mission
Conference Advance Specials
The Advance Special began in 1948 and is an official church program for voluntary financial giving. Through the Advance Special, United Methodist individuals and groups support specific, approved mission programs or personnel with their financial gifts. Click here for additional information on the Advance, including different projects, missions, or ministries.
Africa University Endowed Scholarships #300
Brown Memorial UMC: Syracuse #910
Buffalo 10 Scholarship #528
Campership Fund #912
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc. #916
The Children’s Center for the Common Good #917
Creation Care #551
Gary Bergh Scholarship (Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel) #932
Haiti Partnership #936
Mission Central UNY HUB #951
Native American Mission, Onondaga Nation UMC #948
Native American Outreach/Transportation Program #950
New Places for New People (New Faith Communities) #664
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) #423
Seneca Street UMC: Buffalo #964
Southern Sudan Health Project #966
The Neighborhood Center #980
UMCOR Kits Shipment Dollars #974
Upper New York Immigrant and Refugees Ministries #718
Volunteers in Mission Scholarship Fund #988
Africa University Endowed Scholarships #300
As the Upper New York Annual Conference came together, Bishop Marcus Matthews called a team together to help raise awareness and one million dollars to permanently endow eight scholarships to Africa University. Under the leadership of Shirley Drake Byers, the team worked for several years to raise that awareness and those funds. Over the years the first four scholarships have been named for those who have been strong supporters of Africa University and the scholarship fund. In 2021, through the generous donations and the interest gained by the fund, the million-dollar goal was reached, and the additional four scholarships will be named at this year’s Annual Conference.
Funds are still being collected in the anticipation that more scholarships will be made available to students and the scholarships named into the future. Churches and individuals can help support the scholarship program through this advance special.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Africa University Endowed Scholarships #300
Contact Info:
Roger Ellis
285 Beecher Rd.
Granville, NY 12832
Phone: (518) 744-4288
Email: rgellis6@gmail.com
Brown Memorial UMC: Syracuse #910
Brown Memorial is a mission church in the Conference, located on the Near Westside of Syracuse. The 13204-zip code is one of the poorest zip codes in the United States. The neighborhood is known for its cultural diversity, low homeownership, high transiency, poor graduation rate from high school, high poverty, illiteracy, drug/alcohol abuse, and crime (75% of shots fired calls in Syracuse are in our zip code.)
The church’s mission statement is to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” Brown Memorial UMC does this by offering a free community meal every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (cooked and served by multiple congregational partners). Dinner is designed to build connection with the community. The weekly worship is held immediately following dinner on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Browm Memorial UMC offers homework help on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and the church upgraded its Wi-Fi during the pandemic to create a space for children to access the internet for homework purposes. Brown Memorial UMC has hosted Lay Servant training, National Grid fairs, a clothing closet, and multiple small groups. They fund the community food pantry, legal aid, AA, NA, and the facility is used as a community resource.
The pandemic has been especially hard for Brown Memorial UMC. Pre-COVID, the congregation had grown to 45 people in their Sunday worship celebrations. Post-COVID, the congregation is now 12 to 15. Brown Memorial continues to serve between 75 and 140 people every week at their community meals – but COVID restrictions required them to serve “take-out” only. In April 2022, Brown Memorial resumed their dine-in meals. There have been two dozen children in the tutoring programs and nearly 25 adults and youth in the life skills groups.
Brown Memorial hosts mission groups, confirmation classes, youth groups, and VIM teams who are looking for local mission opportunities. They partner with the Syracuse United Methodist Ministries for winter break “Safe Space” for kids and other city-wide projects.
Fundraising Goal: $8,000
Click here to donate to Brown Memorial UMC: Syracuse #910
Contact Info:
Rev. Dr. B.J. Norrix
228 Davis Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 726-2815 or the church (315) 478-5074
Email: bjnorrix@gmail.com
A white supremacist committed a horrific mass murder in Buffalo on May 14, 2022. Ten innocent people lost their lives by simply being at the grocery store and being Black. The shooter wounded three others and left countless others in the area traumatized. United Methodist leaders in the city remain committed to addressing the underlying manifestations of structural racism that made this attack possible. We are determined to confront the history of residential, economic, and social segregation based on race that created these circumstances. We choose love, and we are resolved that acts like this should never happen in any community.
