Known To Me Forums

Backpacks for Amigos! Why the school supply distribution?

2010-07-14T16:27:12-06:00

From La Vina Harvesting Families for Christ.
Why do a school supply distribution?

In every household all across the US the beginning of August means back to school prep. Here in Mexico it is the same. Although school is offered to everyone. The expense of it can be very daunting to the families in our neighborhood. So we have chosen to partner with them during this time. You may be asking yourself, how is this bringing the kingdom of God into their lives? Why put resources into the community school? This is why:
The school here, because of projects like this, has pretty much opened their doors completely to us and given us freedom to come and be with the kids whenever we want. A few weeks ago they allowed us to share an amazing drama that bold proclaimed the Good News of salvation to over half of the school (close to 200 kids)! We want to continue with projects like this one so that our relationship with the school continues to grow and we are given more opportunities like that one.
When we do the school supply distribution we do it in different tiers. In one tier parents earn a backpack and supplies for their kids, paying nothing. Another tier makes it possible for parents earn the backpack and buy the supplies. The supplies are at a fraction of the cost. This is one of our most effective outreaches because of this system. Parents leave with an extreme sense of satisfaction because they earned/bought their child’s supplies. This affirms to them their sense of pride and self-worth. Also by selling the supplies for a small amount, helps off set the cost for us and opens us up to provide the service to more people. This time of year everyone has this need, so EVERYONE comes. WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY!

This is also about helping families break the circle of poverty they are in. Many families take out loans in order to cover the back to school expenses, which turns around to bite them with interests. It is also very common for families to buy the supplies at the corner store which sells pencils, markers, even paper individually. That way they only buy what they need right then. Here is an example: For a homework assignment they only need a red and a blue colored pencil. So they go to the store and just buy the red and blue. The next week though they need a different color and back to the store they go. In the end they spend what would have bought two complete boxes of colored pencils, all because they couldn’t afford the complete box. Then the circle of poverty continues on. We provide the complete supplies at a price they can afford, thus breaking the circle.

On Tuesdays I have a Bible study with a group of women. When we read the passage for that day only half of them look at the Bible. The other half don’t bother because they CAN"T read. It breaks my heart to see this every week. I yearn for these women to open God’s word and hear His Spirit talk directly to their hearts. I want them to soak in his word everyday. But I know that if they can’t read, it is not going to happen for them. In order for them to hear God’s word and learn it someone else has to read to them. Can you imagine not being able to read God’s word for yourself? I CAN"T! That’s why it is become a real passion of mine to partner with this school. I want these kids to read the Bible for themselves and feel it come to life.
This outreach is really not about school supplies. It is about connecting with people, breaking bonds of poverty, and making God’s word accessible.
See the school supply list here:
http://www.knowntome.net/index.php/site/Backpacks_for_Amigos/

More information from the local organizer of the Backpacks for Amigos
http://www.knowntome.net/index.php/site/comments/backpacks_for_amigos/

A few local Outreach Opportunities

2010-06-24T12:04:16-06:00

This list is compiled by Windsor Road Christian Church.

Center for Women in Transition

The Center for Women in Transition (CWT) is a not-for-profit homeless shelter that offers support services and safe transitional housing to disadvantaged women and their children. CWT depends on volunteer help to make their services available, but many of these positions are filled by college students who are unable to serve in the summer months.

Volunteers are needed to serve these families in crisis in the following ways:

*Leading Bible studies or Sunday services for a small group

*Cleaning, maintenance, and decoration of the facility

*Playing with children in the playroom or children’s programs

*Providing meals or transportation

To get involved or for more information, contact Cathy Koerber at ckoerber at illinoisalumni dot org.

Mahomet Area Youth Club
Mahomet Area Youth Club (MAYC) is a local nonprofit that provides programming for at-risk kids and teens. They serve approximately 100 kids between the ages of 6 and 18 every month, with activities in the areas of life skills, character & leadership development, health & nutrition, creative arts & expression, and sports & recreation.

