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MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
MISSION & OUTREACH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
By the Rev. Robin Hinkle
After much anticipation, I am delighted to finally be working with you as your new Associate for Mission and Outreach. These first couple of months have been a whirlwind of introductions, both with you here at Saint Michael and with our partners in ministry in the Dallas community and beyond. I have especially enjoyed getting to know our longtime ministry partners. I have visited many of their sites, and have had wonderful conversations about their Covid experiences, their re-opening and their dreams for the future. All our partners had to adjust during the Covid shutdown, which they used as an opportunity to revitalize and rethink the programs they provide. The timing of my arrival therefore seems to be fortuitous as they are ready to move forward in new ways, just as we here at the church are ready to do so as well.
I see my position as work in two broad areas: 1. Creating expanded volunteer opportunities for impactful outreach for all ages to deepen our faith as disciples of our Lord; and 2. Working in collaboration with community partners to address, through major initiatives, some of the issues that impact many of our neighbors including poverty, addiction, mental health and education.
This work has already begun. You will find in this issue, many old and new ways to volunteer, with more to come. Please let me, your Mission and Outreach Committee, or Christi Morrow know of your ideas for outreach ministry—we are actively expanding our network. And sign-up today to share your unique gifts with our neighbors in need!
AUNT BETTE’S COMMUNITY PANTRY AT ST. PHILIP’S SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTER
Client-choice food pantry located in the heart of South Dallas which provides quality food items to hungry individuals and families.
• Pantry Volunteer: stocking or distributing groceries to families
AUSTIN STREET CENTER
Transforming lives of those experiencing housing insecurity through innovative programs while providing the basic needs of food and shelter.
• Cooking team: Prepare dinner to be served to Austin Street Center clients
• Serving Team: Serve dinner to the homeless at Austin Street Center
• Welcome Center Assistant: Serve at front Welcome desk at Austin Street Center
• Center for Community Engagement Intake Assistant
• Guest Services Assistant: Serve at Guest Services Desk within Austin Street Center
• Clothing Room Assistant: Organize clothing donations and assist with distribution
BACHMAN LAKE TOGETHER
To unite the Bachman Lake community to fully prepare children for kindergarten— academically, socially, and emotionally— so they can thrive in school and in life.
• Back to School Bash: Distribute uniforms and school supplies and assist with programs
• Community Workday: Day of Service—Repairs and Clean-up
• Parent Mixer and Panels: Share a meal and participate in parent mixer and panels/creating community connections
• Immigration Issues: Work with Bachman Lake adults on immigration issues
GATEWAY OF GRACE
Integrate and empower refugees to become productive members of society by mobilizing the Church and building Christ-centered relationships, including refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine.
• ESL Classroom Teaching Assistant: Work with refugee adults and children
• Conversational English Tutors: Work with refugee adults
JUBILEE PARK & COMMUNITY CENTER
Comprehensive community revitalization.
• Senior Meals: Provide warm conversations and food for Jubilee seniors
• Senior Bingo: Volunteer at Jubilee Bingo
• Senior Crafts: Help our seniors tap into their creative side during Jubilee’s senior arts-and-crafts program.
• Community Garden: Plant a seed of change at Jubilee! Help our Jubilee gardener grow produce for our families
• Classroom Tutor: Provide mentorship and academic support for our Jubilee students!
• Youth Sports Coach: Make lasting bonds with our Jubilee kids and promote health and teamwork at our Jubilee Sports Club!
• Senior Citizen Field Trips: Provide much-needed companionship for our senior citizens by chaperoning a Jubilee field trip.
• Food Pantry: Staff our new Jubilee Pantry!
• Hallway Decorating: Brighten up our hallways for our Jubilee students by decorating hallways and doors.
• STEM and Art Kits: Help fuel Jubilee programs from afar by making STEM and craft kits! This volunteer opportunity can occur at home.
• Snack bags: Provide snack bags for our Jubilee campers! Volunteers will provide and pack snack bags to be used during after school or summer programming
NORTH DALLAS SHARED MINISTRIES
Interfaith community partnership providing emergency assistance to families in North and West Dallas including, food, clothing, medical and dental services, and housing assistance.
• Clothes Closet: Organize and distribute clothes
• Food Distribution: Pack grocery bags and distribute to clients
• ESL Teachers: Assist/tutor ESL adults
• Client Intake: Meet with prospective clients
• Client Interviews: Assemble information and assist with referrals to resources
PROJECT MOSES
Highlighting the truths of human trafficking and sharing the light of Christ with survivors.
• Meal Drop-off: Provide monthly meals to survivors at New Friends New Life
• Advocates: Human Trafficking Awareness Month projects and activities
• Education: Providing and hosting education and advocacy events
SAINT MICHAEL POSITIONS
• Community Collaborator: Liaison between SMAA and a ministry partner
• Mission & Outreach Committee: Leadership Team to plan and coordinate SMAA M&O Ministry
• Collection Drive: Leader or team position
• Young Adult Planning Committee: Leadership team to plan and coordinate Young Adult projects
• Youth Planning Committee: Leadership team to plan and coordinate Youth projects
• Family and Children Planning Committee: Leadership team to plan and coordinate Children's projects
VNA MEALS ON WHEELS
VNA Meals on Wheels provides hot, nutritious, freshly prepared meals to Dallas County residents who cannot obtain or prepare meals for themselves.
• Meal Delivery: Drivers deliver 10–15 meals to homebound seniors
• Special Treats: Assist with Christmas bags and other treats to distribute to seniors on the routes
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Tela Honduras Mission Trip: Mission Team Member for dental, vision, light construction, and children's education programming. 1 week in February.
• Amistad Bolivia Mission Trip: Mission Team Member for children's and family ministry at Amistad orphange and family center. 1 week in August.
For more information on how to get involved, contact one of the staff members below.
THE REV. ROBIN HINKLE Associate for Mission & Outreach rhinkle@saintmichael.org
CHRISTI MORROW Mission & Outreach Coordinator cmorrow@saintmichael.org
SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/OUTREACH
