This month’s Outreach Partner

First Unitarian Outreach Partners receive 50% of the collections in the service offertory basket for 2 months. A minimum of two opportunities to be involved in the organization’s work are offered during the same 2 month time period. To learn more about the Community Outreach Partner Program, including how to apply, go to ucdsm.org/faith-in-action

July / August 2016 We donated $2535 to Young Women’s Resource Center and about 40 volunteers gave more than 105 hours by making meals and providing child care at YWRC.

May / June 2016 We donated $2848 to Link Associates and 20 volunteers gave more than 35 hours of service by joining in on leisure activities such as softball, karaoke, and crafts, with the population Link Associates serves. In addition, the R.E. class made decorations for Link Associates’ Star Spangled Banner Dance.

March / April 2016 We donated $2233 to Central Iowa Shelter and Services and 19 volunteers provided 40 hours of service, to help support people experiencing homelessness. In addition, 36 bags of clothing and toiletries were donated by members and friends of First Unitarian.

January / February 2016 We donated $2847 to Family Promise of Greater Des Moines and 30 volunteers helped serve meals on 3 occasions, served as overnight hosts, and organized meetings to train volunteers and discuss possibilities of First Unitarian becoming a future host. In addition, more than 35 bedding items were donated by members and friends of First Unitarian.

November / December 2015 We donated $2717.49 to EMBARC and 60 volunteers helped organize and host an end-of-semester party for K-2nd grade refugees from Burma, and hosted a potluck and ice-skating gathering for middle school students through the EMBARC organization.

September / October 2015 Over $6,000 raised. Volunteers came together to sew and compile feminine hygiene kits for girls and women. We completed 145 kits and compiled another 35 kits just waiting for their carry bags.

July / August 2015 $2563.12 raised for Monsoon Inc. Twenty volunteers put in a collective of 100 hours working to build a fence and help improve the house Monsoon Inc. is preparing as a shelter for victims / survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in Iowa.