Community Ministries Newsletter: April
It all begins with an idea.
Saturday, April 20th, 2024
We are excited to bring you the latest edition of the Community Ministries newsletter! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
Continue reading for the return of the Sunday Prayer Breakfast, the PB&J hour with the youth group, meet more of our staff, and learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities available for those seeking to connect with the church community while assisting our neighbors!
Editor’s Note
The Community Ministries Newsletter will now transition from being biweekly to monthly in order to accommodate a larger, more content-filled newsletter. Volunteer needs and urgent updates will still be sent out regularly as needed.
The Return of the Sunday Prayer Breakfast
The prayer breakfast is back! After a hiatus, the Sunday Prayer Breakfast returned this past Sunday, April 14th, to enthusiastic cheers and excitement among Community Ministries clients. 50 people were served a hearty meal of grits, biscuits, eggs, sausage, juice, and coffee by 25 dedicated volunteers. Both volunteers and clients were thrilled to reunite, reigniting long-standing friendships formed at the breakfast.
As the breakfast continues, growth is inevitable both in the number of individuals served and the need for volunteers!
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for the breakfast, a brief mandatory orientation is required. There are two upcoming orientations scheduled for Tuesday, April 30th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Monday, May 6th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Both training sessions will be conducted virtually.
PB&J Sundays with FPC Youth
Did you know that every Sunday the FPC youth group gathers to make over 100 sandwiches for Community Ministries clients? Every Sunday, youth and their families are invited to join the FPC youth group and Community Ministries to have fun and make sandwiches for Community Ministries clients! Thank you to the FPC youth group for the thousands of sandwiches you have made thus far!
Those interested in helping to make sandwiches with the FPC youth group should meet in the Fifield kitchen at 10:00 am on Sundays and plan to be done by 10:45 am.
Donations Needed
We at Community Ministries are deeply appreciative of every donation we receive! It is because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers that we can fulfill our mission.
Individuals can donate by either delivering items physically to the church or purchasing them through our Amazon Wishlist. Physical donations can be dropped off at the church’s rear security entrance off of Art Center Way, Monday through Thursday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, or on Sundays between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Here is a list of our current needs:
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Body soap, body wash
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental Floss
Shampoo/Conditioner
Deodorant
Razors
Lotion
Chapstick
Wet wipes (for hands, body, or baby wipes)
Nail clippers/ Files
Hair combs
Feminine Hygiene Products
Hand Sanitizer
Blankets
Backpacks, Sling bags or Luggage
Reusable/strong shopping bags
Hand warmers
Sleeping Bags
Washcloths
Mesh Laundry Bags
Laundry detergent pods (pods only, please, no liquid detergent)
Ziplock bags – 1-gallon, 1-quart and sandwich size
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All items donated to the the clothing corner should be in new or good condition. Used but not damaged clothing is accepted.
Men's pants (especially sweatpants, jeans, khakis, dark work pants)
Men's T-shirts, Sweatshirts, and Collared shirts
Women's Pants and Tops, Sweaters and Sweatshirts
Shoes, (especially men's and women's sneakers, shower slides, work boots)
Men's and Women's New Underwear and Undershirts
Belts & Warm Scarves
Warm Hats & Gloves
Plastic drawstring bags
Community Ministries Staff Introductions: Quanishia Dixon
What is your role with Community Ministries?
My role with Community Ministries is serving as Case Manager.
How long have you been with Community Ministries?
I have been with community Ministries since July 2023.
What is your favorite part of working for Community Ministries?
My favorite part of working with Community Ministries is that I get to help people get the things that they need and get to see the growth of where they were and where they get to.
Community Ministries offers a wide variety of social services. What exact social services does Community Ministries provide?
Community Ministries offers assistance with getting birth certificates, IDs, food stamp applications, Homeless verification letters, Grady Medication vouchers, and 1 on 1 case management.
What is your favorite thing to help clients with?