This scholarship represents one small step toward building a better tomorrow. A disproportionate number of families in the area live beneath the poverty line. The world needs everyone to work for meaningful changes necessary to dismantle the remaining manifestations of racial, economic, health, and educational inequality. At its 2022 session, the Upper New York Annual Conference established a scholarship in the name of the Buffalo 10 for students from the 14208 zip code attending college. The hope being that these students will demonstrate a commitment to resolving these enduring problems and helping to heal the community. This offering will allow the gift received to be transformative, not only for the individual recipient, but potentially for those in the community as this individual will contribute to the efforts to build the beloved community.
For more information, read this article by Shannon Hodson on the UNY Conference website: https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/the-buffalo-10-scholarshipjust-the-beginning
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to Buffalo 10 Scholarship #528
Contact Info:
Dr. Scott Johnson
310 Baynes Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Phone: (716) 444-9320
Email: scottjphd@gmail.com
Camp and Retreat Ministry creates environments of Christian hospitality and learning designed to help people affirm and expand their faith in God, learn spiritual practices of Christian discipleship, grow in wisdom and in healthy self-esteem, establish lifestyles of loving interdependence with one another and all God's creation, and develop as spiritual leaders who serve to enhance the common good.
The campership fund enables children coming from families who cannot afford to pay the full amount of the summer camp fee, to receive a campership from the annual conference for the purpose of attending one week of summer camp at a Upper New York Camp & Retreat owned facilities: Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, and Sky Lake.
Fundraising Goal: $12,000
Click here to donate to Campership Fund #912
Contact Info:
Shari Mudge
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2026
Email: sharimudge@unyumc.org
Website: www.unyumc.org
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc. #916
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc (CCRM) began in the mid-1950’s and is an interfaith, non-denominational human service agency based on the belief that all people are deserving of adequate food, clothing, shelter and work opportunity by which to acquire basic needs. CCRM encourages self-determination and development, empowering clients to become contributing members of society. Currently operating 15 programs, which includes a soup kitchen, emergency food pantry, thrift store, book shop, gleaning project, food recovery program, advocacy, community gardens, cooking and nutrition workshops, Furniture Gallery, Nourish NY Food Distribution Program, Thanksgiving Holiday Program, Christmas Gift and Food Baskets, Muriel’s Closet (a higher end thrift store), Seed Starting Program, Emergency Housing Crisis, and Supervised Visitation Program. Below are some statistics for the programs for the year 2021.
- Friendly Kitchen – 38,974 meals served
- Emergency Food Pantry/Nourish NY Program – 174,732 meals distributed
- Gleaning Project: gleaned 42,030 pounds of food that otherwise would have been left in the fields to waste
- Cooking and Nutrition Workshops – held 12 Cooking and Nutrition workshops to assist families in eating healthy foods
- Food Recovery Program: received 159,000 pounds of food through local businesses, academic institutions and private donations which were in turn offered to those in our community as well as other emergency food relief organizations.
- Thanksgiving Holiday Program – provided 155 families with a Thanksgiving basket
- Christmas Gift and Food Baskets – provided 250 children with gifts and 175 families with a Christmas basket
- Supervised Visitation Program – this program provides supervision of families whose children are in foster care with the hopes that the families can be reunited if it is in the best interest of the children. In 2021, CCRM supervised over 40 families whose children were in the foster care system.
- Seed starting program – provided 50 families with seeds or plants for their own home use
- Emergency Housing Crisis – sheltered 23 families that were in homeless status or suffering a housing crisis
CCRM is supported by New York State Department of Health which provides a portion of the salaries for 6 of the 9 staff, which allows donations to go into direct service. CCRM’s management and fundraising costs is .03%. Other supporters include local churches, individuals from the community, and United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.
