Local Missions Spotlight

Faith Link and LEEP Programs

As summer wanes Henderson County Faith Link Teams are gearing up again as advocates for our Faith Link Families. As the new coordinator of Trinity’s team, there’s been much for me to learn. Did you realize that the program grew out of collaborative efforts of the Dept. of Social Services, Interfaith Assistance Ministry and the local faith community? County level coordinators are Janna Davis and Sally Cook, through IAM. They also coordinate with the Faith Link teams from 3 other churches.

The county Faith Link program evolved in 1996 with the changes in welfare reform laws. With the start of the “Work First” program, families were matched with teams of volunteers from congregations, such as Trinity, whose charge was to offer educational, emotional and logistical support to these families. Faith Link teams were also charged with increasing community awareness of issues regarding poverty and the working poor.

Trinity has successfully covenented with families since 1998. Our current family, a single mother and her son, started with us in 2004 under the support of Florence Crowell and Irene Robertson. The lead mentors now are our Helen and Ray Dearborn and Cathy O’Neil, supported by the rest of the team. The mother consistently expresses her gratitude to Trinity for the wide variety of help they have received from us, and is making progress on her way to self-sufficiency. But in these difficult times, our help is more important than ever.

Another branch of the county-wide Faith link program is the tutoring program for all the F.L. families. It’s known as LEEP (Learning, Enrichment and Enhancement Program) and is presently held at Trinity on Wednesday nights. Our Eleanor Beardsley works with Janna Davis and Sally Cook, IAM, to coordinate the tutoring and parent support group. They are presently looking for additional tutors. We need both male and female tutors. Contact Eleanor if you will help out at 693-1423. The families and tutors are invited to attend our dinners prior to the LEEP program. Many thanks to all of you who have helped with the dinners, and the LEEP program.

We ask that you prayerfully consider volunteering or adding financial support for the above programs. This is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people here in our county.

For more information on the Trinity based programs, please feel free to contact Kaye Papazian at 692-3132 or listener@mchsi.com. For general Faith Link questions contact Janna Davis at 697-7029, ext. 319, or at jd7iam@bellsouth.net .

Feed the Kids

A new outreach program involving Trinity is the “Feed the Kids” supper at the Boys and Girls Club each Friday. This is a summer trial project involving a consortium of faith based and civic organizations in Henderson County.

Trinity is part of this project, and under the direction of Connie Moore served 248 kids in June. The volunteers prepare the meal using a church’s kitchen and then transport, set-up, serve, and clean-up the Friday night supper at the Club. Trinity’s kitchen is the site of the meal preparation once every four weeks. Members of other houses of worship as well as community groups are involved in this project. Currently nine other churches are working on this outreach program. If you can help, please call Connie at 697-0754. Financial support is from many sources.

At the end of August the summer project will be assessed to determine if this project can continue through the year. The goal is to be certain that the kids have a supper on Friday to help them get through the weekend until breakfast at school on Monday. This is an ecumenical project and a good way to interact with folks from other congregations. Prayers are needed as we reach out to others.

Interfaith Assistance Ministry School Supply Drive

It is time, already, for IAM’s school supply drive. During August Local Mission Ministry will take supplies that are left in the food cabinet to IAM. Suggested items are:

3-ring binders
notebook dividers
loose-leaf paper
markers
calculators
colored pencils
highlighters
index cards
erasers
pencil boxes & pouches
pencil sharpeners
glue sticks
rulers
notebooks
composition books
safety scissors
crayons
backpacks

Of course financial donations are always accepted. Checks can be made to Trinity with a memo of IAM school supplies.

Especially this year families are struggling to meet the school needs of their children. Last year IAM provided supplies for 562 Henderson County children, and Trinity provided at least 208 pounds of those supplies! Thanks for your support.

Habitat for Humanity

Did you know that -

• Henderson County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing ministry founded in 1989.
• Currently they are building homes at the rate of 10-12 a year.
• Partner families are low-income residents of Henderson County and are selected for a Habitat home following Fair Housing guidelines.
• Volunteer labor enables Habitat to reduce the purchase price of a Habitat home to just the cost of building materials, land, and infrastructure.
• Each partner family must work a minimum of 400 hours on a Habitat home, and they pay for their home with a 25-year mortgage at no interest and no profit to Habitat.
• It takes about 2500 volunteer hours to construct one home, and no experience is required. Instructions are provided.
• Over the years many Trinity members have been and are involved with Habitat.

Want to know more? Call Habitat at 694-0340. Remember Habitat has two thrift stores on Washington Street.