My favorite thing is to help clients by empowering and assisting them to come up with a plan to get into a better situation and headspace.
Community of Service: Volunteer Fellowship & Training
Join Community Ministries for a fellowship event where we will explore the meaning of volunteering, discover the various volunteer opportunities available with Community Ministries, and learn more about the individuals we serve. This will be an interactive, engaging, and informative time led by Director of Community Ministries Tricia Passuth and Director of Community Ministries Operations Jacob Ivey.
This event is open to anyone interested and is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Current and past volunteers are highly encouraged to attend and learn more about Community Ministries and what it means to be in fellowship with one another and those we serve.
Sessions will be held on April 21st from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, and May 19th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. To register click on the button below!
The 10th Annual Midtown Race for MAC
Come join our incredible community partner, Midtown Assistance Center, for there 10th Annual Midtown Race for MAC at Piedmont Park on Saturday, May 11, 2024. MAC’s annual 5k draws hundreds of runners from around Atlanta to raise awareness about and combat homelessness and hunger for working families.
By signing up, your race fee goes directly towards MAC’s mission of emergency assistance to prevent homelessness and hunger during periods of crisis, including through temporary rent or utility assistance to avoid eviction or disconnection, transportation to keep a job, or food on the table when times are lean.
The race is USATF certified and chip timed. Registration is $35, but register soon to avoid the next price increase.
Volunteer Role Spotlight: The Prayer Breakfast
The prayer breakfast has been a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta since 1981 and at one point served over 500 people at a time! Today, the breakfast serves up to 150 guests entirely using volunteers. The breakfast is an incredibly impactful time of fellowship and community for both our unhoused neighbors and the volunteers.
There are multiple different roles that volunteers can fill at the breakfast:
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When: Sunday 5:00am to 7:00am
Number of Volunteers Needed: 1 to 2
Duties:
Bake Biscuits
Cook Sausage
Turn On Coffee Pots
Turn On Line Warmer
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When: Saturday Anytime Between 9am to 2pm
Number of Volunteers Needed: 1 to 3
Duties:
Set up Coffee Pots
Hard Boil Eggs
Place Cutlery, Plates, and Condiments
Place Biscuits on Trays
Count Out Plates on Serving Line
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When: Sunday 6:15am to 8:15am
Number of Volunteers Needed: 15 to 20
Duties:
Serve on the Line
Pour Juice and Coffee
Visit with Guest
Collect Plates and Cups
Wipe Down Tables and Chairs
Set up for 9am Service
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When: Sunday 6:30am to 7:45am
Number of Volunteers Needed: 1 to 2
Duties:
Operate Dishwasher
Handwash/Dry Cooking Pans and Coffee Makers
Most volunteers are expected to arrive at Fifield Kitchen by 6:00am and be done with service by 8:15am.
Before signing up to volunteer a brief orientation is required. There are two upcoming orientations scheduled for Tuesday, April 30th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Monday, May 6th, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Both training sessions will be conducted virtually.
Want to volunteer with Community Ministries?
Click here to review the many volunteer opportunities available and discover the different roles your skills and talents can fill!
Community Ministries Newsletter
It all begins with an idea.
Saturday, March 30th, 2024
We are excited to bring you the latest edition of the Community Ministries newsletter! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
Read on for an exciting update on the Sunday Morning Prayer breakfast, the MAC Midtown 5k, and the awesome volunteer opportunities available for those looking to connect with the church community while helping our neighbors!
The Sunday Morning Prayer Breakfast
Community Ministries is excited to announce the return of the Sunday Morning Prayer Breakfast on April 14th, 2024! The Prayer Breakfast will be held on Sunday mornings in Fifield Hall from 6:30 am to 7:45 am. Volunteers can expect to arrive at 5:30am and leave by 8:45am.
