Success Stories
PORT CHARLOTTE VOLUNTEER CENTER
The Port Charlotte Volunteer Center, which was the target beneficiary of our 2005 Lenten Mission Project, opened in February and is now hosting work teams. Half of the bunkbeds built by the VIM team in April, 2005, are now in use at the center. The other half are at the Lutheran Church that has been hosting teams all along. In a visit to Florida in April, it is evident that Charlotte County is making progress with respect to the recovery from hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne. There is still much work to be done.
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| Port Charlotte Volunteer Center | A Bunkbed put to good use! |
The Dining Room |
The Kitchen |
HYPOTHERMIA RESPONSE
From March 6-12, AUMC served as the host site for the Fairfax County Hypothermia Response Project. During the week, we hosted an average of 67 individuals each night with the help of over 125 volunteers providing meals, serving dinner, setting up, cleaning up and staying overnight. There were over 1000 hours of volunteer time through the course of the week.
AUMC was one of 17 churches recognized at the County Board of Supervisors Meeting on March 27 and received a Certificate of Recognition for our Hypothermia Response Program..
While the week was not without its challenges, the program was deemed an overall success and the county has recognized that this type of program is not the long-term solution to the homeless situation in the county. As a result, a Summit to End Homelessness was held on April 7 at the Freddie Mac building in McLean. The participants included representatives from the County, social service agencies, shelters, churches and other organizations who are involved with the homeless community. There is clearly a mandate to develop a plan for ending homelessness in Fairfax County.
A response from one of our Guests:
| Blessing Hypothermia Volunteers: Thank you for your Christian cheer. Though the temperature was low outside, the warmth of your love made a difference. Jesus was an outreach marketplace minister. Often found serving the downtrodden of society. Many of us have been beat up so bad by life, that it was a great comfort to be served by you. Again thank you for serving the least of God's children. Those of you whom are extremely liberal, I pray you realize the tough love needed to serve others from time to time. Those whom are conservative, I pray you realize the patience and divine love it takes to serve others. Jesus suffered many slights and mocking yet he continued to serve. What a model he provides. Yes! Many of us have given up in our struggle to become productive. Yet there are some of us, who are motivated and pushing everyday to become who God created us to be. Please be encouraged that your prayers and efforts are helping. The apostle Paul shared that "some water and some plant..." Please be assured that you have Spiritually nurtured some seeds. My faith and hope were encouraged by your service. Thank you and continue to serve the Master. Thank you, Jerome Paylor |