Letters of Thanks

The social service agencies of Henderson County greatly appreciate the financial contributions from Trinity to help meet the needs of the Henderson County residents. Here are some excerpts from recent letters:

From Blue Ridge Community Health Services: “We extend our sincere thank you to Trinity Presbyterian Church for the recent contribution to Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Inc. BRCHS relies on a variety of funding sources. It is through the continued financial support of our community members we are able to supplement programs beneficial to those who might not otherwise have access to quality dental or health care.”

Blue Ridge Literacy Council writes: “Thanks to your support, this year Blue Ridge Literacy Council will help more than 350 people learn to read, write, speak English, become citizens, or study for their GED. By this time next year, individuals who are now unemployed or underemployed will be working in hospitals, offices and factories, running their own businesses, and even teaching school. Some will be attending college. Individuals who can’t speak English or read will be checking their children’s homework and reading them bedtime stories – helping their children get a good start in life.”

Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care says thanks, also: “Now in our twenty-eighth year, Four Seasons was on the forefront of the hospice movement with the establishment of one of the earliest programs in the country. During fiscal year 2008, the generosity and support of our donors allowed us to provide hospice care to 1,074 patients in their homes, Elizabeth House and other area healthcare facilities. An additional 1,324 patients were served through our Palliative Care program. We believe that those facing terminal illness should not have to face it alone, and we are privileged to walk alongside so many patients and families. Your generous support allows us to continue to provide the highest level of care to our community while ensuring that we will be able to meet increasing needs. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”

These letters of thanks to Trinity emphasizes the great needs that exist in our community. Please include the agencies in your prayers.

Blue Ridge Jail and Prison Ministry

This ministry, operating at the Henderson County Detention Center, serves the persons incarcerated at the facility.  The maximum population is 230 people with more than 200 inmates there at any one time. About 25% of the population is female. About half of the inmates are in a “lock down” situation 22-23 hours a day.

The Blue Ridge Prison Ministry strives to leave a lasting, positive influence on those ministered to by helping identify the deep rooted needs that lead to destructive behavior and by providing biblical and ethical solutions to break the cycle.  This is done through one to one lay counseling, providing group Bible studies, a library, and video materials, etc.  A new program for the ministry is a transitional house for women located in Saluda. 

The agency is a non-profit interdenominational ministry.  They do not receive funding from State, County, or Federal entities.  Volunteers are needed and training is provided.  In addition to monetary support from the Trinity budget, we have supplied Bibles      from an endowment fund. Should you wish more information, please call 828-778-2494 or e-mail to: blueridgeprisonandjailministry@yahoo.com

Blue Ridge Community Health Services

Blue Ridge Community Health Services (BRCHS) was formerly a migrant clinic functioning only in the summer months to serve the migrant workers.  It was located in the Thomas House on Church St.  In 1976 federal funds were obtained to expand the clinic to the Blue Ridge Community Health Services.  Barbara Garrison, member of Trinity, served as its director from 1976 until 1997.  Over the years many members of Trinity have been involved with the clinic in numerous roles.

The program of the clinic is comprehensive to meet the medical needs of the community.  A recent expansion of services is a health clinic located at North Henderson High School. A clinic at Apple Valley Middle School has been serving that population.  In 2007, 13,000 persons in our community were served.  Although the clinic receives some federal subsidy, funding is needed for many items not covered by the subsidy such as medications.  Patients are seen on a sliding fee scale.  Everyone pays something based on individual incomes.  BRCHS does receive a contribution from Trinity’s budget through the Local Mission Ministry.

If you are interested in learning more or want to investigate volunteer opportunities, please call 692-4289 or visit their web site at www.brchs.com

Interfaith Assistance Ministry

Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM), a Henderson County agency well known to many Trinity folks, was founded in 1984 as a faith-based, nonprofit organization with the mission to provide emergency relief to Henderson County residents who are in financial crisis by offering funds, food, clothing, counseling, and referrals in an atmosphere of compassion and respect. Over 90 local congregations support IAM.

In these difficult economic times, Executive Director, David Cook, reports that in the first ten months of 2008 one thousand first time clients were seen at IAM. The need is great and Trinity supports IAM through the Local Mission budget, food and clothing drives and especially the number of Trinity members who volunteer time at the agency. 

Volunteers are always needed in many areas of service.  Call 697-7029 for more information.  Watch the weekly Trinity bulletin for specific needs at IAM.  Food pantry requests for February include saltines, soup, cereal and powdered milk.  Items can be taken directly to IAM on Ehringhaus St. or left at the church.  Phil King provides a great service by delivering the items for Trinity.  Thank you, Phil. 

