By Deacon Mary Delancey
The generosity our church has shown in the recent food drives for Interfaith Emergency Services continue almost 40 years of Grace Church’s support. In 1983, a group of churches in Marion County, including Grace Church, saw a need to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in crisis and established Interfaith with a mission to be a “community of faith called by God to offer assistance without judgment to all persons in Marion County.”
Interfaith serves people who are experiencing homelessness, as well as senior citizens, veterans, people with disabilities and the under-employed. Interfaith is probably best known for their food pantry where they serve thousands of individuals and families each year with grocery assistance.
The food pantry is only one service Interfaith provides. Interfaith operates a Thrift Store to generate funds for prescription medication assistance while offering quality merchandise at low prices. Their Food 4 Kids program sends backpacks home with enough food for each child in the household to eat over the weekend. Interfaith’s Center for Life, offers free medical, dental, vision and mental health services to those who are uninsured and of low-income.
The Emergency Shelter provides for single women, women with children and families that are experiencing homelessness while they work toward independence. At the Learning Center residents attend bible study, parenting, budgeting and other life-skill classes.
Interfaith relies 100% on donations to fund their programs and services. Our donations of food and supplies mean a great deal to Interfaith and help them to continue to serve those in need year round. Grace collects food every week for Interfaith and you can leave your donations in the Parish House on Sundays or drop them at the Church Office when you come to pick up communion. Grace provides dinner one Thursday every other month to shelter residents. If you would like to help with dinner, email projects@graceocala.org and let us know.
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