In 2018, CCRM moved to 319 Washington Avenue in Dunkirk so all of the programs are located in one site. CCRM is overseen by a board of directors consisting of up to 18 members who assist in fundraising and policy making. The goal is to give a “hand up, not a hand out.” COVID – 19 was very challenging, however, all of the emergency programs were kept open as staff were considered essential workers.
Fundraising Goal: $3,000
Click here to donate to Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc. #916
Contact Info:
Kathleen G. Peterson
127 Central Ave.
P.O. Box 362
Dunkirk, NY 14048
Phone: (716) 366-1787
Email: ccrmkp@gmail.com
The Children’s Center for the Common Good #917
The Children’s Center for the Common Good™ has as its primary ministry an Internet radio station and missional web site ministry, www.commongoodradio.org. This website and radio ministry is devoted to the goals of arts as valid expression of faith; that expression claiming fruits of the spirit. The Center uses media as a tool with this aim in mind reaching children and families, demonstrating good, faithful practices of media and its messages. This missional ministry uses digital tools of communication to be a presence for and with children and their families in a media saturated culture. They lift diverse styles of music, sounds of voices and interpretations of God’s amazing love. Music and arts as valid faith expression contributes to the well-being of our lives in community.
Common Good Radio™ (CGR) invites children to the unique experience of speaking their faith through Common Good Radio Club™ where they are invited to create digital media. This creation process contributes to the programming of the Common Good Radio project by affirming and nurturing leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills in children as it builds loving character, faithful disciples and persons who are encouraged to speak God's presence into their life experience contributing to the common good. By creating media, children and families are embracing media literacy skills that enable them to participate in a media culture with a lens of faith. As a result, we all listen to the children. Galatians 5:22 and 1 Corinthians 12:7 are some of the scriptural and theological inspirations for this spirit driven ministry. Presentations at your church are available. By partnering with CGR you do your part to stand in faithful resistance to the exploitation of children in a consumer and media driven culture.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to The Children’s Center for the Common Good #917
Contact Info:
Rev. Dr. Robin Blair
5164 St. Rt 89
Romulus, NY 14541
Phone: (315) 729-4485
Email: revrobinblair@gmail.com
Website: www.commongoodradio.org
The UNYAC Creation Justice Team is part of a global movement among people of faith, devoted to responsible stewardship of God’s Earth, our home. Creation Care promotes caring for this incredible planet through personal lifestyle choices, church operations, and activism and advocacy among corporations and governments, across UNY.
Recognizing that creation care is God’s first expectation for humans (Genesis 1:26), and the first of the UMC’s Social Principles, UNY's Creation Justice Team laments the devastating realities of environmental degradation, and seek the healing of humans’ relationship to Earth. They have modeled their purpose and mission on that of the UMC’s creation care ministry.
The team holds in mind a range of Scriptural principles, among which are:
- Creation is good apart from what it does for humans (Genesis 1:9-25)
- God covenants with all living things (Genesis 9:8-16)
- God accords the right to a sabbath to domestic animals (Exodus 20:10) and the land (Leviticus 25:2); justice requires it (2 Chron 36:21)
- God regards the hippo, not humans, as the “first” among God’s works (Just kidding. Well, maybe not.)
As part of fulfilling our mission, the team promotes such attitudes and practices as
- viewing Earth as God’s, and—in God’s image—loving it as God loves it
- composting food waste
- Earth-friendly transportation
- recycling, and recycling correctly
- supporting a just transition to clean energy
- reducing contributions to landfills
- supporting environmentally responsible policies in local, state, and federal governments
- starting, enhancing, and equipping “Green Teams” at districts and local congregations across the UNY Conference
The team believes the United Methodist mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” includes raising up Christians across our annual conference who will promote God’s shalom—wholeness—for all people and the Earth they depend on. The team therefore encourages clergy and laypersons to connect with them, sending your concerns and ideas, and partnering with them. This includes inviting the teams' members to deliver presentations to UNY congregations and districts. Potential presentation topics include environmentally responsible lifestyles, Green Team management, environmental missions as a bridge from congregations to their communities, and more.