As we are called to serve, remember the motto of IAM “We are the hands that distribute what the heart of the community provides…offering a hand up, not a hand out”

Faith Link

Faith Link and LEEP are familiar mission programs to the Trinity Family.  Since 1998 Trinity members have volunteered to partner with families in Henderson County who are struggling to obtain and sustain employment while managing families.  In addition the LEEP program connects Faith Link children with individual learning mentors and meets weekly at Trinity during the school year.  The Faith Link families join with us for our “Wonderful Wednesday” dinners and Friends of Jesus programs.  While here the Faith Link parents attend a “Parenting Roundtable” facilitated by a Faith Link coordinator.  Funding for the Faith Link programs comes from the Henderson County Dept. of Social Services, the local faith community and from fund raising and donations.  Volunteers are needed in many areas for a variety of tasks.  Call 697-7029 extension 342 for more information or be at Trinity early on a Wednesday evening to experience the program in action.  Faith Link receives funds from Trinity’s Local Mission Budget.

Housing Assistance Corporation

Did you know that the Henderson County Housing Assistance Corporation was started in 1988 by a group of volunteers from Trinity Presbyterian Church?  The program is now celebrating its 20th anniversary of making repairs on the homes of people who are not able to financially or physically make the repairs to keep their homes safe and warm, and they assist in the building of affordable housing for Henderson County residents.

Since 1988 Housing Assistance has helped in the building of over 100 Self Help Homeownership homes; has built 4 affordable rental family apartments; two affordable rental apartments for seniors; and one handicapped accessible apartment complex.  In addition Housing Assistance makes over 250 home repairs each year with the help of volunteers.  Training for all first-time homebuyers in Henderson County is also provided.

The Housing Assistance Corporation is a private, non-profit organization committed to providing safe and affordable housing for persons of limited income living in Henderson County because they believe every human being deserves the opportunity to live in a decent home.

Trinity continues to support the Housing Assistance Corporation through its local mission ministry budget.  Volunteers are needed to assist in the home repair program, the resale shop, and administration.  Please call 828-692-4744 for more information.  If you know someone in need of this service, please provide him or her with the telephone number.

Dispute Settlement Center

The Dispute Settlement Center (DSC) of Henderson County is supported by the Local Mission Ministry as part of Trinity’s budget for missions. The mission of DSC is “to offer and promote alternative dispute resolution processes – including mediation, conciliation, facilitation, and training – as ways for peacefully resolving conflicts”.  The agency utilizes a professional staff as well as volunteers who are trained facilitators and work with families, youth, and others. A relatively new program teaches skills that can improve life transitions for the elderly, their family members, caregivers and service providers through improved communications and conflict resolution skills.  All services are confidential and a sliding fee schedule applies.  For more information or to volunteer call (828) 697-8528.

Pisgah Legal Services

Trinity is a supporter of Pisgah Legal Services through its Local Mission Ministry budget.  The Henderson County office for Pisgah Legal Service (PLS) is located on Blythe St. Court where they provide free civil legal services to very low-income families.  Usually the needs of the clients are multi-faceted and urgent in nature.  The volunteers and staff at PLS assist in empowering clients to take charge of their lives – with legal assistance as needed – to make real and lasting changes in their lives.  In addition to attorneys who donate their time at PLS, volunteers are needed to assist in screening clients for services.  Training is provided.  If you are interested in serving in this important way, please call 828-692-7622.  Trinity member, Jane Swafford, serves on the board of PLS. 

Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County

Every day after school and all through the summer, kids from across Henderson County have a safe place to go and grow – the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County.  The Club provides guidance-oriented education and character development programs for disadvantaged children 6-18 years of age, conducted by a dedicated professional staff.           

The Club has grown from a one-room building serving a few neighborhood children in 1993, to the current five-building campus with more than 1,200 youth participating from all parts of the county.

93% of the members come from low-income families, and nearly 60% live in single-adult households.  The membership is diverse – approximately 1/3 African-American, 1/3 Caucasian, 1/3 Latino.

The Boys & Girls Club has been recognized for several years as one of the finest Clubs in the Southeast for delivering quality programs.  Because they have the Club in their lives, children are doing better in school and making the right choices about drug & alcohol use, criminal activity, and their futures. 

Trinity continues to support the Boys & Girls Club through its Local Mission Ministry budget.  You are invited to call the Club (693-9444) to find out more or to volunteer your time.  The Club is located on Ashe Street. 

The Healing Place

Trinity Church assists The Healing Place through its Local Mission Ministry budget. The Healing Place is the local non-profit agency dedicated to provide help, prevention, and awareness of sexual violence issues. Through crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy, education and community outreach, The Healing Place is able to serve thousands of Henderson County adults and children each year.

