This innovative ministry does most of its work by providing housing and utility assistance to the working poor, with help also available with food and medical needs. A needs assessment is done by interview and, if aid is approved, a plan is developed, often in concert with other agencies in the community.
© 2009 First Presbyterian Church, Mesa, Arizona
Service Times
Sunday Worship – 9:30 am (Nursery care provided)
Christian Education – 10:55 am (Nursery care provided)
HolyGrounds Coffee House- Sundays at 11:00 a.m. (Nursery care provided)
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I-HelpIn a few weeks FPC will become one of several host sites to I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program). On Sunday nights a group of 6-12 women will become temporary residents on our church campus. They will receive a hot meal and be screened for participation at Paz de Christo, then transported (along with mattresses) to FPC. Here they will have access to a shower and a safe place to sleep. The next morning they will leave the church grounds early following a light breakfast and with a lunch in hand. Volunteers are needed to assist with meeting the guests, preparing lunches, doing laundry and so forth. Please contact Nancy Tordai, Brooks Newbry, or the church office 480-964-8606 for more information. Christ Häven
In 2006, the Christ Häven staff interviewed over 630 families and gave over $58,000 in assistance.
Christ Häven is a qualified charitable organization under the Arizona Welfare Tax Reform Act of 1998, and under certain conditions individual gifts up to $400 can be deducted from Arizona Income Tax.
Christ Häven is also an approved agency to receive contributions for Valley of the Sun United Way , #1674. All funds given to this ministry are segregated and no administrative nor overhead expense of any kind is deducted.
Contact Bob Gerlach, Administrator, 480-964-8606, Ext. 25, for more information.
Food CupboardIn a land of plenty, no one should have to go hungry. The Deacons Food Cupboard at FPC is, for many, a welcome alternative to prospect of hunger. Often it is a mother seeking groceries for her family, at other times it is a homeless person just looking for a can of beans and a few crackers.
The food cupboard ministry is refreshed through monthly food donations by church members. The food is distributed once a week. In 2006, the church gave away 550 food bags.
Eisenhower SchoolFPC is also in partnership with a neighborhood "at risk" school. Eisenhower Elementary sees an incredibly high turn over in students every year due to unstable housing and job situations. The church provides back packs at the start of the school year, collects gifts at Christmas through an Angel Tree program to benefit several families referred to us by school personnel, and receives a special offering (ideally would like a link here to a giving page where we could receive donations as discussed) once a year to provide scholarships for the annual science camp.
Laubach LiteracyThe old proverb speaks of "teaching someone to fish" to ensure they eat for a lifetime. Teaching someone to read has a similar benefit, and it is the goal of Laubach to provide basic literacy training and training in English as a second language.
Tutors for Laubach are given thorough training in an easy-to-use system and are then paired with students. A close relationship can form between teacher and student, which is just one more reward of this amazing ministry. Contact Laubach Literacy, 480-964-3833, for more information.
At Risk ChildrenFPC provides space for several community agencies that work with "at risk" children. A double-session Headstart meets on our campus. |