Several teen members have recently designed a T-shirt with a piece of art entitled “War of Words.” This written work is meant to encourage others to consider the power of words, and is available for sale. You can view a sample shirt at the Connect and Serve area in the WRCC foyer. All proceeds will be donated to MAYC.

To place an order, contact MAYC at 590-2860, or email Mary Vita Rosmarino at mvrosmarino at mchsi dot com.

Eastern Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center

Refugees and immigrants from all over the world come to Champaign-Urbana to live and work. For help with material needs, employment services, language and translation help, and other resettlement issues, many of them turn to the Eastern Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center (ECIRMAC).

However, these vital programs depend in part on support from the state of Illinois, and long overdue state funding means that they are currently in jeopardy. ECIRMAC lacks the means to operate for even another month without immediate financial assistance. More information can be found in the News-Gazette article at this link: Refugee Center Faces Potential Closure.

To get involved, call ECIRMAC at 344-8455. Donations can be sent to 302 S. Birch, Urbana 61801.

Salt & Light Ministry
Salt & Light’s July Community Night will be on Tuesday the 6th. Come out between the hours of 6 and 8 pm to do a variety of volunteer tasks appropriate for both adults and children. Or, you can stop by any Wednesday afternoon between 1 and 5 to help with weekly food distribution. No sign-up is necessary, just show up! To get more information, contact Nathan Montgomery, (217) 355-5654 or by email at nathan at saltandlightministry dot org.

Also, the “Can-less Food Drive” continues during the month of June. Donation jars can be found at over 200 participating businesses in Champaign, Urbana, and Mahomet. All financial contributions will be used by Salt & Light to purchase food for their weekly distribution.

Other News

On Saturday, July 3rd, the annual Independence Day Children’s Parade will be held at the Champaign County Nursing Home. This event is a way to give an Independence Day celebration back to those who can no longer attend one. The parade kicks off at 4 pm, and prizes will be awarded for wagon and stroller decoration, patriotic costumes, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. If your child wants to participate or you’d like to volunteer to help, contact Henry Miller at 637-4357, or ibtid at netzero dot net.

Another agency that depends heavily on student volunteers is Champaign’s Crisis Nursery. The Nursery provides round-the-clock care for children who are homeless or in crisis, as well as family counseling, parenting education, and support groups. However, kids must be turned away if there aren’t enough adult volunteers to care for them. If you’ve got 2 hours a week to help with this urgent need, or if you’d like information on other ways to help, call Meghan Rewers at 337-2731, or click on the link at left.

“...If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well…If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” (Romans 12:7a-8, NLT) For some ways to put these gifts to work locally, check into the ministry of Empty Tomb. Support is needed through financial donations, involvement in national church programs, and volunteering to help those in need directly with food, clothing, home repair, and many other services. To learn more, click the empty tomb link at left, or talk to Shannon Cook at 356-2262.

The U of I’s Intensive English Institute has a program called Conversation Partners, which pairs up people from the community with international students to practice their English. It’s a great opportunity to share the gospel with the nations. Students come from all over the world—Kazakhstan, China, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Latin America. Volunteers meet with a group of 2-3 IEI students for 1 hour every week for English conversation and social activities. The SU10 program will run for 6 weeks, from June 22nd to July 30th. The FA10 program will run for 12 weeks, from September 7th to December 3rd. You can sign up at http://www.iei.uiuc.edu/ConvoPartners.htm or email Megan Ficek at convopartners at ad dot uiuc dot edu

Apron and Dessert Auction for our very own Ludlati Mission!

2010-06-22T16:47:41-06:00

This Sunday come join the KnownToMe.net community for a fun event for ladies!!!
We will have fun, sassy aprons for silent and live auction and raffle. We will also have silent and live auction for desserts and more fun stuff.

See the flyer here:
http://www.knowntome.net/index.php/site/Aprons_for_Orphans_Event

Proceeds benefit our mission to Swaziland this fall!