A very important aspect is the educational programs available at all grade levels. These age specific courses are designed to teach students on a variety of issues from ways to reduce and prevent sexual violence to trusting their instincts and reporting an issue. Parent services are also included.

Volunteers are utilized as on-call advocates and education volunteers to teach the school age children. Of course, office volunteers are always needed. Training is provided. If you are interested in more details call 692-0495 or on the web at www.thehealingplace.info.

Mainstay

A Henderson County social service agency with close ties to Trinity is Mainstay. Almost 25 years ago, a group from Trinity, working with the Reverend Albert D. Kissling (former Trinity Presbyterian Pastor), organized The Women’s Crisis Ministry in Hendersonville. The purpose of the organization was to help women deal with such crises as divorce and widowhood. A parallel organization was organized about the same time and adopted the name Mainstay. Its mission was to help battered women.

Within two years the two groups merged and occupied space in the Historic Court House. Over the years Mainstay has moved to several locations, but was located for almost 10 years on South Main Street. A major accomplishment was the establishment in 2006 of a four- unit transitional housing apartment building, built in cooperation with the Hendersonville Housing Assistance Corporation. This allowed clients to make a more gradual return to stable, safe, and independent housing. In early 2008, Mainstay moved to 133 Fifth Avenue West providing them with more space for child-friendly areas for daycare and play plus continuity of all other programs.

Mainstay utilizes the services of over 100 volunteers in areas of support groups, individual counseling for victims and their children, case management, court support and advocacy, outreach, transitional housing and daycare. The Purple Ribbon, Mainstay’s Thrift Store, provides a resource for direct assistance to clients who have needs for clothing and small household items. Primarily volunteers also staff this program.

Trinity continues to support Mainstay through its Local Mission Ministry budget. You are invited to call Mainstay, 693-3840, for a tour or to volunteer your time.

The Council on Aging for Henderson County

The Council on Aging for Henderson County is an independent, non-government agency. As a private non-profit organization, it relies heavily on the community for support.

During these difficult, economic times, the Council finds itself unable to provide Meals on Wheels for all those who need them. Sales at the Council on Aging Thrift Stores on Church Street and in Etowah are also down. In addition, community contributions are less probably due to the economy. Meals on Wheels has only enough funding available to serve 44 people a day in the months of May and June. However, they are currently serving 240 per day and have 37 on a waiting list.

Additional services provided by the Council include the Partnership for Independent Living, a Congregate Meal Program, and the Sammy Williams Center for Active Living. Professional staff provide Geriatric Case Management for older adults on a sliding fee scale. A strong volunteer base helps stretch the dollars. Last year volunteers donated over 16,875 hours to the community through their work for the agency.

Trinity contributes financially to the Council on Aging through its Local Mission budget, and many members are part of the volunteer force. Trinity member, Marian Lowry, is currently Chair of the Board. Your support in time and money is greatly appreciated. Donations to the thrift store are also welcomed.

If you are interested in volunteering or need more information, please call 828-692-4203.

Blue Ridge Literacy Council (5/08)

Did you know that there are over 20,000 English speaking adults in Henderson County who cannot read? Blue Ridge Literacy Council is addressing this need by offering programs in three areas:

• Basic literacy for Americans who didn't learn to read in school
• Learning disabilities program for adults who need multi-sensory phonologically-based structured learning programs
• ESL (English as a second language)

In the past year 346 students were tutored by 186 volunteers in these areas. Volunteer tutors are provided training and previous teaching experience is not necessary. All that is needed is an interest in helping adults learn and the ability to speak, read and write English.

Are you interested in helping meet and eliminate a waiting list for services? Contact he Literacy Council at 696-3811 or www.litcouncil.org. Diane Bowers, a member of Trinity is the Executive Director.

Hendersonville Rescue Mission (4/08)

The Hendersonville Rescue Mission is one of the agencies in Henderson County supported by Trinity Presbyterian Church through its Local Mission Ministry. The Rescue Mission has served members of the community for over 26 years. At their current location on Maple Street, men, women and children are given assistance by Mission staff.

In a recent 12 month period 64,518 meals were served; 1,406 individuals were sheltered (including 72 children); 3,775 hours of individual counseling were provided and at least 22 people made decisions for Christ.

Volunteers are needed in many capacities. Please call 697-1354 to inquire how your special talents can be used.

The Hendersonville Rescue Mission receives no support from local, state or federal government funding; thus, our contributeion to the agency is very important.

Please pray for those are served and those who serve.