Originally founded in 1981, the Prayer Breakfast at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is a well-known part of FPC’s ministry to our unhoused neighbors. During the breakfast, our neighbors can grab a warm meal and engage in fellowship with one another, and the volunteers present. The Prayer Breakfast not only aims to meet the human needs of our unhoused neighbors but also to address the spiritual needs of everyone involved in the breakfast through active community and fellowship.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Prayer Breakfast, please sign up for a volunteer slot using the Sign-up genius link below!
All new and returning volunteers are also invited to attend the Prayer Breakfast Volunteer Orientation on April 11th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at FPC. We will review how the breakfast operates and the various volunteer roles available. To register for the orientation use the link below!
Community of Service: Volunteer Fellowship & Training
Join Community Ministries for a fellowship event where we will explore the meaning of volunteering, discover the various volunteer opportunities available with Community Ministries, and learn more about the individuals we serve. This will be an interactive, engaging, and informative time led by Director of Community Ministries Tricia Passuth and Director of Community Ministries Operations Jacob Ivey.
This event is open to anyone interested and is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Current and past volunteers are highly encouraged to attend and learn more about Community Ministries and what it means to be in fellowship with one another and those we serve.
Sessions will be held on March 20th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, April 24th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, and May 19th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. To register click on the button below!
The 10th Annual Midtown Race for MAC
Come join our incredible community partner, Midtown Assistance Center, for there 10th Annual Midtown Race for MAC at Piedmont Park on Saturday, May 11, 2024. MAC’s annual 5k draws hundreds of runners from around Atlanta to raise awareness about and combat homelessness and hunger for working families.
By signing up, your race fee goes directly towards MAC’s mission of emergency assistance to prevent homelessness and hunger during periods of crisis, including through temporary rent or utility assistance to avoid eviction or disconnection, transportation to keep a job, or food on the table when times are lean.
The race is USATF certified and chip timed. Registration is $35, but register soon to avoid the next price increase.
Volunteer Role Spotlight: The Mailroom
It can be extremely difficult for an individual who is unhoused to receive mail or obtain documentation of any form without a permanent address. That is why Community Ministries operates a mailroom for over 700 of our unhoused clients, where they can use the church's address to receive personal mail and packages.
Mailroom volunteers are responsible for sorting, organizing, and distributing all client mail. The Mailroom is a vibrant community of longtime volunteers who are always welcoming to new faces. Currently, the Mailroom operates from Fifield Hall Kitchen on Mondays through Thursdays, between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm.
This volunteer position is suitable for individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels. However, it is not ideally suited for young children.
To learn more about volunteering in the Mailroom and to sign up, please click here.
Want to volunteer with Community Ministries?
Click here to review the many volunteer opportunities available and discover the different roles your skills and talents can fill!
Community Ministries Newsletter
It all begins with an idea.
Saturday, March 9th, 2024
We are excited to bring you the latest edition of the Community Ministries newsletter! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
This week's newsletter features updates on the Women’s Transformation Center, an opportunity to meet the Community Ministries staff, exciting new fellowship and training opportunities for volunteers, and awesome volunteer positions available for those looking to connect with the church community while helping our neighbors!
Meet the Team: Olivia Brueggemeyer, Case Manager
What is your role with Community Ministries?
“I am a social worker and I assist clients in getting their vital documents, connecting them with other community and government programs, and providing them with general case management when needed.”
How long have you been with Community Ministries?
“I have been with Community Ministries since July 2022.”
What is your favorite part of working for Community Ministries?
“My favorite part of working in Community Ministries is getting to witness our clients' growth. It is always an honor to be part of someone getting the job they have been working towards, moving into their new apartment, or finally taking the step towards treatment. I love seeing our clients get excited about the direction their lives are moving in.”
You are one of the social workers in charge of the Women’s Transition Center. What excites you the most about the Women’s Transition Center?
