Outreach Committee Duties and Job Description
Outreach Committee is responsible for developing and sustaining our church's relationship with the world beyond its own borders, through charitable Stewardship and Social Action pursuits.
Duties include:
1. Guide and develop the church's charitable stewardship and social action programs and activities. At each meeting , there is discussion about ways the committee/church may best benefit those in need of support and advocacy, with our efforts and resources. Committee members have direct contact with local organizations, keeping us in touch with current necessities in the community. We also have GCC representation at monthly meetings of the Greater Laconia Ministerial Association, where regional issues and activities are discussed. Sometimes the pastor, a congregant, or someone local but unrelated to the church brings Outreach topics directly to our attention, as all are welcome to do. For example, in recent years the primary emphasis of Outreach has been in areas of Food, Clothing, Housing, Youth and Seniors. Based on requests from church members, those priorities have been extended to include Healthcare and Supporting Our Troops (active and veterans).
2. Allocate Outreach stewardship funds throughout the year, to address necessities on local, national and global levels, as well as support religious and denominational associations as appropriate. Each year a budgeted amount of stewardship funds for Outreach use is voted on at the Annual Meeting. These funds are applied to Outreach program expenses and quarterly charitable distributions, with recipient organizations and amounts determined by the committee. In addition, Outreach may sponsor special collections or events with funds directed to a specific cause, such as disaster relief or veteran support.
3. Inform and educate the congregation, to raise awareness and encourage constructive action regarding stewardship beneficiaries and issues of social significance. Information regarding Outreach pursuits and concerns is provided regularly through newsletter articles, bulletin notices and special presentations. Congregants may also explore the purpose, activities and volunteer possibilities of many organizations supported by the church with their representatives, at the annual GCC Outreach Expo.
4. Provide participation opportunities for social service projects and volunteerism. Outreach provides these opportunities through coordination and/or support of a range of church and local programs, such as GCC Food Pantry, Friendly Kitchen, Gilford Got Lunch, Hands Across The Table, Holiday Food Baskets, Christmas Mitten and Tag Gifts and various clothing collections.
5. Create and pursue active alliances with community organizations and institutions, to collaborate on assisting in areas of social concern. This is an expanding endeavor. For instance, the committee has long worked closely with Gilford School District to address the needs of students in areas of clothing, food or school supplies. Outreach is also involved with St. Vincent de Paul programs and local shelters, New Beginnings and Belknap House. Started in 2018, Outreach affiliate, Gilford Senior Resource Team pursues cooperative efforts with area groups and agencies for coordination and further development of Senior activities and services in the greater Gilford community. These efforts also incorporate Child and Youth participation when appropriate. Initial contacts included Parks and Recreation Senior Momentum, Gilford Youth Center, Gilford Public Schools, Gilford Public Library, Wesley Woods, ServiceLink, Community Action Program, First United Methodist Church Health Ministry and Gilford Police and Fire Departments.
Included below are some of the programs we sponsor.
Community
Outreach-Community #5016a
Food
Food pantry at GCC (grocery/household/personal items to individuals, families and local organizations)
Friendly Kitchen (funds, food volunteers)
Hands Across the Table - HATT (funds, food volunteers) - [email protected]. 603-524-5800
Hands Across the Table offers a free hot meal every Wednesday evening for those seeking food and/or friendship and support.
Their Mission: To feed all who are hungry in body and spirit. We do so willingly and with compassion and understanding.
Holidays Food Bags (bags, gift cards, food, volunteers)
New Hampshire Food Bank - NHFoodBank.org, Phone: 603-669-9725
Housing
Belknap House (holiday bags and personal/household items, food, funds) - BelknapHouse.org, Phone: (603) - 527 - 8097
Mission: Belknap House's mission is to provide families in Belknap County a safe shelter, when children are particularly at risk during homelessness, and to empower families to become self-sufficient and independent by providing opportunities of education and resources available to them.
Carey House (holiday bags and food, household items) - https://nne.salvationarmy.org/laconia, Phone: (603)524-1834
New Beginnings (holiday bags and grocery/personal items from Congregation and Gals Night Out) - https://www.newbeginningsnh.org
Mission: New Beginnings – Without Violence & Abuse is dedicated to ending sexual, domestic, and stalking violence through the provision of safe and effective services, including emergency refuge and support; and works toward social change by promoting an effective community response to violence.
Healthcare
Farnum Center in Manchester/Franklin - https://farnumcenter.org, tel:603-622-3020
Their Mission: Helping individuals and families find their way to a life free of the effects of alcohol and other drugs through comprehensive treatment and recovery services, open to all.
Lakes Region Mental Health Center - https://www.lrmhc.org, 603-524-1100
Their Mission & Values
Respect, Advocacy, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence
Lakes Region Mental Health Center’s mission is to provide integrated mental and physical health care for people with mental illness while creating wellness and understanding in our community. Our vision is to be the community leader providing quality, accessible and integrated mental and physical health services, delivered with dedication and compassion.
