Summer at the Urban Mission

asteele — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:22:28 +0000

Typically, the busiest time of the year at the Mission is the holiday season. From October to December, the phones ring off the hook. There’s always someone at the door dropoing off toys or donations of warm gloves, mittens, and coats and volunteers from all around come to help at the distributions.

It is an exciting time to be at the Mission. Everyone is in good spirits – holiday cheer fills the air. And while it is tiring, it is also worth every minute!

One would think that with a busy holiday season, things might slow down in the summer.

But… this is never the case.

Since the beginning of May, youth and adult groups have been coming to the Mission for our JOSHUA summer work mission. Groups from throughout the United States give up a week of their life to serve strangers in desparate need of help. This is a wonderful program, and one that benefits not only those who receive, but also those who give.

In June and July, our NCDC is busy writing grants for upcoming programs. This year we already learned the Mission received a grant to do Diabetes Education in our community. We are excited of the new partnerships this program will bring.

The Warehouse is also busy this time of the year. Starting in 2012, fresh produce now makes its way from the Mid-Ohio Foodbank to the Mission every Wednesday. This produce is open to all who qualify and individuals can stop into the Warehouse from 9 – 3pm and receive whatever comes off the truck.

With all of these wonderful ministries, and a busy holiday season fast approaching, we pause to thank God for the wonderful blessings poured out on the Mission.

We also celebrate the “busyness” of the seasons as this means God is at work and active at the Mission.

Join us today to reach out to a hurting community no matter what time of the year.

You’re always welcome at the Mission!

JOSHUA has begun!

asteele — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:36:06 +0000

It’s a new JOSHUA year and this summer is looking to be one of the best yet.

Our first JOSHUA group has arrived. A big welcome to Sacred Heart Griffin from Springfield, IL!

Already they have been busy working in the communities surrounding the Mission.

Stay tuned for pictures on the Urban Mission’s Facebook page.

Let’s Talk About Lupus

asteele — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:31:01 +0000

NCDC has been busy with its annual Lupus Education and Support Group.

This video gives information about living with Lupus by 2 people inflicted with the disease.

http://vimeo.com/42650708

Brought to you by the Urban Mission Ministries. www.urbanmission.org

A big thank you to our volunteers!

asteele — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:09:07 +0000

Mission honors volunteers

April 28, 2012

By JEREMY KINS – Staff writer (jkins@heraldstaronline.com) , The Herald-Star

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WINTERSVILLE – Seven individuals in six categories were honored Friday at the Urban Mission Ministries’ annual volunteer luncheon.

The Hawaiian-luau themed event took place at the Wintersville United Methodist Church, where volunteers put on lays and straw hats and gathered to share in the celebration.

Each year, hundreds of individuals, businesses, churches and groups donate their time, talent and resources to the Urban Mission in order to benefit the community, said Linda Smith, program director and volunteer coordinator for the Urban Mission.

“This luncheon is the best and only way for our staff to say thank you to our volunteers,” said Smith.

The awards recipients were Barb Marcinko, female volunteer of the year; Ed Holmes, male volunteer of the year; the Rev. Sharon Miller and the Rev. Jim Clark, quiet servant awards; Larry Remp of Steubenville Trucking, business of the year award; the Rev. Nicholas Halkias of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, church of the year award; and Virginia Whately, executive director’s award.

Marcinko and Halkias were unable to attend the event.

Smith said more than 18,000 hours were donated in 2011 at the Urban Mission, which aids approximately 1,700 registered area families. The agency provides help through food distribution, shelter and supportive housing for families, medical services, clothing and school supplies to those in need, as well as worship services and the J.O.S.H.U.A. work mission program, which allows volunteers to assist in repairing homes of low-income families.

“The (volunteers) gave their hearts and it doesn’t matter if someone gave one hour or a few hundred, we couldn’t do it without them,” Smith said.

The luncheon began with opening remarks from the Rev. Ashley Steele of the Urban Mission and Smith, who spoke to the greatness and variety of their volunteers.

Continuing in this year’s theme, the Lord’s Prayer, sung in Hawaiian, was played prior to the buffet of themed food.

The blessing of the meal was performed by the Rev. Toni Hubbard.

“It’s just many people doing small things to make this work,” said Remp. “It’s just a joy to help others.”

“I love to preach to them and feed them. I’m fulfilled by that and it’s the Lord’s call for my life,” said Clark.

In addition to the awards, officials with the FirstEnergy W.H. Sammis Power Plant in Stratton presented a check donation to Smith and staff for $3,325.48. The amount was raised through various events held at the plant, according to FirstEnergy employee Julie Kireta.

“It’s wonderful to give back to people in need through the Urban Mission,” said Kireta.

“It’s amazing to be down at the Urban Mission. They are just the nicest, kindest people and to be able to help out was a great thing for me. I would do it again,” said Whately.

We’re online!

asteele — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:15:41 +0000

3.14.2012

We’re only a few days into our new site and we are thankful for the fresh look. Check back often as we’ll be sharing news about the Urban Mission and adding new volunteer opportunities.