss Mary, is it time for church?" These kids mean so much to me and my love for them just keeps growing. I understand Jesus' heart for the little children. They are so precious in His sight and ours. Their families mean so much to us also. Actually, if I could, I would have something for the kids and their families every night. God has allowed them to be a huge part of my life and I call them family.

We have been teaching the Fruit of the Spirit to the kids at Garden Square and Pine Valley.We also have been singing a song that names each one. Some of our kids have memorized short scriptures for each fruit. They come back the following Sunday and recite it to us. Then they get to put a sticker up on their verse chart and receive a stuff animal that says, "I have memorized my scripture verse. They can also tell you about the Holy Spirit and where He lives..in our hearts.

It is hard to believe that we only have one more month of SWSS..inside. We will be starting our cookouts the first Sunday in May. We will be doing this EVERY Sunday afternoon from 5:00-6:00. You will not want to miss out on them. The cookouts are on their turf and it gives us a chance to meet all of the families. The most important lesson I have learned doing this ministry is the importance and building relationships. Being there and listening to others. That is what Jesus did as He visited town and villages. He listened to people and then He met their needs. That is what we are hoping and trying to do for our neighbors. Let them see Jesus through our actions and words. We are praying that we will be able to go out to Pine Valley as well to do the cookouts for the residents there. We want to build relationships with them. We are praying for more volunteers that would like to "step out" and help us at PV. I will have games planned for the kids and hopefully we can get adults involve. If you are interested in helping out with the cookouts at Pine Valley, please let Pastor Jeff or I know. Youth groups and bible study groups, anyone are welcome. The only qualifications you must have are to love Jesus and love others.

The Holy Spirit has spoken to me about having SWSS during the summer. I will be having it on the church yard on a hill. Our topic will be "Sermon on the Mount." We will be teaching the kids the "Bee-Attitudes". They have learned the Fruit of the Spirit. Now we are going to teach them about the "Bee-Attitude' of Jesus. I will share more of this in May's news letter.

We will also be having Vacation Bible School in July. OUr kids and Grace UMC kids will be doing it together. I met with an awesome lady this past Monday night and we have it planned. It is going to great!!! More details about it later.

Prayer concerns:

God's will be done in all we do

the kids and families we are ministering to. May God continue to reveal Himself to them through all of us at KUO. May their hearts be open to receive His love and grace He has for them.

volunteers

cookouts at GS/PV

Summer SWSS sessions

VBS

All the churches that supports KUO/SWSS

Pastor Jeff

Mary

Happy Resurrection Day to all of you!! May we live and breathe His two most important commandments. They are: Love God and Love People. God bless, Mary Ingle

Snapshot of a Crisis Child Care Volunteer

2007-02-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

Volunteers need to:

Be over 18 years old
Be able to commit from 8 AM-12 Noon at least once a week
Be able to pass a background check, including references
Be willing to attend periodic training
Follow polices and procedures of Crisis Child Care Center
Love children, especially those in crisis

If you would like to sign up to be a prayer partner for Kokomo Urban Outreach click here

Giving thru Feb

2007-02-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

If you would like to be a prayer partner click here.

* Executive Director Salary-------36,500
* Medical Insurance------------------7,000
* Social Security-----------------------2,920
* Fund Raising------------------ ---------500
* Office Supplies--------------------------500
* Telephone------------------------------600
* Postage--------------------------------500
* Liability and Worker Comp.-----------1,500
* Post Office Box-------------- -----------72
* Total ---------------------------50,092

January

Beginning Balance..........................................8092.74
Deposits...........................................................6735.71
Expenses ........................................................2760.96
Salary......2645.96
Liab Ins......115.00
Interest ...................................................................25.95
Ending Balance On 01/31/07................12,093.44

February

Beginning Balance............................................12093.44
Deposits..................................................................1883.87
Expenses ...............................................................3917.10
Salary.............2858.10
Medical Insurance... 240.00
Liability Insurance....115.00
Federal Non-Profit fee....760.00
Interest ......................................................................25.95
Ending Balance On 02/28/07................10,086.19

kuo regular volunteers

2007-02-28T06:13:00.001-08:00

If you would like to be a prayer partner click here.