Looking for more information? Click here.
Fundraising Goal: $1,000
Click here to donate to Creation Care #551
Contact info:
Andrew Hartley, Team Chair
215 Hilltop Drive
Elma, NY 14059
Phone: (716) 225-2272
Email: khahstats@yahoo.com
Gary Bergh Scholarship (Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel) #932
The Gary Bergh Scholarship is intended to increase contact with and awareness of life in Palestine/Israel. “We join with Palestinian Christians as well as our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters in feeling a deep sense of rootedness to the land that has special meaning for our three religious traditions.” The purpose of the Gary Bergh Scholarship Fund is to further the United Methodist stance that, “We seek for all people in the region an end to military occupation, freedom from violence, and full respect for the human rights of all under international law.”
The preceding quotes from Res. #6073 in the 2008 Book of Resolutions are echoed in spirit by the 2016 Holy Land Tours Res. #6031, found in the 2016 Book of Resolutions. In addition, the 2021 UNY “Because We Care” petition urges all to “come and see.”
This purpose will be advanced by a) sending young adults, (though not limited to that age group) on trips to Palestine/Israel to witness the situation there. And b) sending young adults to attend U.S. conferences related to Palestine/Israel, in which their awareness of peace and justice issues will be increased.
After their trip or conference, scholarship recipients will be expected to make presentations to United Methodists and to other faith and community groups/Congressional offices. This will give more people an exposure to the current situation and allow ideas and actions toward peace and justice to move forward.
The Reverend Gary Bergh had been active in peace and justice issues for many of his 36 years in the ministry. The scholarship was created upon his death in 2007 to honor his passion for peace and justice and with the hope of sparking the next generation.
When Gary Bergh visited Bethany in January 2006, the wall that now separates it from Jerusalem was under construction. Loui Alawawda, whose family hosted Gary, explained how the wall separates the village from commerce and services, including medical. Shortly after this picture was taken, the wall was extended to where Gary and Loui were standing. Gary hoped that young people in the UNY Conference could meet young Palestinians like Loui to break the isolation felt by the creation of the wall. The Gary Bergh Scholarship Fund will carry out the dream.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Gary Bergh Scholarship (Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel) #932
Contact and scholarship applications:
Karen Peterson
116 Greenridge Dr.
Horseheads, NY 14845
Phone: (607) 739-3141
Email: dpeterson1@stny.rr.com
Linda Bergh
116 Edna Road
Syracuse, NY 13205
Phone: (315) 492-8507
Email: lindagarybergh@gmail.com
The Haiti Partnership is a partnership between churches in the Upper New York Conference and the Susquehanna Conference and the Methodist Church of Haiti. This partnership began in 1995 by the Wyoming Conference. Although, due to the pandemic and current civil unrest in Haiti, the Haiti Partnership has not been able to send VIM teams in recent times, but they have been able to continue their support of the many missions to the people of Haiti. The Haiti Partnership has sent several thousand dollars in earthquake relief, following the August 14, 2021 earthquake in SW Haiti. They have also been able to send support to the Leon circuit in the SW to aid with transportation for lay ministry, support for the Leon School, and to provide a discretionary fund for the Methodist Superintendent so he can provide some much-needed aid and relief. Your donations also provide ongoing support to the Hermitage School that was built in 2005-06, enabling dozens of children to attend school who otherwise could not afford to do so.
The goal for the Haiti Partnership Advance Special #936 this year is $10,000, which will enable them to continue to do all of the above and, once the country reopens to Volunteer in Mission teams, will provide project money for each team.
Pictured is the Hermitage Methodist School students with school supplies.
