Our Mission Statement:
At Central, we are committed to living the words of Jesus, “Love one another.” We strive to be a community of God’s people in a way that calls each of us to active discipleship. Our purpose is to work for the increase in the love of God and neighbor through worship, caring, sharing, and outreach. Our mission is to build loving relationships across all boundaries, within and beyond the church. We commit ourselves to involvement, in a diverse range of projects — internationally, nationally, locally, and within the church; in human services, child welfare, health care, educational and spiritual support.
How do we support local agencies?
The members of Central Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, give generously to mission projects throughout the city. In addition to volunteering hundreds of hours each year, the church donates approximately 15% of its total revenues to mission projects throughout Rhode Island and the World
How can I get involved?
Members and friends of Central Congregational Church regularly volunteer at the agencies we support. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Minister for Mission and Youth, Kat Townes at kat@centralchurch.us. If you are interested in volunteering at an agency or serving on the committee, you can also contact the chair of the Mission and Action Comittee, Tracy Baran at t.baran@osjl.com.
Central also does 3 out-of-state mission trips each year: a youth trip, an October adult trip to New Orleans and a March trip to Haiti. If you are interested in participating in or sponsoring any of our mission programs, please contact Kat Townes: kat@centralchurch.us.
Agencies We Support:
Amos House Soup Kitchen
415 Friendship St.
Providence, RI 02907
401-272-0220
www.amoshouse.com
Eileen Hayes, Executive Director
Throughout the year CCC volunteers help serve breakfast from 6:30 AM to 8 AM on Tuesday mornings to 700-800 men, women, and children who are homeless, low income, or in transition. We also collect hygiene items at the church to deliver to Amos House.
The Blessing Way (Women’s Prison Ministry)
70 Pemberton St.
Providence, RI 02908
401-350-0021
www.theblessingway.org
Rev. Dr. Joyce Penfield (ACI Chaplain) 401-462-0371
Volunteers offer classes and support in job training skills for people who are homeless, formerly incarcerated, or in recovery.
Bread for the World
50 F Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20001
800-822-7323
For complete information visit http://www.bread.org/about-us/annual-report.html
J. Mark Brinkmoeller, Director of Church Relations
Bread for the World is a nationwide Christian movement that seeks justice for the world’s hungry people by lobbying our nation’s decision makers. It is a 501(c)(4) organization.
Bread for the World members are organized by congressional district into local networks nationwide. CCC volunteers write, call and visit members of Congress, and generate media attention about national legislation and other efforts that address hunger.
Camp Street Community Ministries
190 Camp St.
Providence, RI 029006-1836
401-421-5474
campstreetcommunityministries.org
Jacqueline Watson, Director
The last Saturday of each month, volunteers from CCC distribute food to up to 200 men, women, and children.
The Chaplaincy Center
#36 Gerry House
593 Eddy St.
Providence, RI 02903-4970
401-444-8356
Rev. MaryBeth Hayes
The Chaplaincy Center provides three categories of service: 1. direct pastoral care to patients and clients of many Rhode Island Health Care Institutions. 2. Clinical Pastoral Education for individuals seeking specialized training in professional chaplaincy. 3. Spiritual Care in the aftermath of large scale disaster.
Crossroads RI (and The Sandwich Brigade)
160 Broad St.
Providence, RI 02903
401-521-2255 ext. 300
Anne M. Nolan, President
Each Sunday morning in November and April the Sandwich Brigade (see description) prepares hundreds of sandwiches. Volunteers are needed to deliver these sandwiches to Crossroads where they are transferred to clients who are homeless or in need. Volunteers are also encouraged to contact the Volunteer Coordinator at Crossroads about other needs.
Habitat for Humanity
807 Broad Street
Room 333, Box 37
Providence RI 02907
401-831-5424
email
Herman Dekoe, Director
Central and Newman Church members work together at a Providence Habitat for Humanity site on the first Saturday each month. Volunteers help build houses for low-income families, who are also part of the work crew. Jobs range from painting and planting to helping with framing, siding, and floor tiling. No experience necessary.
Haiti Task Force
RI Conference UCC
8 Summer St., Suite 100 (as of 3/23/09)
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-724-7700
Volunteers deliver supplies to a clinic and school we helped build.
Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence
239 Oxford St.
Providence, RI 02905
401-461-6164
www.nonviolenceinstitute.org
Teny O. Gross, Executive Director.
The group’s mission is to teach by word and example the principles and practice of nonviolence, and to foster a community that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent solutions. Operates the “Providence Streetworkers” – an acclaimed intervention and outreach program; teaches & trains adults and youths for nonviolence.
Mt. Hope Learning Center
140 Cypress St.
Providence, RI 02906-2508
401-455-9975
www.mthopelearningcenter.org
Elizabeth Winangun, Executive Director
Mt. Hope Learning Center, a non-profit education organization on the East Side, provides learning opportunities for children and adults to learn skills that enhance their quality of life in the community. On the second Saturday of the month, we provide volunteer support to the Cooking Club that does hands-on cooking with 8-10 children, ages 8-12.
RI Food Bank
200 Niantic Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
(401) 942-MEAL (6325)
Kelly Nichols, Volunteer Manager, (401) 942-MEAL(6325) x256
www.rifood bank.org
Volunteers help organize and pack food for RI residents in need. To become a volunteer, see their page of volunteer opportunities or contact the Food Bank’s Volunteer Manager, Kelly Nichols, by telephone or by email through the Food Bank’s Staff Directory.
The Sandwich Brigade (see Crossroads RI)
Each Sunday morning in November and April volunteers are needed to prepare hundreds of sandwiches for Crossroads where they are delivered to clients who are homeless or in need.
Southside Community Land Trust
109 Somerset Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02907
401.273.9419
Southside Community Land Trust is an urban farm cooperative in Providence. Volunteers are needed 2-3 times a year to prepare layer gardens for winter or spring planting.
Sojourner House
386 Smith St. (Advocacy & Resource Center Office)
Providence, RI 02908-3727
401-861-6191 (Office Phone)
401-658-4334 (24-hour helpline)
www.sojournerri.org
Betty L. Bailey, Executive Director
Provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic abuse.
