Volunteers in Mission (VIM

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The UNY Mission Central HUB put most operations on hold as state regulations associated with the pandemic put building occupancy on hold until July 2021. UMCOR kit counts dropped significantly during the HUB closure. Replenishing of supplies and return of volunteers are challenges. An established Amazon wish list is being promoted as one way to replenish and create cleaning kits. A few congregations have 5 worked within COVID restrictions to pack and deliver kits. 6 7 The Director of Missional Engagement retired effective September 30, 2021. Greg Forrester contracted to 8 support Disaster Response. 9 10 UMCOR introduced materials for remote ERT Recertification and Basic. Seven UNY trainers took the 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 UMCOR training on the modules. The pilot for remote ERT Basic is still open. Two trainers are not interested in offering remotely. UMCOR decided that trainers can only train in-conference. Tools for inperson registration, testing, evaluations, and materials creation were updated to be used in support of remote learning opportunities. Online training through VIM included a series of webinars through Zoom.

Volunteers-in-Mission rebuild project following Halloween 2019 flood is being turned over to local agencies. The VIM program to rehabilitating housing in Rochester to house refugee populations requested support of a program to supply functioning, used laptops for the refugee population. A used truck outfitted with toolboxes and covered bed was acquired in January to allow the volunteer/refugee teams to transport tools and materials. August 2021 Storm Fred impacted 350+ homes and private bridges in Steuben County. In January, the Small Business Association began low interest loans to homeowners. The VOAD set up office space with some projects to be carried out by VIM. The Albany area Refugee Immigrant and Support Services (RISSE) used an UMCOR Mustard Seed grant to supply bicycles to immigrants and refugees. The project established connections in the five involved churches and with refugees or immigrants.

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Feeding programs continue across the conference. Churches work with community resources, stores, and restaurants to meet the ongoing need. Amazon wish lists provide opportunities to donate. Volunteers across the connection donate and staff the feeding programs. Clothing needs are met with expanding clothes closets.

VIM work with organizations serving the pandemic-specific needs including housing, tutoring, ramp building, etc. The pandemic created opportunities for service in new ways.

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VIM Teams

Upper New York Conference curtailed teams based on COVID-19 safety protocols. UNYVIM Facebook page continues to list opportunities to serve are updated regularly.

VIM Leadership

Upper New York VIM Coordinator(s) meet with an advisory team consisting of 2 or more representatives from each district. All of VIM leadership including the coordinator(s) are volunteer.

Our eight-year tenure as UNY VIM coordinators ends when the Conference names our replacement(s). We resigned from the position on Jan. 12, 2022. The stepping down could lead the NEJVIM Board to name a replacement for Roger as treasurer. Submitted by: Roger and Donna Cullen, UNY Volunteers in Mission Coordinators