Also pictured is a motorcycle purchased so lay pastors in the Leon Circuit can ride to their churches in remote villages all supported by the Haiti Partnership.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Click here to donate to Haiti Partnership #936
Contact Info:
Roger G. Richards
733 Partridge Place
Endwell NY 13760
Phone: (607) 761-7340
Email: rrichards52@gmail.com
Website: www.haitipartnership.com
In partnership with Mission Central of the Susquehanna Conference, the UNY Mission Central HUB helps our local churches bring hope and assistance across the Northeast and around the world. It is a resource for becoming the hands and feet of God in service.
The UNY Mission Central HUB not only assembles cleaning, hygiene, and menstrual hygiene kits but also is engaged in many other ministries such as blessing boxes, ramp building, training the Volunteers in Mission and the Early Response Team, and so much more. The UNY HUB is supported solely by donations. Your church or group can help fill and drop off cleaning, hygiene, or menstrual hygiene kits.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Click here to donate to Mission Central UNY HUB #951
Contact Info:
Kristina Clark
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 ext. 2066
Email: kristinaclark@unyumc.org
Native American Mission, Onondaga Nation UMC #948
Built in 1848, the Onondaga Nation United Methodist Church was the first church on the Onondaga Nation Indian Territory near Nedrow, New York. Ministry focuses on worship, spiritual growth, mission, hospitality, and fellowship. Onondaga Nation UMC serves the Nation with their Linen Closet, which provides gently-used blankets, sheets, and more. Annual events such as a Fall Turkey Dinner, Native American Ministries Sunday Open House, and June Strawberry Festival provide opportunities for fellowship with brothers and sisters on the Nation and in the larger community. Members welcome visits from youth groups to mission teams and seek to be an active part of the UNY Conference. In cooperation with the Onondaga County Office of Aging and Youth, the Upper New York Conference, and the Committee on Native American Ministries, the church participates in a van ministry which provides transportation for Native American elders on the Onondaga Nation to the greater Syracuse area. Support for the Onondaga Nation UMC through the Advance Special enables the church to continue its mission and ministry as part of the United Methodist connectional system, celebrate its diversity as Native Americans, and maintain a presence on an ancient land, demonstrating Christian love for all.
Fundraising Goal: $500
Click here to donate to Native American Mission, Onondaga Nation UMC #948
Contact Info:
Rose Kingsbury
105 Kellogg Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
Email: waterfallrosek.rk@gmail.com
Native American Outreach/Transportation Program #950
The Native American Outreach/Transportation Program provides transportation to Native Americans sixty years and older who live on the Onondaga Nation and in the surrounding Syracuse area. While the majority of rides are for medical appointments and treatments, services also include transportation to pharmacies, nutrition sites, food pantries, the post office, banks, shopping, and other necessary places.
As there is no bus service on the Onondaga Nation Indian Territory, this program insures elders are able to keep medical appointments and obtain necessary medical treatments on a timely basis. Support for this Advance Special provides funds for needed maintenance and repairs of the present bus and for future vehicle replacement. This ministry is made possible through a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long-Term Care Services.
Pictured is Darlene Papineau, van driver and outreach worker beside the van.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Click here to donate to Native American Outreach/Transportation Program #950
Contact Info:
Rose Kingsbury
105 Kellogg Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
Email: waterfallrosek.rk@gmail.com
New Places for New People (New Faith Communities) #664
Since 2012, the Upper New York Conference has been actively planting New Faith Communities (NFCs). Well over 150 New Places for New People have been started in rural, suburban, and urban areas throughout the Conference! In each case, these NFCs have started as the seed of a dream in the heart of God’s people. Potential planters have been supported through discernment conversations with experienced planters, extensive training, group and individual coaching, and in some cases, financial support via a grant process. There are now thousands of new followers of Jesus because of the new places United Methodists have planted in Upper NY. Most significantly, the Upper New York Conference is much more diverse than it was ten years ago!
The good news is, God is still putting dreams in the hearts of God’s people! God is still calling gifted folks to plant new communities of faith! Many of them will need seed money to get started. Any gift to the New Places for New People Fund gets used to support the work of new church planters and their teams!