Denomination
American Baptist Churches of VT/NH - www.abc-usa.org/Regions/american-baptist-churches-of-vermont-and-new-hampshire
Support Our Troops
Camp Resilience - [email protected], 978-219-4003
The Mission
Using the scenic beauty of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the Patriot Resilient Leader Institute runs Camp Resilience for service members, veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. Camp Resilience retreats combine facilitated peer-to-peer counseling and outdoor experiential learning activities to help attendees to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Fields of Flags
Freedom Fuel - https://www.dutileoil.net/free-fuel-for-veterans.html, 603-5245217
If there is a Veteran that can not pay for his or her fuel oil or kerosene during the season, then they may be eligible for the free fuel. This fuel is also for those that are in combat at this time.
Local/Regional
Greater Laconia Ministerial Association (GLMA)
Isaiah 61 Cafe (food, volunteers, funds, item collections) - http://isaiah61cafe.org
Our Mission
Isaiah 61 Café is a nonprofit organization (IRS approved 501c3) providing a place for the less fortunate and brokenhearted in Laconia to have access to bathroom facilities, showers, lockers, washer and dryers on a daily basis. We provide food, clothing and supplies from donations, as well as purchased items. We provide daily Bible studies and training for the development of life, parenting and job skills. As needed, we provide transportation, and work as advocates with social services and state assistance. We also provide worship in music and message to inspire the less fortunate and brokenhearted to find hope, healing and purpose in life.
Salvation Army - https://nne.salvationarmy.org/laconia
MISSION STATEMENT
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
National/International
African Food and Peace Foundation - https://www.afpfonline.org
Church World Service - https://cwsglobal.org
The mission: Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless.
Seafarers Friend - https://www.seafarersfriend.org, Toll Free:1 855-661-0330
Our mission at Seafarer's Friend is to extend the ministry of the churches to meet the unmet spiritual, social and practical needs of seafarers in the New England Maritime Community.
Older Adults
Outreach-Community #5016a
Gilford Senior Resource Team
Youth
Outreach-Youth #5016b
Gilford Got Lunch (food, volunteers, school backpacks* - see GCC Projects for Youth) - https://www.gilfordgotlunch.com
The Mission of Gilford Got Lunch is to provide healthy and nutritious breakfasts and lunches to school aged children within the Gilford School District on weekends and school vacations including the summer months, who may otherwise go hungry.
Stand-Up-Laconia
Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region - https://www.lakeskids.org
Our clubs offer safe, fun and enriching before school, after school and summer camp programs for elementary through high-school aged youth in the Lakes Region.
Court Appointed Special Advocates of NH (CASA) - https://www.casanh.org, (603) 626-4600
Their Goal and Mission:
Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Hampshire provides a voice for abused and neglected children and youth by empowering a statewide network of trained volunteers to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. It is our goal to provide an advocate for 100 percent of New Hampshire’s children in need.
LRCS Family Resource Center Penny Sale (children buy holiday gifts for family) - https://www.lrcs.org/family-resource-center, (603) 581-1571
Strong families lead to strong communities. This core belief drives the Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire. For hundreds of families living in the Lakes Region, the Family Resource Center provides respectful, non-judgmental services to help families build resiliency, make positive connections and prepare their children for ongoing success. The Family Resource Center offers programs and services in both Laconia and Plymouth, serving families in Belknap & Southern Grafton counties.
St. Vincent de Paul (Tag Gifts/Food Pantry items) - https://www.stvdplaconia.org, (603) 524-5470
Their Mission: Providing material assistance in a spirit of Christian love and justice to those in need in the Lakes Region by establishing programs, both directly and in concert with other organizations, which will provide both temporary relief and helpful solutions.
Kids4Peace NH/VT - https://k4p.kindful.com
Camps
Camp Sentinel - https://www.campsentinel.org, (603) 539-4839
Their mission is to create a welcoming environment for Christian relationship building and spiritual renewal. Within the stillness of God's creation and through the guidance of the staff, people are moved from discovery into authentic relationships with others and with Jesus Christ.
Circle Program - https://www.circleprogram.org, (603) 536-4244
Their Mission
Empower, transform, and enrich girls’ lives through community, connection, camp, and mentorship.
Gilford Youth Center - http://www.gilfordyouthcenter.com, 603-524-6978
The Gilford Youth Center’s (GYC) mission is to provide a safe, affordable, and inclusive facility (environment) for Gilford and the Lakes Region which offers educational, athletic, and community opportunities for youth, adults and families to improve the quality of life.
Mayhew Program - https://www.mayhew.org, (603) 744-6131
Mayhew challenges and helps at-risk New Hampshire boys to believe in themselves, work well with others, and find their best.
GCC Projects for Youth
Back to School backpacks for Gilford Got Lunch (& New Beginnings as needed)
Santa Land Cookie Decorating
Special Holiday Donations (items and volunteers, no funds)
Christmas Mittens ("adopted" family Christmas gifts)