“I am most excited about the opportunities we will be able to give the women who are living at the transition center. We are excited to provide them with a safe and comfortable place to live, while they are working to get back on their feet but we want to go above and beyond this. We have big hopes and plans to provide them with education opportunities, budgeting assistance, and fun extracurricular activities that will instill self-care and a sense of normalcy in an uncertain time for them.”
Updates on the Smith Building: The Women’s Transition Center
Construction in the Smith building is ongoing, with a particular focus on the 4th floor, designated for the women's transition center. Fixtures, lights, and final touches are being meticulously installed as this impactful ministry space takes shape.
The women's transition center is designed to accommodate up to 8 women who have previously had housing but currently require a place to stay while they work. The center aims to provide a safe and secure environment for women to reestablish their lives
Moreover, the women's transition center will feature a family apartment to accommodate families with children in need of temporary shelter. Each client will have their own fully furnished efficiency apartment, complete with a kitchenette and private bathroom. The transition center will also include a shared common area with two fully functional kitchens, a laundry room, and a conference room for group meetings.
Community of Service: Volunteer Fellowship & Training
Join Community Ministries for a fellowship event where we will explore the meaning of volunteering, discover the various volunteer opportunities available with Community Ministries, and learn more about the individuals we serve. This will be an interactive, engaging, and informative time led by Director of Community Ministries Tricia Passuth and Director of Community Ministries Operations Jacob Ivey.
This event is open to anyone interested and is suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Current and past volunteers are highly encouraged to attend and learn more about Community Ministries and what it means to be in fellowship with one another and those we serve.
Sessions will be held on March 20th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, April 24th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, and May 19th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. To register click on the button below!
Volunteer Role Spotlight: The Hygiene Closet
Hygiene is a crucial aspect of everyone's daily life, and Community Ministries ensures that our clients have the necessary items for proper hygiene as part of our diverse services. Volunteers have the opportunity to brighten someone's day by participating in the hygiene closet, distributing items such as deodorant, toothpaste, and socks to clients. Many volunteers form lasting relationships with both clients and fellow volunteers while working in the hygiene closet.
Hygiene closet volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring clients receive their requested items while also maintaining cleanliness and order in the hygiene closet. Currently, the hygiene closet operates from Fifield Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
This volunteer position is suitable for individuals of all backgrounds, experience levels, and ages!
Want to volunteer with Community Ministries?
Click here to review the many volunteer opportunities available and discover the different roles your skills and talents can fill!
Community Ministries Newsletter
It all begins with an idea.
Saturday, February, 24th, 2024
We are excited to bring you the latest edition of the Community Ministries newsletter! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
Read on for updates on the Smith Building, the ongoing volunteer experience survey, and the awesome volunteer opportunities available for those looking to connect with the church community while helping our neighbors!
Updates on the Smith Building: Moving Day!
In an exciting development, Community Ministries has officially moved its offices to the second floor of the Smith Building and Charles Black and Connie Lee Community Ministries Center! While services are still taking place in Fifield Hall for the immediate future, Community Ministries staff are very grateful for the opportunity to access and use the newly renovated space in the Smith Building.
Upon its complete opening, the second floor will house all three Community Ministries social workers, provide a space for community partners to meet with clients, and include a computer lab for Community Ministries clients.
Volunteer Experience Survey
We need your voice! Community Ministries is seeking input from current and past volunteers for a volunteer experience survey. This survey will help inform upcoming initiatives related to the Community Ministries volunteer experience and contribute to the improvement of the services we already offer.
If you have moment please fill out the survey below! The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All survey responses are anonymous and confidential, exclusively used for Community Ministries purposes.
Volunteer Role Spotlight: Sandwich Bags
Did you know Community Ministries provides sack lunches to over 600 people every week? Volunteers who make and donate sandwich bags play a crucial role in our ability to provide food to clients regularly. Those contributing as sandwich bag volunteers are responsible for purchasing the necessary supplies, assembling the bags, and delivering them to the church. Donations of sandwich bags can be brought to the church from Monday to Thursday, between 8:00 am and 11:30 am.