Sunday, June 27, 2010
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Westside Church
1501 W. Park
Champaign, IL

Facebook event announcement (RSVP here if you have not done so elsewhere):
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=117695888275500
Pictures of some of the items:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057679&id=1081530440&ref=mf

Benefit Concert for Salt and Light

2010-06-22T16:37:07-06:00

This show has been put together by some young people who are excited to give of their time and talents for others. Let’s support them!

Friday, June 25, 2010 at 7:00pm
Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 7:00pm

Independent Media Center
202 S Broadway Ave
Urbana, IL

There will be a variety of local bands including The 7.5 Theory, Angel’s Wings, Our Only Sanctuary and Mark My Words. Event is free but any donations will go to benefit Salt and Light and the Independent Media Center. The Concert is on both the 25th and 26th of June at 700 pm. The Show will run between an hour and two hours feel free to come in and go out. Casual setting. Refreshments will be served.
Facebook event announcement:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=130114380344962

In His Hands Orphan Outreach- Sibling group adoption/older child hosting

2010-06-06T19:50:44-06:00

In His Hands Orphans Outreach Announcement from Michelle McGowan
Sibling Group from the Philippines need adoptive family:
Please help Kyle, Ronald and Mark to find a family. They are 4, 7 and 8. I got to spend time with these adorable boys while in the Philippines 6 weeks ago. They would be a wonderful blessing to a fortunate mom and dad. They also speak English. The family that was going to adopt them cannot do so now. The boys believe they have a family waiting for them and how terrible it would be to break their hearts, so we hope to find a family really soon. The adoption tax credit is now $13,170 for each child you adopt, so their adoption would end up being free once the money is returned to you. If you have any interest in finding out about these boys, please let me know what questions you have. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please show the picture around. I also have a lot of other pictures of the boys if you want to see them.
Orphan Hosting Program Update: We are still looking for a host family for Raymond. Raymond is a great 13 year old boy that I got to meet. Maybe you have already raised your children and would like to welcome an older child into your family. The 3 week August program is most likely Raymond’s last chance to ever find a family. Please contact me if you may be interested in hosting Raymond.
Please contact michelledmcgowan at gmail dot com for pictures and more information.
Here is the website of In His Hands Orphans Outreach a Central IL group near Springfield
http://inhishandsorphans.org/index.shtml

Downs Family Wheelchair Accessible Van Fund Raiser Garage Sale

2010-06-03T17:38:22-06:00

**** HUGE Multi Family Fundraiser ****
1505 W. Charles, Champaign (corner of Charles and Westlawn) Friday and Saturday 8:00 to 2:00,
Illini Snowman, stereo, books galore, holiday items, collectibles, American Girl dolls and clothes, porcelain dolls, TOYS, strollers – double and single, baby-adult clothes, furniture, lamps, full size bed, coffeemakers, linens, 2 drawer filing cabinet, plastic storage containers, pet supplies, TV’s, rocking chair, wall hangings, DVD’s, VHS tapes, camping equipment, end tables, counter size table and two stools, Pack and Play, many baby comforters and bumper pads, suitcases, baby furniture and accessories, Math-U-See blocks, golf clubs, antique utensils, silverware, knife sets, TONS of misc. Cash only!
All proceeds go to Downs Family of Champaign to assist them in purchasing a wheelchair accessible van for their 5 year old son.

Adoption Fund Raiser Huge Garage sale 6/3,4,5/2010

2010-06-02T12:06:46-06:00

Kneller Family Adoption Fundraiser Garage Sale
Huge multi-family garage sale. 1401 W. Healey, Champaign. All proceeds go towards the adoption of our 2 year old little boy. Thursday, 6/3 4-7pm; Friday, 6/4 7am-2pm; Saturday, 6/5 7am-2pm. Antique piano, air hockey table, rocking chairs, radial arm saw, couch & love seat, exersaucers, barely used black Weber grill, tons of books, household, toys and gently worn clothes.

The above garage sale is in Champaign.
See this forum post linked below for two more garage sales in St. Joe-one for Ludlati mission trip fundraising, one for adoption fundraising.
http://www.knowntome.net/index.php/forums/viewthread/72/

Note: I was there today. There are SO MANY deals at this sale. Sale is in the front, side and back!

