Mission and Action

mission_action_plan2

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.

Mission and Action Benevolence List:

Questions about the operation of individual programs?   Please visit that organization’s website, or telephone the director associated with the program.
Questions about this website?  For information about this Mission and Action portion of the website, or to reach a specific committee Liaison, please call the office at Central Congregational Church, (401) 331-1960.

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

(Make check payable to Central Church)

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.

The Hands-Up Project

Hands-Up provides a one-time donation/contribution to help a family through a difficult time. If you know anyone who needs a rent deposit, help with utilities bill, or the like, contact one of the Mission & Action Committee Liaisons by telephoning the Central Congregational Church office, (401) 331-1960.

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

Ann-Marie Reddy, 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.

RI Organizing Project

134 Matthewson St.
Providence, RI 02903
401-351-5577

Ray Gagne, Director

RIOP helps immigrants in RI in their quest for job training, citizenship, health care, affordable housing, and educational support. Occasional dinners and meetings.

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

email
www.southsideclt.org

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.

AIDS Project RI

404 Wickenden Street.
Providence, RI 02906

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 6688
Providence, RI 02940
401-831-5522
www.aidsprojectri.org

Heather Fisch, Director of Programs & Operations.

The organization’s mission is to is to provide compassionate, non-judgmental and collaborative response to the needs of people infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS.  AIDS Project RI merged with Family Service of RI in 2008, and is now a division of Family Service of RI.