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A Hope and A Future
United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc. |
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Family Goes Back to School With Smiles
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"It's been a really tough time, and we're trying hard to get back on our feet," said Chris* during an interview in our offices.
Chris had come to ask for help with her electric bill. She had worked for many years as a CNA, but was unable to return to work after the birth of her last child. Her husband, a roofer, was having trouble getting enough jobs to keep the family going in this rough economy.
They downsized as much as they could, but it was difficult with the children to care for. The oldest son started giving the money from his part-time job to his parents and asked for as many hours as he could handle while still attending high school. They used up their savings and unemployment benefits ran out.
A short time later, Chris received more bad news. While they had managed to pay some of the electric bill, an unpaid balance remained. The electric company had issued a shut-off notice, and the family was about to be left in the dark. She was talking about her predicament with a friend who suggested she call 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares for help. 2-1-1 sent her to us.
Through our Family Support Services Program, Cooperative Ministries was able to pay the late payment and keep the family's lights on. The older children also received backpacks to start school off on the right foot.
Chris reports that roofing work is picking up and things are getting a bit better for the family. "Thank you for all you've done to help us," said Chris. "I don't know what we would have done without you."
Click here to learn more about Family Support Services.
*Name has been changed.
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Coming Events
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September 15, 8:30 am Welcome Breakfast Children of the World Preschool
October 17, 9:00 am New Office Opens
October 29, 1:00 pm Golf For Education Open presented by First UMC Clearwater
November 12, 9:00 am Community Service Day Ditty Bag Stuffing First UMC Dunedin November 17, 6:00 pm Share the Dream Banquet Ruth Eckerd Hall |
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We're Making a Big Move!
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Over the last two years, the Board of Directors and staff at Cooperative Ministries have been in a time of evaluation and strategic planning to take us into the next several years of ministry. We've looked at what works well and what doesn't work in these changing times, what we need to do more of and what we need to stop doing, and where we need to be to grab hold of the opportunities for service in our five-county area.
As a result of that work, we have a big change coming; the administrative office of the organization will be moving to Largo! Our new office will be located at 403 1st Avenue S, and our first day of operation at the new location will be October 17th.
During the move, we will be using a Post Office Box for mail. Please mail all correspondence to:
United Methodist Cooperative Ministries PO Box 1561 Largo, FL 33779
Over the next several weeks, we can use all the help we can get to make the move. If you or your group would like to volunteer, email contact@umcm.info for more information. We'll be working days, nights, and weekends, so whenever you are available is the perfect time.
Thank You! to the folks from Palm Harbor UMC, who came out to help with our first workday on August 20th. Part of the team painted two offices at the new location, while the rest cleaned and sorted toys and boxed up books and office supplies. It was a great day, and we appreciate everyone's hard work!
A heartfelt Thank You to Union Street United Methodist Church, which has been our home for ten years. We appreciate everything you've done to support us!
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Volunteer Spotlight
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Mary Ann and Joe
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Mary Ann and Joe Brito of Bradenton are passionate about their work with Cooperative Ministries' Pack-A-Sack 4 Kids program at Manatee United Methodist Church. "We just cannot stand the thought of children going hungry," said Mary Ann.
Two years ago, with the help of Rev. Neil Long and his wife, Valene, a Cooperative Ministries Board Member, the Britos led the pilot partnership for the program in Manatee County.
During the school year, the Britos purchase the food in bulk, sort it, assemble the sacks, and deliver the healthy snacks to Manatee Elementary School. "Our congregation supports the program wholeheartedly; I don't ever have to worry about the funding," said Mary Ann. To read more, click here.
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Golf for Education
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First United Methodist Church of Clearwater presents the
2011 Golf for Education Open
The Mission: Raise funds to support the P.A.S.S. Tutorial Program at First UMC Clearwater (a joint project of the church and Cooperative Ministries). 100% of all proceeds will go towards this program to aid children in our community who are having difficulty in school. Certified tutors work four days per week to provide these at-risk children with the help they so desperately need.