Fundraising Garage Sale for the Ludlati Mission Trip

2010-06-02T09:05:02-06:00

Hello Friends,
I am hosting a personal fund raising garage sale for my trip with our team heading to the Ludlati Carepoint in September. It is a multi-family sale as many folks have donated lots of wonderful items. I have a black leather rocking chair, bed rails for any size bed. Home decor, and TONS of children’s clothing sizes vary to some baby items- to lots of clothes in the sizes of 4T to 7/8 for girls to some baby boy items to lots of 18 months to 4T, not to mention a ton of children’s shoes. We have lots of women and men’s clothing as well!

ALSO, my neighbors across the street are hosting a GIGANTIC 20 family sale the same time and dates for the adoption of their adoptive daughter they will be bringing home from China! Too many items to list but an incredible amount of clothes and furniture!

The sales are on Wingstem Drive in St. Joseph, IL (the newer subdivision behind Dairy Queen right off the highway)
Hours of the sales are Thursday 4-7pm, Friday 8-5pm, Saturday 8-noon. June 3rd-5th!

Call Michelle with questions 217.469.1022 and pray for NO RAIN

See the link below for another adoption fundraising sale in Champaign
http://www.knowntome.net/index.php/forums/viewthread/73/

Partnering Against Homelessness (PAH)

2010-05-27T05:41:56-06:00

Information from Windsor Rd. Christian Church

Partnering Against Homelessness

Here are some ways to get involved with PAH as they address the needs of the homeless in our community.

*Bible studies or Sunday services are currently being conducted by volunteers at both the TIMES Center in Champaign and the Salvation Army, but interested folks are also needed to provide similar services at A Woman’s Place and the Center for Women in Transition.

*Many students help out during the school year, but now that summer is upon us, the Center for Women in Transition is in need of help to renovate, clean, and decorate their facilities, play with kids in their play groups, and provide meals and transportation.

*Every Thursday night from 6 to 8 pm, PAH makes a weekly “Canteen Run.” Several volunteers use the Salvation Army Emergency Response Vehicle to visit the library, campus, the Illinois Terminal, and other locations to pray with and distribute food and other items to those with no place to go. There are plenty of spaces for you to ride along and be part of this ministry, and they are also in need of donations of coats, blankets, socks, and pre-packaged food items for distribution.

To get involved with PAH in any of these ways, you can contact Barb Davies at BJD830 at sbcglobal dot net or (217) 417-7601. For opportunities specifically at the Center for Women in Transition, contact Cathy Koerber at ckoerber at illinoisalumni dot org.

Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a local homeless community currently being temporarily housed at Restoration Urban Ministries. On June 1st, their time at RUM will end, and they will be seeking other non-shelter solutions for housing. Let me know if you’re interested in hearing more about the following needs.
*Mentoring—A partner in the process of finding housing solutions, seeking employment, and developing life skills can be a valuable support to someone currently homeless.

*Housing locations—A small group of Safe Haven members is seeking property owners or managers who will offer living space in exchange for “sweat equity”—the completion of needed maintenance, renovation, or repairs.
http://www.safehavencu.org/

Don attended The Justice Institute at Twin City Bible Church in early2010. There was an enlightening talk about Homelessness and about local needs. If you are considering working with the homeless for the first time, it would really be worth listening to. It is available as an MP3 at the Ning site for THe Justice Institute. If you are interested in being linked to the Ning site email Don at knowntome dot net
See the message below.

Help Salt and Light find other businesses for the “Canless Food Drive”

2010-05-21T18:53:52-06:00

Help Salt and Light find other businesses in the area not currently on their list for the “Canless Food Drive” by clicking on the following link:

http://www.knowntome.net/saltandlight_stats.html

Have the business person email or call Melany Jackson at the following email or phone number:

Melany at SaltandLightMinistry dot org
217-355-5654

They can use the help. Thanks.