Thank you for all of you that come every week! If we missed someone please let me know so they can be added:

Jim runs the dinning room and provides an orientation for new volunteers(Grace UMC)
Gary works the hallway (McGrawsville UMC)
Karen leads music (Crossroads)
Norma, Eve and Chris cook (all Trinity UMC)
Steph works with teenage girls (Crossroads)
Pam does secretarial work during the week (St. Lukes UMC)
Suzie( Abundant Life) and Wayne( First Assembly) pick up kids and take them home as well as tend to them at the tables
Judy works the nursery and directs traffic (Shiloh UMC)
Margret works at Pine Valley and usually distributes drinks on Sunday night (St. Andrews Episcopal)
Ben packs groceries( St. Lukes UMC)
Shirley(Grace UMC), Dee (McGrawsville UMC) and Lana (Sharpsville UMC) work wherever needed
Cindi our parish nurse mingles and talks with parents and helps in sidewalk Sunday School(St. Lukes UMC)
Of course Mary directs the SWSS (Trinity UMC)
Grant picks up and delivers bread each week (Trinity UMC)
Gloria and Jamie sort donated items during the week plus whatever else needs to be done during the week(Trinity UMC)
Boyd, April and Daniel(McGrawsville UMC) are regulars in the summer bringing their truck to transport supplies to cookout site....Mike(Russiaville UMC) also is a regular cook in the summer

St. Andrews Episcopal Youth work regularly with us on the second Sunday of each month.

Sidewalk Sunday School March

2007-02-28T05:50:00.000-08:00

pictures of Jesus. It looks wonderful!! Very bright!!! One wall has Jesus up in the clouds and the little children are coming to Him. My favorite one is Jesus winking at the kids and giving them a "thumbs up". The kids love that one too! We now have a puppet stage. God is on the move at SWSS. Have you ever notice that God never stops moving? That is how we should be living for Him. Always on the move! Always going deeper and stretching "out" in our walk with Him. As I was with my mom in her final week, , God showed me just how strong our flesh is. She was ready spiritually to go and be with God. But her flesh would not die. It kept wanting to live. I see why it is hard for us to stay forcus on God. If we let our flesh just be a little in control, we are going to have problems walking with God. (Our flesh is not just the outer layer of our bodies, it is anything that is worldly.) I would like to challenge each one of you to something that God has put on my heart. You will need to (possibly) give up something that might be considered "flesh". Your time!!! God has put on my heart to continue having SWSS this summer during a weekday. I would like to have it in the afternoon from 2-3:00 at Garden Square. (If I have enough volunteers, I would like to have it also at Pine Valley on a different day) Our theme will be "The Beatitudes. (The Bee-Attitudes) We have been teaching the kids on Saturdays and Sundays the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit lives in us. Now we need to teach the kids the "right attitude" to have . A Christ-like attitude to go with the actions of the Fruit of the Spirit. Please pray about this and if you feel led to help, please email me (maryingle@yahoo.com) or call me (868-3151.) We will have it outside by the community room. (I want to meet with them on their turf). We will have singing, story, a game, and a snack. We might try and do a craft occasionally.

I give God all the glory for SWSS and for all of our AWESOME volunteers, prayer warriors, and His immeasurable provisions. . God is soo good!! All the time!!!

Please continue to pray for all of us at SWSS that everything that we are doing is in God's will. I know that this ministry is not ours, but God's.We are being used as His hands and feet. We have a heart of compassion in serving and loving others. Doing this, we are serving Jesus. We, just like Jesus, are here to serve, not to be served to.

With heartfelt thanks,

Mary Ingle

If you would like to be a prayer partner click here.