The Details:
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Location: Clearwater Golf Club
525 N. Betty Lane, Clearwater
Time: 1:00 pm Shotgun Start (Check-In from 12:00 - 1:00 pm)
Format: 4-Player Best Ball Scramble
Cost: $80 Individual, $300 Foursome if received before October 15th
Banquet: Dinner Buffet, Awards and Prizes in the Clearwater Golf Club Dining Room
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Did You Know...
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...that the University of South Florida sends its students to Cooperative Ministries for observation hours? Students studying to become ESL teachers attend tutoring sessions to observe the methods used by volunteer tutors in our program to learn effective practices in the field.
...that we are a designated charity for the Suncoast Combined Federal Campaign? If you are a government employee taking part in this year's 50th anniversary campaign (September 16 - December 15, 2011), you can designate your funds for Cooperative Ministries, CFC #61458. You can also make a pledge directly from our website just by clicking here.
...that we have Christmas Cards available? There are two styles this year, the cost is $10 for one dozen cards/envelopes, and all proceeds go to fund scholarships for students at the Children of the World Preschool. Click here to see samples and order cards. |
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Save the Date
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Share the Dream A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Thanksgiving November 17, 2011 6:00 - 8:30 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall If you Share the Dream - that all children might live in peace, have good nutrition and safe shelter, and get a good education - join us for our exciting celebration! We'll have a silent auction, enjoy great food, and honor some outstanding volunteers who are making a difference in our community. Best of all, our emcee for the night is Yolanda Fernandez of Channel 8 News! All proceeds will benefit Cooperative Ministries' programs for children and their families. For more details on how to attend, click here. |
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New Beginnings for P.A.S.S.
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This past summer, the students of the P.A.S.S. Tutorial Program went "Out of This World" during summer camp, learning about physics, the solar system, and even how to launch a rocket!
The children had so much fun and were so engaged by the enrichment activities that we have begun planning for a pilot program to introduce STEM activities year-round. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Hands-on activities in these subjects are used to improve the children's skills in reading and writing, as well.
Steps toward this new program were taken just a few days ago. The first site of the P.A.S.S. Tutorial Program opened on Tuesday, September 6th in new classrooms at First United Methodist Church of Dunedin. This P.A.S.S. program site, formerly at Union Street United Methodist Church, was able to grow from 47 to 55 students in its new home. We were excited to welcome back almost all of the students who participated in the program last year while adding many new students, including 12 first-graders! The new site provides space for the children to participate in activities that involve experimentation and movement, two elements that are vital for STEM programming.
Our second P.A.S.S. Tutorial Program site will be opening on September 19 with an expansion to serve first and second graders, and is provided in collaboration with First United Methodist Church of Clearwater. Registration is currently underway.
If you love STEM subjects and would like to volunteer in the program, we would love to have you! You can call the director, Andrea LaRochelle, at 727-442-6881 x 6 for more information, or email alarochelle@umcm.info. |
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Welcome Breakfast
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Please join us for our annual
Welcome Breakfast
for Gulf Central District Pastors in New Appointments
Thursday, September 15, 2011
8:30 - 10 a.m.
Children of the World Preschool
1801 62nd Avenue N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Clergy in new appointments are encouraged to attend and invited to bring others from their church who are involved in missions: mission committee chairs or coordinators, staff members, key mission volunteers, and their Cooperative Ministries Ambassador. The breakfast is also open to anyone who would like to know more about Cooperative Ministries, its programs and projects. We'll even tour the preschool!
Reservations required, call: 727-442-6881, ext. 5, or email kcarpenter@umcm.info.
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As you can see, it's a busy time of change and opportunity for our ministries. Your support
 has brought us to this point, and we look forward to the next few years with great hope and excitement. Thank you for making everything we do possible. Sincerely, Pamela Qualls, Executive Director
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| Want to Help? |
Would you like to be a part of one of the programs or projects of Cooperative Ministries? Click on one of the links below to get involved in the way that's best for you!
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| Info | United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc.
Mailing Address: PO Box 1561 Largo, FL 33779 Physical Address: 1625 Union Street
Clearwater, FL 33755-1363
(727) 442-6881
www.umcm.info
contact@umcm.info |
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