FAITH IN ACTION

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

The purpose of the Board of Faith in Action (FIA) is to support outreach efforts and encourage and equip congregants for service outside church walls. Through service, we can inspire hope, strengthen relationships, and transform communities. The role of the members of the Board of Faith in Action is to discern between betterment (charity) and development (the path to self-sufficiency) and mindfully consider next steps. The intent of the Board of Faith in Action is to

· Provide opportunities for hands-on outreach that inspire and connect individuals to meaningful service

· Pursue intentional efforts to build partnerships with communities in need

· Provide emergency response to individuals, families, or communities in crisis

· Continue to offer funding, grants, and special disbursements that align with the purpose of the FIA

· Seek to right injustice through discussion, dialogue, support, and action

Special Offerings are conducted twice yearly. The Easter Offering highlights two or more non-profit agencies that will receive the Easter collection from the congregation. World Offering Sunday focuses two or more agencies that will receive the special October offering. Agencies for consideration can be suggested by congregants and all agencies are reviewed and selected by FIA.

Volunteer opportunities are available for those seeking meaningful service and a connection outside of the church walls. As opportunities arise, congregants will be notified by various means including but not limited to email, social media, and written correspondence. We have identified numerous community agencies that can always use help and FIA provides full listing below.

Your ideas are welcome. If there is a program – local, national or international - that you would like to have considered for an outreach grant, please send that information to Travis Adams, Staff Liaison to Faith in Action board

In 2020, the FCC Governing Board approved that FCC work to partner with groups that are committed to redevelop Harvey. Please click below for information on the project and ways to volunteer! Anna Carvalho and Jay Readey are the FCC coordinators of this project.

Harvey Project

FCC's comittment to community redevelopment in our neighboring town of Harvey, IL

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Community Partners

The list below are organizations and agencies that The Board of Faith in Action or members of the congregation have supported in the past. Included are websites for more information, donation links, and wish lists when available. The organizations are listed alphabetically, not in order of preference. Please consider supporting these groups!

ANEW: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse

The mission of ANEW (South Suburban Family Shelter) is to provide comprehensive, coordinated services to families in which domestic violence exists without imposing any one solution.

PO Box 937, Homewood, IL 60430, 708.794.2140

Contact: Kristine Scott, Director of Development, kris.s@anewdv.org.

Website: https://www.anewdv.org

Wish List link: ssfs1.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Updated-Wishlist.pdf

Donation Link: https://www.mygiving.net/donate/AnewDV

Other ways to support:

Used Cell Phones: take to Anew office: 18137 Harwood, Homewood
Clothes/shoes/small household items: drop off M-F at 900 Maple Ave., Homewood, call Nick Koster Koster 799-9190
Donate used furniture: https://chicagofurniturebank.org

Bethel Family Resource Center

The mission of Bethel Family Resource Center is to participate in the development of the community economically and socially; promote the educational growth of both children and adults; and assist in the strengthening of the family through programs and services designed to assure responsibility, encourage self-growth and provide advocacy ongoing support for those most in need.

1250 Portland Ave, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, 708.758.5585

Contact: Tonii Harris Taylor, Program Director

Contact: Robin Futrell, Case Manager, robinfutrell@sbcglobal.net

Website: https://bethelfacility.org/

Donation link: https://www.bethelfacility.org/donate

Cancer Support Center

NOTE: There are two facilities, one in Homewood and the other in Mokena

The mission of the Cancer Support Center is to provide those with cancer and their families with free support.

2028 Elm Road, Homewood, IL 60430, 708.798.9171

Contact: Cynthia Turnquest, Director of Outreach & Strategic Partners, cturnquest@cancersupportcenter.org

Website: https://cancersupportcenter.org

Donation link: https://www.classy.org/give/123486/#!/donation/checkout

The Center for Food Equity in Medicine

The mission of the Center for Food Equity in Medicine (CFEIM) is to ensure that individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis or other chronic health condition does not go hungry. Food insecurity coupled with chronic illness is a challenge best resolved with support from people who know and understand the complexity. Volunteers can help by donating food items, working in the food pantry, or supporting community events. Flossmoor Community Church provides space in our facility for CFEIM's offices and Food Closet..

Contact: https://foodequityinmedicine.org/contact-us

Website: https://foodequityinmedicine.org/

Donation link: https://donorbox.org/our-subscribers

Jones Memorial Community Center

The mission of the Jones Memorial Community Center is to strengthen family ties, emphasize the worth of God's children, and answer a community need. It supports children, youth, families, and seniors

220 E. 15th Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, 708.757.5395

Contact: Cheryl Roop, Executive Director, croop@jonescenter.org

Website: https://www.jonescenter.org/

Donation link: https://www.jonescenter.org/donate.html

Respond Now

The mission of Respond Now is to provide immediate relief for residents of Chicago's south suburbs who are in the most need while maintaining their dignity and affording them respect. We focus on hunger, health, and housing.

1439 Emerald Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL 60411, 708.755.4357

Contact: Contact: Carl Wolf, Executive Director (extension 226)

Website: https://respondnow.org/

Wish List link: respondnow.org/ways-to-give

Donation link: respondnow.org/donate-online

Restoration Ministries

The mission of Restoration Ministries is to restore hope to people while bringing lasting change to the community. Through 22 programs, they provide life-changing opportunities to at-risk and underprivileged youth, men and women with histories of addiction, and families struggling in poverty.

253 E. 159th Street, Harvey IL 60426, 708.333.3370

Contact: Karen Vrdolyak, VP of Development and Administration

Website: https://restorationministries.net

Wish List link: https://restorationministries.net/needs/

Donation link: https://restorationministries.net/donate/

You Matter 2
The mission of You Matter 2 is to provide South Suburban youth and families with opportunities to develop leaders and engage communities. Flossmoor Community Church provides space in our facility for You Matter 2's offices.

Contact: PO Box 1056 Homewood, IL 60430, 708.996-0871

Contact: Destiny Watson, CEO) and Founder, dwatson@youmatter2.org

Website Link: https://www.youmatter2.org/

Donation Link: https://www.youmatter2.org/donate.html