Kelli’s Notes Feb 2024 – Time, Talent, Treasure
This Year is off to a Busy Start!
There is a notable increase in the number of individuals served in all ministries at Stowe Mission. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to share hope and restoration with even more people in 2024. It takes hundreds of volunteers serving thousands of hours annually to make this happen. Thank you for being one of the people God has sent to Stowe Mission to continue His work.
Often, people ask, “How can I help?” or “What is your greatest need?” There are so many ways to get involved at Stowe Mission. Sharing your time, talent, and treasures is critical to supporting this community. And it’s the reason we can touch the lives of those in our community. The great need for your support continues in 2024, so here are some ways to get involved.
Time
Time is our greatest resource and is often in the most significant demand.
Volunteer one day each week to work with students in our After-School Program. Our K-6 grade students crave the attention and support of our volunteers. By sharing a few hours each week, you will bless the children and receive blessings through the time you spend with them. Our volunteers assist with homework, reading help, group activities, and more. Most importantly, our volunteers help our students know they are loved and supported.
Serving 250-300 meals each Monday – Friday in our Community Kitchen is another crucial place to serve. Schedule as a group or come individually to support this vital ministry. Whether preparing a meal or talking with our neighbors, you can impact someone’s life.
Invest in the most vulnerable by volunteering at our Stowe Pregnancy Resource Center. Our team meets both one-on-one and in group settings to assist families in making decisions about parenting, raising healthy children, and more. While many of our clients are moms, we also help dads through this journey, so we welcome both male and female volunteers.
Treasure
Many of us have abundant blessings.
Last year, we sent nine students from our Education Programs to week-long summer camps. Eight of the nine students decided to accept and live for Christ! It was a wonderful time for students to live this enriching experience. This year, we’d like to double the number of students attending. Please consider sponsoring one of our students. For $350, you can give a student the experience of a lifetime.
Double the Healthcare Clinics means almost double the costs! If you’re passionate about ensuring that individuals without means receive access to quality healthcare, this opportunity might be perfect for you.
Last year, Stowe Mission provided patient healthcare services valued at $195,480. The cost to our patients was $0. Our patient base increased by 25%, and we expect that number to continue to grow. A donation of just under $300 covers the cost of one patient served in our clinics.
For the cost of a cup of coffee, you could provide six meals for our neighbors in the Stowe Mission Community Kitchen.
While many of our meals are paid for, prepared, and served by volunteer groups, Stowe Mission often covers the costs. As food prices increase, many of our teams can only cover a portion of the expense or can only offer volunteer help. The result is an 81% increase in cost to operate our Community Kitchen in 2023. Consider a donation of $25 to provide 23 meals or $110 to provide 100 meals.
Talent
The talents we possess come in all shapes and sizes. Some are skills learned through education, while others develop through life experiences.
If you have a heart of compassion and a love for people, the Stowe Mission Food Pantry may be just the place for you. Assisting someone as they are experiencing hardship can be difficult. Many of us have experienced hardships, and these experiences allow us to serve others with an open mind and heart.
Healthcare at Stowe Mission is a growing area, and we need skilled volunteers! If you are trained as a dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, optometrist, or nurse and want to give back to the community, contact us to learn how you can get involved! This year we are doubling the number of clinics each month.
With 15,000+ square feet of space on Parsons Avenue and thousands of people regularly visiting our building, our space is always ‘under construction.’ Projects are available if you possess a skilled trade and can offer your services! Connect with us, and we’ll put you in touch with our Maintenance Team to get started.
I hope this message helps you better understand how you can help and the greatest needs at Stowe Mission.
Blessings,
Kelli