Sidewalk Sunday School December

2006-12-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

revival and salvation. The concert benefit was INCREDIBLE!!!! Praising and truly worshiping God, being in his presence, being in the Holy of Holies. I personally could have stayed there all night. Humbling myself before God as His own. Amazing!! Awesome!!! Incredible!!! Just gives me the Holy Spirit goosebumps.

Sidewalk Sunday School is just so cool and I am so thankful and very blessed that God chose me to go to Brooklyn, come back, and used me to begin SWSS in Kokomo.(Very thankful for Pastor Jeff for being open and giving me the opportunity to be faithful, obedient, and serve Jesus with all my heart at SWSS.) Jesus Christ is the forcus of SWSS. Our eyes and heart are on Him as He guides and shows us how we can reach the kids and their families for Him.We are teaching the kids that God needs to be first in their lives. We are finishing up our theme, "Super Heroes of the Bible" with the BEST hero.. Jesus Christ.

Last night, I wished that all of you could have seen the kids eyes when they saw the third floor.(That is where we hold SWSS) Two volunteers and myself decorated it last Monday night. Their little eyes were beaming. The smiles on their faces were just beautiful. We had Christmas trees decorated and lite up in the hallway. The 7' bulletin board was decorated with the navitivy scene. Then we had a 8' tree set up in their room all decorated. The kids said, "Miss Mary, did you do this for me?" I said yes we did honey. Then the decorations they made last night are for the tree in the SWSS room. The ornaments are so pretty. The kids were so proud of what they did. My job was tying ribbon to hang the ornament and they would bring them up to me. Big smiles and say, Miss Mary, isn't mine pretty? I would just smile and say they are all beauitful. Just like all of you. These kids touch my heart every Sunday night. What a blessing they are!!

Next week we will have a Secret Santa Shop set up for the kids to come and pick out a "free" present for their parents. We are wanting to teach the kids that Christmas is about sharing and giving. Just like God gave us the "perfect" gift.. His son Jesus. Student Council from Northwestern Elementary will be helping us. I spoke to the group this morning and shared with them what SWSS is all about. I asked how many kids were coming to help. I saw about 50 hands go up. They are really excited to be helping and I am excited for them.

As all of you can see, God is good! All the time. All the time God is good. AMEN! God is constantly moving and all of us at SWS is moving with Him. Just keep climbing from one level to another. He is our Great Jehova Jireh!!!

In closing, we can't say it enough..THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you for your prayers, donations, your time, and your servant's heart. Being used as Jesus' hands and feet. We truly appreciate ALL of you so much. "Nothing is impossible with God." All of you are our blessings here on earth. Please continue to pray for all of us as we take SWSS to another year. I'm excited to see what God will have us doing in 2007.

From all of us at Kokomo Urban Outreach.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS &

GOD BLESS YOU in 2007!!!!!!

Love in Christ,

Miss Mary

Sidewalk Sunday School November

2006-11-17T02:42:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to see what God has planned for SWSS in the next two months and the new year 2007. As Pastor Jeff and I get together and talk about SWSS, we both are in "awe" as what God has done so far. Neither one of us put any limits on what God can do. For we know the scripture,"With God ALL things are possible." That is certainly a big AMEN!!! Each week, I am adding more and more apartments on our visitation list form both Pine Valley and Garden Square. This is definitely a "God thing". This means that SWSS is growing. Right now, we visit 47 apartments from Garden Square and 25 apartments from Pine Valley. We range almost 20 kids from Pine Valley on Saturdays and over 50 kids on Sunday nights from Garden Square. Also on Sunday nights, God has allowed an adult bible study and a youth group of 5th through 8th graders while we are doing SWSS. God is sooooo good!!!!

We had a Hallelujah party last weekend at both places. The kids loved it. The basketball goal that the children's Sunday school classes from St. Lukes bought was a big hit. They loved it!!! (Thank you.) Bridges (Travis, Casey, and kids) helped us run games. Thank you also. New carpet has been given by Grace UMC in our SWSS room. (The carpet will not be glued down so that we man roll it up when needed to be.) Judy Whorley has made our curtains. We will also being painting a scene on the walls for the kids. Again, God has blessed us with a lot of awesome people in this ministry.

