Outreach-Local
San Francisco Network Ministries (Glenda Hope) (PC USA): – San Francisco Network Ministries was founded in 1972 by Rev. Glenda Hope, a Presbyterian minister, and her late husband to minister to the people of the Tenderloin District. Services offered include Ambassador Hotel Chaplaincy, 555 Ellis St. Apartments, Tenderloin Community Church, SafeHouse for Women (leaving prostitution), computer training center, and homeless persons ministry. For more information refer to www.sfnetworkministries.org/.
Habitat for Humanity: – Habitat for Humanity forms partnerships with people in need and community volunteers to build decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity is committed to eliminating poverty housing throughout the world through “hands on partnerships” with the families who will own these homes. Habitat’s motto is “a helping hand, not a hand out” and each homeowner/family contributes 500 hours of sweat equity toward their or other Habitat homes. Working under the faith-based principle that no profit should be gained from assisting those in need, Habitat for Humanity charges no interest on the homes that it sells. “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy…charge him no interest.” (Exodus 22:25) For more information refer to www.habitateb.org/.
Shepherd’s Gate: – Shepherd’s Gate has earned a reputation for rebuilding shattered lives. Since 1984, they have provided Christ-centered services and housing to over 9,000 battered and homeless women and children. They provide a safe haven for women and their children who are homeless because of abusive relationships, addictions, loss of financial support and other factors. All services are provided to anyone regardless of race, age, religion, color, creed, national origin, disability, marital status, or veteran status. They operate two campuses in the United States, one in Livermore, CA and one in Brentwood, CA. as well as operate their first international campus in San Jose, Costa Rica. Shepherd’s Gate is a 501© (3) corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and qualified to grant receipts for tax-deductible donations. Shepherd’s Gate is governed by a board of directors and is audited annually. Additional information is available at www.shepherdsgate.org/.
Valley Pregnancy Center – Empowering women to make confident and healthy choices, located in Dublin CA, Valley Pregnancy Center (VPC) is a non-profit organization offering free counseling and compassionate support to women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. By providing a safe and caring environment, the VPC is there to assist women who may not be aware of all their options. As a state licensed medical facility, they offer accurate information and support services that allow women to make an informed decision. Their services are also available to family members and to the father of the baby. More information can be found at www.valleypregnancycenter.org/.
Open Heart Kitchen – Open Heart Kitchen serves several hundred meals daily at locations in Livermore, Dublin and Pleasanton. Several of our church members continue to prepare and serve meals to those in need. We work the second Wednesday of each month from 2pm-6:30pm. We try to arrange two teams, 4 people from 2pm-4pm and 4 people from 4pm-6pm Open Heart is always looking for volunteers so if these times don’t work for you there still an opportunity to volunteer. For more inforamtion about Open Heart Kitchen go to www.openheartkitchen.org/.
Bay Area Rescue Mission – The Bay Area Rescue Mission is located in Richmond and is funded fully by private and corporate donations. Originally founded in 1965 as a 12 bed homeless shelter, it has grown in size and scope, now providing a wide range of services to the community. The homeless shelter now can accommodate 325 people and provides 3000 meals daily. The Mission’s many other services are outlined in the next paragraph. The members of the staff are all practicing Christians from various denominations. In addition to serving the physical and emotional needs of the community there is also a strong emphasis on providing Christian teaching and opportunities for worship.
In addition to providing shelter for homeless individuals the Bay Area Rescue Mission provides the following services: a family shelter which provides counseling and case management; a 12 month structured transitional program for individuals which includes teaching social skills, job training, and job placement; food pantry, furniture, and clothing distribution; daily chapel services provided by local churches in the Mission’s chapel; a drug and alcohol recovery program; a mobile outreach unit; and an after school and summer program for school age children through high school that provides tutoring, Bible study, a sports program and field trips. This program provides a rich, safe, and supportive environment for children to learn Christian, academic, and life lessons. Additional information is available at www.bayarearescue.org/.
City Impact – Formally known as the San Francisco Rescue Mission, recently completed a renovation of their Christian school building in the Tenderloin, a 3-year project that collaborated with several other churches. Centerpointe had over 80 people who participated and volunteered their time and talents. Our continued support will contribute to many of their services which include: sponsoring children at the school; serving over 25,000 meals on site every year; delivering 6,000 meals to the elderly and handicapped annually; clothing hundreds of people and giving out blankets. They hold adult life classes regularly, make job and housing referrals available, and offer Bible studies attended by 2,000 people annually. More information is available at www.cityimpact911.com
Operation Cranberry Sauce – For the past two years Centerpointe has partnered with Crosswinds Church, and other local churches, to provide Thanksgiving meals for over 600 needy families in the greater Bay Area. Operation Cranberry Sauce is able to provide a complete Thanksgiving meal for 5-6 people (frozen turkey and dessert include) for under $25.00 thanks to generous discounts by Safeway. In fact, as the quanities become larger the cost of each meal decreases. Many from our Centerpointe families have been involved (and blessed) in the assembly, transportation, and distribution of these food items leading up Thanksgiving Day. Of the 650 meals out by OCS in 2010, Centerpointe provided 112 of these meals. Centerpointe was a significant contributor in 2009 and 2010 thanks to our generous giving members and ReachOut. We are looking forward to making a bigger impact in 2011.
