Adopt an Agency
Did you know….
…. That in 2022, White Memorial gave $210,000 in community grants to 37 local nonprofits?
…. That over 25% of our church budget goes to non-profit partners in our community and globally?
But, these agencies need more than our financial resources. They need prayers, and at times they need physical help or assistance in collecting items used in their daily work. Most importantly, however, they need people to embrace and spread the word about their mission and the services provided to our community.
With that thought in mind, the WMPC Outreach Committee formed a plan to offer each church-sponsored non-profit “Up for Adoption” to Adult church school classes, Circles, and social groups in hopes of encouraging our members to learn more about where their pledges, offerings, and generosity go in our community, and what a difference they are making. The goal is to make this an ongoing effort so that with each coming year, the group will learn and grow to love another non-profit.
The response to this effort has been wonderful. Creativity has flowed with the many ways groups have selected to interact and learn about their adoptee agency. Here are just a few examples of the experiences these groups are encountering in the first year of the Adopt-a-Nonprofit Program.
GOD TALK & NOTE IN THE POCKET
God Talk selected Note in the Pocket as their non-profit. Founded in 2005, NITP provides clothing to impoverished and homeless children and their families with dignity and love. Sarah Caldwell, the director of Note in the Pocket, came to speak to them. God Talk then began collecting shoes for “Giving Shoesday” along with coats and other new and used children’s clothing. They filled an entire car with donations. They are not done yet and plan to hold another collection in the spring.
PARENTS OF YOUTH & WAKE MONARCH ACADEMY
The Parents of Youth Sunday School Class adopted Wake Monarch Academy. Wake Monarch’s primary purpose is to create programs and environments aimed at the prevention, reduction of, and recovery from substance use, by adolescents in the Triangle area. On December 4, Leah Wright, the founder and executive director of Wake Monarch, visited the class to explain more about their mission and history. This spring, the class is collecting snacks and bringing them to the school for the students. The class continues to learn more about Wake Monarch to find ways to be of more assistance.
FAITH FOUNDATION & SOUTHLIGHT
In November, Faith Foundations hosted the Director of Development for SouthLight, Jim Dempsey. SouthLight is one of the area’s largest non-profit providers of outpatient and community services for mental health and substance use treatment. Jim talked about SouthLight and answered questions from the class. In December, the class collected requested items ranging from diapers to health kits to cleaning products, they also gave $250 in cash to assist with other needs. In January, in response to Jim’s invitation to visit SouthLight’s Garner Rd location, 10 class members toured the facility to learn more about their mission and programs.
PW CIRCLE C & DRESS FOR SUCCESS
PW Circle C is all in and excited about Dress for Success. The mission of this non-profit is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life. In November, the Outreach Coordinator for Dress for Success came to speak and shared the need for cosmetic bags filled with sample-size toiletries that they like to give out to their new clients. In December, they each brought one or two to their meeting. They collected a full bag and donated the $200 given to them through PW for projects dear to each Circle.
PW CIRCLE G & HEALING TRANSITIONS
Healing Transitions was adopted by PW Circle G. Healing Transitions is a long-term recovery program, a non-medical detox, and an overnight emergency shelter service for both men and women. A person whose life had changed by the work of Healing Transitions came to speak to the Circle. Circle members were impressed by their efforts to help people improve their lives and shared a great admiration for the speaker who shared her very personal story with them. Circle G is planning a tour of Healing Transitions in the spring.
TNT & HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WAKE COUNTY
TNT class is doing a great job supporting Habitat! They held a study of Millard Fuller and the founding of Habitat. You can find them swinging a hammer alongside our friends from the Divan Center and Healing Transitions at some of the “Wall Builds” held in the inside building facility at Habitat. The walls of an entire home can be constructed in about an hour and a half.
FAMILIES OF YOUNG CHILDREN & THE DIAPER TRAIN
Families of Young Children adopted The Diaper Train. They are hosting a diaper drive during the WMPC Easter egg hunt the class sponsors on March 25. They have included the Weekday School in this endeavor as well! Boxes will be around campus for your donations.
20s+30s & OAK CITY CARES
20s+30s have adopted in a big way! They have taken on chairing all WMPC volunteer opportunities at Oak City Cares each month. Oak City Cares is a hub for connecting individuals and families who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness to coordinate services that create a path to stable housing and renewed hope. You will find the 20s+30s group serving meals, cleaning tables, and greeting guests at the facility. They love the personal interaction and the unique experience of passing food to families and sharing a smile. Anyone is welcome to jump in and join them on the fourth Sunday of each month. Contact Sara Joyner at sej404@gmail.com.
If your group would like to adopt a non-profit for this church year, there are several available. Your group will be paired with a WMPC Service Committee member well-versed in the non-profit you select. The Service Committee member will act as your liaison by coordinating speakers, bringing written information, and informing you of opportunities to serve or support your chosen ministry. The whole process will start over in Fall 2023 when you can select to adopt from the new list of agencies given grants from our WMPC Allocations Committee. What a great way to Love. Serve. & Repeat together! If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Younger at seebeey@gmail.com or Ruth Landers at ruth@landers.me.