We will soon be finishing up our stories on "Super Heroes of the Bible". We have shared with the kids stories of David, Noah, and Moses. Each story has had a bible verse and key words to go with it. Key words as obedience, trust, prayer, and faith. The month of December will be focused on the birth of our Saviour. We are planning on having a birthday party for Jesus for our last weekend in December.

I have been praying asking God to show me what He wants us to share with the kids in 2007. He has showed me. We will be taking the kids a little deeper in their walk with Him. He has showed me His divine order of lessons for the kids. We will be sharing more on faith, the Trinity, Holy Spirit, and then the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. We will be sharing the Fruit of the Spirit one a week. Please keep us in your prayers as God uses us to lead the kids closer to Him. I want everything that we do to be of Him and in His will.

Thank you for all your prayers, donations, and support for Kokomo Urban Outreach. I know that is why God has blessed us so much is because of the "special" people He has praying for us. The Mighty Prayer Warriors.

In closing, we have a few changes in our weekends of doing SWSS. There will be NO SWSS November 25th and 26th. Please come to Grace UMC on the 26th of November to a Praise & Worship Benefit for Kokomo Urban Outreach. The band "God's Alliance" will be there to perform. They are very anointed and awesome. I will have a table set up for SWSS. A love offering will be taken up for KOU.

Also on December 23rd and 24th, 30th & 31st, NO SWSS. We want everyone to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. I am planning on having a meeting with everyone who helps with SWSS and on Sunday nights sometime after the holidays , but yet, before 2007.

That is it from Mary Ingle. I am just so blessed and thankful to God for this amazing and awesome ministry and all the wonderful people He has allowed me to meet and work with. All of you are my blessing.

Very Thankful..
Mary Ingle

Life on the Porch

2006-10-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

Life on the Porch

The air is crisp, clear, and clean. It is early in the morning, very early. The darkness is giving way to a thin ray of sunlight that seems to struggle to break through. I look across the street and see the porches, empty porches. Just yesterday those same porches were full of people---sitting, talking, and listening. The children, too, spend a great deal of time on the porch and in the postage-stamp-size yard, laughing, crying, playing, and fighting....Many in town look at the porches and see those who live in public housing as people who are uneducated, lazy, uncaring, and undeserving. I really don't see that. After living in the neighborhood for over a year, I see "real" people who are generally honest, caring, under-educated, under-resourced, lonely, struggling, joyful, hopeful, helpful, wise, deserving, and generous. I know that my neighbors are not perfect, but neither am I. The vast majority of my neighbors are good people I would be less than honest if I were to say that things are ideal, they're not. However, over the next twenty three days I want to share the positive side of the neighborhood and share some observations that I have made. Each story is real. Sometimes the names of folks have been changed, the subjects of the stories have read and approved it. I want to share their stories and my observations as many of you have shared your resources with us.

Gloria

She sits on her small porch that has enough room for her plastic chair and for the door of her apartment to open and close. Two steps down sit neighbors talking with Gloria in chairs that Gloria has provided. Gloria listens intently as neighbors ask questions, share stories, and seek advice. Meanwhile, Gloria's granddaughter, along with other neighbor children, run all around the small front yard playing tag, swirling around Gloria and those relaxing in the chairs. Suddenly, one of the children spies a praying mantis hanging on the large tree in the front yard. The insect hangs on the tree, like those sitting in Gloria's yard hang on her words. Gloria's granddaughter runs to retrieve an old jar with a warped plastic lid resting on the top. As she bends over to pick up the jar from near the porch, she yells, "Is it a boy or a queen?".......Gloria is what I call the neighborhood "Pastor": she listens to the concerns of her neighbors, gives advice, and explains to young moms how to cook the strange produce that often arrives in the neighborhood. She gives tips on child rearing, advises the women not to put up with men who do not respect them or their children, and tells stories of the things she has gleaned from her sixty some years of life. It is not unusual for Gloria to be in church on Sunday, even though it is a struggle to walk across the street and get up the long flight of stairs....