Typically, sandwich bags include a PB & J sandwich or a Ham & Cheese sandwich, accompanied by a small bag of chips, a granola bar, an individually wrapped fruit snack, and an optional encouraging or inspirational note.
Creating sandwich bags is an excellent opportunity for volunteers who prefer tasks they can complete at home or with their family.
Click here to learn more about volunteering to make and donate sandwich bags!
Want to volunteer with Community Ministries?
Click here to review the many volunteer opportunities available and discover the different roles your skills and talents can fill!
Community Ministries Newsletter
It all begins with an idea.
Saturday, February, 10th, 2024
Welcome! This initial newsletter is an exciting opportunity for the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta to take a closer look at the ongoings of Community Ministries and the incredible ways one can get involved! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
Read on for updates on the Smith Building, the success of last month’s MLK Day workday, and the awesome volunteer opportunities available for those looking to connect with the church community while helping our neighbors!
Updates on the Smith Building: The First Floor & The Clothing Corner
Construction is ongoing in the Smith Building. The first floor, which contains the Charles Black and Connie Lee Community Ministries Center housing the Food Market, Hospitality Closet, Clothing Corner, and mailroom, is complete with the final touches being put in place. The third floor is also finished with work continuing on the second and fourth floors. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who have played a crucial role in the ongoing transition of the Clothing Corner to the Smith Building. We have successfully initiated operations in the new Clothing Corner, formerly the Clothing Closet, on a limited basis, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Volunteers and clients alike appreciate the new space, fostering a renewed sense of gratitude for the impactful work conducted in the Clothing Corner. Tracie and Fenton, two of our first clients in the Clothing Corner, were grateful for the new space and the opportunity it provided them to freely ‘shop’ for new clothing. Tracie and Fenton are just a few of the clients we have served in the new Clothing Corner: In just the past two weeks, both volunteers and staff have served over 40 clients in the Clothing Corner!
Donations of clothes are still needed for the Clothing Corner. Community Ministries will accept donations of used clothing items that are in good condition, as well as used shoes, belts, and bags. If you are interested in donating clothes, shoes, or accessories, please email Jacob Ivey at jivey@firstpresatl.org.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of the second, and fourth floors as construction continues!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Workday
Thanks to leadership of volunteer Caroline Wainright and the support of the Community Ministries Council the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Workday was a huge success! We had over 70 volunteers in attendance, ranging in ages, working diligently on a variety of projects including blanket making, putting together hospitality bags, organizing the Clothing Corner, making sandwiches, organizing the library, and stocking the Hospitality Closet. Volunteers also had the opportunity to hear a wonderfully informative presentation from Community Ministries Director Tricia Passuth on the challenges faced by our clients and the reality of homelessness in Atlanta.
While services on the first floor of the newly renovated Smith Building and Charles Black and Connie Lee Community Ministries Center are yet to open, except for the Clothing Corner, everything is set up, thanks to the incredible efforts on MLK Day. The Hospitality Closet and library are fully stocked and ready for operation once the building opens. Thank you to everyone who volunteered on MLK Day! It is volunteers like you that make what Community Ministries does possible!
Volunteer Role spotlight: The Clothing Corner
Volunteers play a crucial role in our Clothing Corner, acting as greeters and personal shoppers for Community Ministries clients who use the Clothing Corner. Additionally volunteers assist in keeping records and restocking clothing. The Clothing Corner is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Since operating in the new Smith Building, the Clothing Corner offers clean clothes to Community Ministries clients in a market-style setting. Clients can freely choose which items of clothing they would like and even try them on in our fitting room.
The Clothing Corner is an excellent space to interact with clients directly in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Volunteering in the Clothing Corner is also fun if you have a good sense of fashion, love for shopping and enjoy interacting with other volunteers!
Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift in the Clothing Corner that fits your schedule!