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to New Places for New People (New Faith Communities) #664
Contact Info:
Rev. David Masland
Phone: (607) 435-3048
Email: davidmasland@unyumc.org
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) #423
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc (RISSE) was founded in 2007 as an outreach project of Emmaus UMC in Albany, NY to help one family from the Congo get established in their new home. Fast-forward to 2022. Emmaus, First Methodist Delmar, Jonesville UMC, Burnt Hill – Ballston Spa UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and First Methodist East Greenbush are vital partners with RISSE. They actively support RISSE with their time, talent, and treasure.
RISSE incorporated in 2012 and has helped hundreds of people over the past decade. The mission is to help refugees and newly arrived immigrants create safe and sustainable lives. RISSE provides comprehensive, year-round English Language instruction and support services to the refugee and immigrant community. RISSE operates After-School and Summer Youth Programs, Adult English Literacy/Language Program, civics classes, life skills orientation, Job Search Assistance, Family Helpers, and more.
RISSE works directly with about 250 families a year utilizing one or more of their services. Their families are originally from more than 25 different countries, so they demonstrate racial and religious diversity. 98% of their family incomes are below national poverty levels. Some newcomers are victims of human trafficking; almost all suffer from some degree of PTSD. They come from war-torn or famine-stricken areas around the world. Families can spend up to 10 years in refugee camps. All families follow the established legal channels to become productive, tax-paying community members.
Volunteer opportunities are as varied as the RISSE families. Some volunteers work in our After-School classes to help with English as New Language, math tutoring, or listening to or reading to students. Others participate in our Adult Literacy Program where they can be one-on-one tutors online with students, many of whom are new arrivals from Afghanistan. Here’s one volunteer’s input: “I loved my time at the school. It is so full of energy, engagement & community spirit.” - Cindy, volunteer
Some congregants from the churches already mentioned make sure ALL the After-School students have Christmas gifts, warm coats, and mittens each year. A new community playground was built at RISSE in 2019. It was a love letter to their children from an ecumenical team of these churches, Jewish temples, Roman Catholic Deacons, and individuals from many faith communities.
The churches also created a free bike program in 2021 to help families with transportation to work or the store. Congregants interact with RISSE clients to help purchase bikes and deliver to their homes. Often, it is the first-time church members from the suburban areas are able to meet refugee families. This program was funded by a Mustard Seed grant from UMCOR to help establish connections and convey the message that refugees are welcome.
Here is an example how RISSE impacts clients’ lives. R. and her family originally came from Sudan as refugees. She has four daughters, and her son has special needs. RISSE found an appropriate after-school program for her son so she could work. She is the sole support of the family because her husband suffers from severe depression and is unable to work. Mental health problems, particularly PTSD, are common among our families. Two of her daughters still attend RISSE. R. attended English and civics classes at RISSE (where she also works). She achieved American citizenship and therefore, so have her younger children. She has learned how to drive and now owns a car. This family is an excellent case study of how RISSE helps the whole family with multiple services.
RISSE is now seeing an increased demand for services in 2022. The Federal Government increased the cap for accepting newcomers from 15,000 people to currently 125,000 per year. US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants anticipates 1-4 new families per month in the Capital Region and possibly more later in year. 300 people from Afghanistan have settled in the Capital District in the last six months. RISSE is the lifeline for new families to bridge the cultural and language gap between their lives in dire circumstances and new lives in the US.
RISSE thanks their church partners for their generosity and loyalty. Christ told us to love one another. Our UMC partners live out that commandment in so many ways. We are very grateful.