Sidewalk Sunday School October

2006-10-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

30+ kids at Pine Valley and 70+ from Garden Square. Visitation is awesome. Seeing the smiles on the kids faces when they see you and you hand them a flyer about the next week of SWSS. Some think it is time to go to another session of SWSS. Having the opportunity of visiting with their parents and writing down their prayer concerns. Then comes the best part.. praying over them and giving them a hug before you leave.

A personal invite from me to you.
I encourage you to become a part of SWSS. Come, observe , and you will be blessed.
For we are God's hands and feet here on earth. Most importantly, we are His
"Kingdom Builders.

Our needs: volunteers
candy (small & wrapped individually)
TV
DVD/Video player

Prayer Concerns: Holy Spirit continues to guide us to do His will.
Hearts will be touched and lives will be changed.

Any questions you may have about SWSS, please call me 868-3151 or email me at maryingle@yahoo.com or mary.ingle@nwsc.k12.in.us

Faithfully serving,
Mary Ingle

Charter Partners

2006-08-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

...we have 22 Charter Partners. Below is a preliminary list of Charter Partners. If you are a partner and your name is not here, if your name is misspelled or if your spouse is not listed, please email me at urban.outreach@gmail.com so I can make corrections. Thanks Jeff

Libby Barnhart
Pete and Norma Blue
William and Judith Brown
Ed and Pat Catron
Tom and Charlene Grant
Glen and Jeanne Harland
Ron and Liz Harper
Gary and Dee Hostetler
Stan and Sandy Hurst
Rev. Barbara Kinsler
G. L. Laflin
Boyce Morris
Jeff and Chris Newton
Richard and Susan Newton
Grant Poynter
Ben and Olivia Rineheart
Dave and Jody Shaw
Tom and Emily Streeter
Travis and Lisa Taflinger
Jennifer Tarner
Gilbert and Eileen Thomas
James Williams
Tina Williams

Your gifts are working to provide the following:

36,500.00 salary for the Director per year
6,000 for medical insurance for one year
2,800 Social Security tax
1,500 liability Insurance per year
46,800

After this there are other administrative and program expenses. To cover our budget completely for a year we would need about $70,000.

As a partner you would allow me to work full time in the Outreach and part-time in the church I pastor. Presently, I am receiving 75% of the salary working toward 100%. To supplement my income I substitute teach at the Kokomo Academy.

When you partner with KUO you are partnering with me personally to create a culture of hope to those who have little hope. When you partner with me, you are allowing me to have time to work with other churches that desire to move into their neighborhood. When you partner with me you are working with me to expand the outreach until someday the whole city will be covered and transformed. When you become a Charter Partner, you will be one of the first on board to partner with us. Presently, we have 22 Charter Partners who have been giving monthly many since the beginning.

I know God is raising up women and men who are willing to step out in faith and become a partner. All I am asking is that you ask God about what you might be able to provide. Please email at urban.outreach@gmail.com to get more information or call 461.9618.

Checks may be sent to:

Kokomo Urban Outreach
Box20122
Kokomo, IN 46904-0122

Thanks for your consideration and support

Churches of the Month

2006-08-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Financial support, food, volunteers, and Board of Director Members who are the Chair(Pastor Kevin Miller from St. Luke's) and Sec./treasurer Ron Harper. Both Churches have been invaluable to us this summer. St. Luke's initiated Vacation Bible School and made it happen. Pastor Mike suggested "back to school Backpacks" to hold hygiene items(gave away 200 plus). St. Luke's has been represented well at the Sunday Night Cookouts with Ben taking the prize of being there the most Sundays. St. Lukes is also providing a fried chicken dinner on the last night of the cookouts(Sept. 10).

