"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." - Mother Teresa
We are involved in several philanthropic organizations and would like to share why and with whom we partner with in making the world a better place. Contributing to fellow humans in need is a deep and personal decision, one that must come from within one's soul for the proper reasons. We are not here to tell you, but rather, maybe we can inspire an act of kindness in a world that is often too harsh and unforgiving.
We believe in providing safety and warmth for those that don't have it. We believe in food and water for those without. We believe in providing leadership within our community, building stronger family relationships by strengthening communications within the family structure. We believe in providing valuable resources to help others not only in times of crisis, but all other times as well.
In support of these beliefs we are active and supporting of several organizations, ranging from our Church (Resurrection Catholic Church, Woodstock, IL) to Food for the Poor and Appalachia Service Project to FOCCUS Marriage Preparation Facilitators, plus many more. We not only pledge monetary support to the organizations, but in some cases put forward labor to assist them in accomplishing their goals. We feel that each one of these organizations is very reputable and efficient with the donations so that much of the monies donated in fact reach the intended recipients. Please feel free to browse through the organizations and donate if you should feel inclined. I have included a brief description of a selection of the charities below:
Appalachia Service Project (http://www.asphome.org/):
Often we read about poverty in 3rd world countries, but often we forget we have our own poverty right here in the United States. One region in particular that has been hit hard is the Appalachian Mountain region. Many of the people at one time worked in the coal mines and suffer the health effects of such work, this in addition to the decline in work and the shutting down of the coal mines. Many of the people live in barely inhabitable structures in the Appalachian Mountains. Many don't have any type of indoor plumbing and many don't have much protection from the outdoor elements. The goal of the Appalachian Service Project is to make people's homes "warmer, safer and drier".
We work with the project through our church (Resurrection Catholic Church, Woodstock, IL) and bring teams of adults and high school students down to the region for one week in the summer. The program runs through the entire summer, with new crews rolling in from many regions for their "week of service". When all the crews have completed their work, the dwellings often have been resided, insulated (if necessary), roofs patched/fixed/replaced and interiors modernized.
During one's time in service, you will often find the true kindness of the human heart. The Appalachian People hold so much gratitude for your service and a smile on their face can speak volumes. Not only are relationships built with the families, but the workers also. For a week adults and teens "rough it" and really learn a lot about their own character and after this week, one will rarely ever take for granted the conveniences we have in our lives.
Food for the Poor (http://www.foodforthepoor.org/):
Food For The Poor ministers to spiritually renew impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) corporation, our goals are to improve the health, economic, social and spiritual conditions of the men, women and children we serve. Food For The Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through the churches and charity organizations already operating in areas of need.
Our ministry reflects God’s unconditional love, which surrenders all, inspires trust and faith, and embraces all people regardless of race, status or creed. We believe that Christ is alive, and that we can best serve Him by being of assistance to those in greatest need (Matthew 25:31-46). Finally, we stress the need for regular prayer to guide and maintain the purity of our mission, to link the church of the First World with the church of the Third World in a manner that helps both the materially poor and the poor in spirit.
Thank you for taking a moment to read through some of the things that we participate in to service our community and those that are in need.