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) #423
Contact Info:
Cheryl Lasher, Development Director
715 Morris St.
Albany, NY 12208
Phone: (518) 621-1041
Email: cheryl.lasher@risse-albany.org
Website: www.risse-albany.org
Seneca Street UMC: Buffalo #964
The Seneca Street UMC is an inner-city mission for children and their families. It's in the second generation of making a difference in South Buffalo in New York State. People in the neighborhood need social and emotional support and the church is engaged with them. The Church, together with the non-profit Community Development Corporation staff, work with volunteers to provide activities for all ages. Seneca Street UMC assists children and youth with educational support, basic services, and adequate nutrition. Children and youth participate in the extensive, free after-school program, which along with homework help and mentoring, provides science, exercise, musical instrument lessons, cooking classes, yoga, health workshops, field trips, computer access, guidance, recreation, gardening, and an evening meal. A seven-week long summer program features theme weeks.VBS, and a two-week Reading Camp along with fun weeks, and a field trip.
Sunday dinner was provided for 50-75 neighbors every week along with baked goods, household items, furniture, and much more. With COVID, Seneca Street UMC now offers take-out meals and continues to give over 200 meals a week.
Over the course of the year, more than 150 children are served by the 100 volunteers. The church ministry has evolved to empower people as leaders and to love our neighbors. Women attend retreats with other church women and weekly Bible chat over lunch invites all who attend to put the scripture into life. This church continues to be a safe haven and a beacon of hope. It's exciting so many people from the neighborhood now helping out others with the assistance of many churches.
This mission is entirely supported by the grace of God and the financial gifts of United Methodist churches and individuals.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Seneca Street UMC: Buffalo #964
Contact Info:
Rev. Dee Finch
1218 Seneca St.
Buffalo, NY 14210
Phone: (585) 330-2710 or the church at (716) 368-7914
Email: pastordeefinch@gmail.com
Southern Sudan Health Project #966
Southern Sudan Health Project’s (SSHP) Mission Statement says, “For the Glory of God we will strive to enable the development of community-based health systems and the holistic quality of life in Southern Sudan.” The project currently supports a total of eight Home Health Promoters (HHPs) in four villages around Malek, South Sudan. Four men and four women comprise the HHPs and are residents in the villages they serve. All received very basic training in effective health practices and in treatment of preventable diseases prevalent there. They address problems such as a lack of clean water, childhood vaccinations, and good hygiene practices as well as little access to latrines and safe childbirth practices. The HHPs provide medications for malaria, diarrhea, eye infections, and upper respiratory infections along with assessing and recommending more medical treatment for other health issues. Additionally, they provide educational trainings in preventive health care to groups such as pregnant women, school-aged children, independent families, women’s groups, youth and others. The HHP's are supervised by the local Bor County Health Department's supervisor who coordinates the project in South Sudan.
Pictured are Home Health Promoters Nhial and Rebecca meeting with villagers to diagnose and treat them.
The HHPs collect data for all their interactions and then submit the data to both the county health department and to the SSHP Committee in Syracuse, New York. Data show reduction in the cases of malaria, diarrhea and respiratory problems along with other prevalent health issues. Each month approximately 1,000 villagers receive health service through the HHPs. The workers report they see better hygienic practices by those they serve which helps reduce preventable health issues. Additionally, they find that villagers line up at their homes each morning because they value the HHPs’ services.
Pictured is an elderly man discussing his health concerns with his Home Health Promoters.
Before South Sudan became independent in 2011, many years of war resulted in the worst health care in the world. Some improvements were being achieved until war broke out again in 2014, halting improvements and progress. The HHPs fled their villages along with nearly all other residents, eventually going to displaced persons or refugee camps. The HHPS continued to provide their services even in these difficult living conditions. As peace gradually returned, they are returning to their villages and resuming their work back at home.
The annual cost for each HHP is $1500, which includes a monthly salary and supervision.
Pictured is Gai, a Home Health Promoter, using the clinic building to meet with villagers and to distribute medications as needed.