Grace Church also provided crafts supplies and curriculum for VBS, as well as food on Sunday Nights. Grace church sent many, many Sunday Night volunteers. The last Sunday in July there were over 30 volunteers from Grace an older Sunday School Class and the youth group. This was our first intergenerational group. Many weeks a different group from Grace pitched in to help out. The individual who rarely missed a Sunday is Jim Williams. Jim is my "unofficial" right hand man and will be providing an orientation meeting each week we have new volunteers to prepare them for their experience.

Thank you to both churches for all your support. Your strong sense of missions is evident and your mission leaders: Patty Cohee and Susan Garner are great!!!! Thanks again for being the churches of the month.

Transforming a community through collaboration

2006-08-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

One of my personal goals for 2006-2007 is to gather churches/organizations from particular geographic areas that have a desire to address issues within their community. Please be in prayer in ways this might be done. Below is something I put together some time ago. Please feel free to leave comments. Jeff

Ways of Engaging with the Community

Community Service

(Stream one of Kokomo Urban Outreach Vision)

Caring services or activities are provided to those who want them; receivers use what is offered, without having been directly involved in shaping or delivering those services.

Positives

Provides services for those in need
helps people to cope with their present circumstances
good in crisis situation
possibly of working with other organizations where there are common goals
more opportunity to share Christian faith
clear identification of who is providing the services

Negatives

tends to focus on effects rather than root causes of problems
can create over- dependence on the helper
can leave the cause of problems unaffected

Community Action (Stream two of Kokomo Urban Outreach Vision)

Collaborates more directly with local individuals, churches and other organizations to plan and deliver a focused caring in some way or to tackle more immediate needs through cooperation.

Positives

addresses issues that directly effect an identified segment of the population
organizes many groups to work on issues or provide services
more responsive to "real" local needs
helps people work together for lasting improvement of quality of life in the community

Negatives

Sometimes more focused on tasks to be done
Can be short term that does bring change but often is not followed up adequately
More difficult to share Christian Faith

Community Transformation (Stream Four of Kokomo Urban Outreach Vision)

Works to organize local people to take responsibly for and act in response to perceived local social needs or issues.

Positives

Draws agenda from people's immediate experiences and needs, not from the perceptions of need by others
Helps people discover their own and the community's resources, using discovered resources to address issues at hand
Enables people to take control over their own lives and to participate in the making of decisions which affect them
Provides possibility of long term change within the community
New community leaders can incorporate community service and community action within their new group--serving others in the community
Helps by focusing on community relationships

Negatives

Issues can arise around how much of the Christian faith can be shared

Secondary Vision

I envision churches and organizations to cooperate and collaborate with one another to address community issues.

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body..."
1 Corinthians 1:12-13

Positive Ideas for Cooperation and Collaboration

Local Churches/organizations

looks beyond the activity of any one congregation
consider the church as the whole body of Christ across a city or neighborhood.
move from information sharing to collaboration and problem solving

Potential

the church is the largest voluntary organization in Kokomo
the church is full of people who are willing to give up their free time to serve their community
church members are already involved in a large number of community projects
there is a great deal of resources available for community outreach, not only people, but finances too

When there is unity among churches

There is improved and renewed relationships with:

God
the wider community
other Christians

Let me know what you think....

Neighborhood Church

2006-08-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

help participants understand Biblically and theologically what it means to be a sent church. Participants will learn how to become a mission base within their neighborhood. Practical ideas and steps will be generated to discern how, to move beyond the walls of the church into the community. To schedule a date or to get more information please call Jeff Newton at 765.461.9618

A Missional or Neighborhood Church is a community of believers who understand that they are called to be God’s hands and feet in their community. A missional church has an on-going passion and longing to see every person transformed by the wonder of God’s grace and become part of the Kingdom of God.

Volunteer Opportunities

2006-08-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

We have the following volunteer openings scroll down for more information about each:

Volunteer Administrative Assistant
Table Mentors
Sidewalk Sunday School Worker
Behind the Scene Workers
Newsletter Editor
E-Bay Consultant

Descriptions of Open Positions

Volunteer Administrative Assistant

Purpose
The administrative assistant provides a variety of clerical support services for Kokomo Urban Outreach.

Responsible to

The Director of Kokomo Urban Outreach

Description of duties

Organize and manage the day-to-day activities of the office and ensure the efficiency of the office operations.
Establish and maintain files and records for organization.
Provide clerical and secretarial support for the director
Compile and interpret information from various sources and prepare reports when requested.
Prepare Thank you notes
Answer questions and provide information concerning organizations functions and activities.
Take messages
Maintain general calendar.
Prepare and send out notices for meetings, and prepare agenda items and materials.
Keep database of volunteers
Operate a personal computer and related equipment (such as printer and scanner).
Utilize software for word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Use word processing program to create a variety of printed materials, such as reports, correspondence, newsletters, and other forms with accuracy and attention to detail.
Operate other office equipment, including photocopier, fax machine, and calculator.

Qualifications, skills, and gifts

Considers this position a ministry
Has basic understanding of office organization and operations.
Has good awareness of office equipment and methods.
Knows principles of preparing correspondence, forms, reports, etc.
Possesses good communication and organizational skills.
Understands principles and procedures of record-keeping.
Has good command of the English languge
Is able to perform services independently and without direct supervision.
Has the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Has the skills to create and maintain record-keeping and filing systems.
Time requirements
Fifteen -Twenty hours per week days and times can be negotiated.

Table Mentors

Purpose:
To be a support/example to children as they eat dinner on Sunday Night.

Description of Duties

To sit with children at meal time
To have a conversation with the children
To help the children learn table manners
To help the younger children, cut up food etc.
Skills Needed
Love of children
Listening ear
Positive attitude
Patience

Time Commitment
Sunday Nights from 4:45-5:30. Can volunteer each week or monthly and everything in between.

Sidewalk Sunday School Workers (Pine Valley)

Purpose: To serve children through Sidewalk Sunday School at Pine Valley.

We are looking for people who can fill the following roles:

Storytellers: retelling a Bible Story
Song leader: lead singing using at least a CD, it would be great to have a guitar etc.
Chaperones: to encourage the children to participate through positive reinforcement.

Persons need to:

have a servants heart
have a love for children and relate well to them
be kind, yet be able to help children learn to follow simple rules

Time Commitment
Saturday's from about 1:30PM -3:15 PM actual program runs from 2-3PM.
Sidewalk Sunday School helpers can come every week or once a month or any time in between.

Visitation/Getters Team

(Pine Valley and Garden Square)

Description:
To visit each child that attends Sidewalk Sunday School at Pine Valley and Garden Square each week. And to pick-up children at Garden Square that need to be walked across the street to Trinity Church. We would like to see 8 teams of 2 join the team.

At Garden Square there will be two people per row of apartments. The Getters would pick up children and bring them across the street and at the end of the night return them to their home. Getters could also be table mentors or help in the Sunday School after the meal.

Time commitment for this ministry: 4:30PM-6:30PM on Sunday Nights. In the best case scenario Getters would be able to Get most weeks as to build up a relationship with children and families.

We need two teams of two to go into Pine Valley once a week and deliver a flier to children in the complex to invite them to the next Saturday's Event. Over time relationships would be built with the families of the children. The time commitment is unclear right now but would only take one late afternoon or early evening per week. If two teams are recruited, each team should have to visit 7-10 apartments.

Behind the Scene Workers

There are several "Behind the Scene Worker" opportunities:

Stocking and organizing shelves
Designer/Artist/construction worker to build set for children's room (see related article
Cleaning the areas of the church that are used for the outreach (handful of rooms)
A receptionist that will volunteer for a morning or afternoon that can greet people that delivering items the church and logging in items received.
Need occasional trucks and drivers to pick up larger items (sort of on call and arranged at your convenience)

Newsletter Editor

Description: Produce a high quality monthly Newsletter. The newsletter is produced on-line with Constant Contact program (very easy to learn). The Newsletter can be done from your home, with articles and pictures sent to you by email. The newsletter takes me about 15-20 hours (a month) to produce, someone with good typing and computer skills may be able to do it much quicker.

Skills needed:

Have a command of the English language grammar, spelling etc
Comfortable with a computer
Have access to computer, internet and an email address
Attention to detail

Ebay Consultant

We have an idea to use Ebay as a fundraising tool. We are looking for someone to bounce the idea off of, that has an understanding of how exactly Ebay works and can give advice on how to get started.

Prayer Needs

2006-08-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Please pray for:

Sidewalk Sunday School

Families in the Community

Mary Ingle as she leads as new Children's Outreach Director

An expanded financial base for KUO

I would be glad to pray for you. Just leave your concern by clicking the comment button and leaving it for everyone to pray for or click the envelope and send me an email so I may lift up your prayer concerns. Jeff

Artists and carpenters needed to design and paint the town

2006-08-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

We are looking for an artist to design and paint a cartoonish town in our new children's room. Some of the set can be three D and built out of wood. The stage area is about 20 ft wide and 8 foot high with an actual stage to be built off the floor about six inches. The stage will look something like a sidewalk, the children will sit on tarps in front of it thus making an indoor Sidewalk Sunday School. We will need a screen built in somewhere for words of songs to be projected and one of the buildings be built in such a way that it will accommodate some puppets. We have little money to do this, we could purchase paint, brushes and lumber. I know God has gifted folks in this area and that there are people that are willing to share their gifts as we reach out to the unchurched in the neighborhood.

Sidewalk Sunday School

2006-08-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Feeling called to be a Missionary?

Imagine this... A group of children on a Saturday afternoon under a large tree singing about Jesus, listening to stories, laughing as they play fun games, and requesting prayer from their leaders. About an hour later the children are skipping home with treats in their hands and smiles and their faces. A few days later, group leaders appear at each of the children's doors reminding them to return for more fun this coming Saturday. Over time, a deep relationship is built not just with each child but with each child's family. Soon parents are requesting prayer and doors are opened for a relationship with Jesus...

There is no need to imagine a scenario such as this. You can be a part of a dynamic new outreach that will begin this fall based on the principles taught by Bill Wilson who developed Sidewalk Sunday School in Brooklyn. Each week such ministries reach 1000's of children in the Brooklyn area. Mary Ingle, our new Director of Children's Outreach, spent a week in Brooklyn participating and learning first hand about the effectiveness of Sidewalk Sunday School.

Our vision is to see Sidewalk Sunday School all over town in apartment complexes, mobile home parks, subdivisions and the inner parts of town. This fall we will start this new outreach in two neighborhoods. Because of the relationships we have all ready established, we will be targeting Garden Square and Pine Valley Apartment Communities. The Garden Square outreach will be similar to the already established outreach on Sunday Nights from 5:00-6:15. The only thing that will change is the format. Pine Valley, who has no outreach program currently in place, will be meeting on Saturday afternoons from 2:00-3:00. Our focus at this time is on the Pine Valley Outreach. We anticipate 30-50 children from about 20 families to attend weekly. We need 4-5 people that can commit to be involved on most Saturdays and spend some time during the week calling on families. A home visit usually lasts about 3-5 minutes, especially at the beginning. This means volunteers to this community would call on 5 families a week.

We also need people to serve on a rotating basis to come on Saturday afternoons. You could choose one Saturday a month to serve. We need the following:

Storytellers that relate well to children

Song Leaders

Game Leader

Set up and take down people

If you want to be a part of new exciting outreach ministry and sense God calling you to move out of your comfort zone, then we would encourage you to attend an informational meeting on August 20 from 3-4PM with a follow up training meeting on the August 27 from 3-4 PM. Please call 461.9618 to reserve a spot. If you want to help but can not attend the August 20th meeting, please call and we will make other arrangements.

Please pray for us as we move into new neighborhoods with the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Jeff

PS: Our number one question: What happens if the weather is bad? Answer: We move into the community room at the complex.