This model has improved health care in these Southern Sudanese villages. People in other villages as well as people living in refugee camps respect and value the services SSHP provides and consequently request expansion of the project. Even the county and state governments have requested that this program expand. SSHP wants to expand its services because the need is great and yield results in the improvement of villager’s health. SSHP sees its vision and mission becoming a reality as the HHPs continue their service to people who are in great need of loving and compassionate care as they face their harsh environment and difficult health issues. It is for the glory of God that SSHP works to raise the holistic quality of life for the villagers in Malek, South Sudan.
|
Fundraising Goal: $20,000 |
|
Click here to donate to Southern Sudan Health Project #966
Contact Info:
Pastor Brad Hunt
8 Alicia Circle
Churchville, NY 14428
Phone: (315) 525-6859
Email: revbhunt@gmail.com
The Neighborhood Center, Inc. #980
The mission of The Neighborhood Center is to enrich the lives of individuals and families through cooperative opportunities, resources, and advocacy which embrace diversity, promote empowerment, and foster responsible citizenship.
The agency provides a full range of outreach, preventative, developmental and therapeutic human services for over 20,000 individuals in the local and surrounding communities - a majority are children and their families. Through its sustained pattern of activities that benefit children, families and the community, The Neighborhood Center, Inc. continues to advance in our enduring mission of truly "human" service.
The Neighborhood Center is currently fundraising for and outdoor play space for our school age children and teen after school programs. Built in 1995, the current playground equipment is more than 20 years old, providing a limited range of activities. A wooden structure is surrounded by wood chip impact surfacing and a small amount of grass. Originally, there was a large, asphalt area with two basketball hoops and a space to play ‘four square’, and a swing set. There is a large sandbox, however, it is ten years old, and does not meet the needs of the children. Aside from replacement of ground cover and the addition of the sandbox, the structure has not been updated, renovated, or improved. During the building renovations for phases one through three of the Campus Master Plan Project, the swing set was removed as it was no longer in use due to safety concerns, the ‘four square’ area had to be torn out and the basketball court blocked off.
Children need to be active every day in order to develop appropriately. Funds will be used to enhance and remodel the existing play space for children. It has become increasingly difficult to keep expenses low while continuing to provide quality services to our most vulnerable population. The cost of replacing outdated equipment, providing appropriate ground cover that meets safety standards established by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Day Care Licensing regulations and providing children with materials they need is prohibitive to our agency. It is extremely expensive to provide a safe playground with updated equipment. For our most recent playground, fundraising efforts took over three years.
The project will involve providing a safe outdoor play space for children from their child care and Group Work Department. The Group Work Department offers programming for high risk and high needs children and families in and around the neighborhood. These include a free drop in after school program for youth ages five through 18; Project AIM (Achieve-Inspire-Motivate) for at-risk youth, their Kinship Caregivers Care Management Program. The new play space will include the original wooden structure, a new and safer basketball court and foursquare area, improved green space for running and team games, a water feature for hot summer days.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to The Neighborhood Center #980
Contact Info:
Jen Benn, Director of Development and Public Relations
The Neighborhood Center, Inc.
624 Elizabeth Street
Utica, NY 13501
Phone: (315) 272-2630
Email: jenniferb@neighborhoodctr.org
UMCOR Kits Shipment Dollars #974
To assist with the transportation of the cleaning kits (formerly called glood buckets), hygiene, and menstrual hygiene kits, UMCOR has asked that $2 per bucket be donated to help transport each flood bucket due to their heavier weight and $1 per kit be donated to help ship the other kits. These dollars are not to go in the kits, so this Advance Special was added to offer a way for churches to send their contributions through the Conference office. UMCOR has asked that Information on what to pack in each kit or bucket can be found on the UMCOR website here.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to UMCOR Kits Shipment Dollars #974
Contact Info:
Kristina Clark
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 ext. 2066
Email: kristinaclark@unyumc.org
Upper New York Immigrant and Refugees Ministries #718
Click here to donate to the Upper New York Immigrant and Refugees Ministries #718
Every day, countless individuals flee their homes in search of safety and stability for their families. As United Methodists, rooted in a theology of justice and compassion, we recognize that we have a responsibility to welcome these individuals as beloved children of God into our communities.
The Upper New York Immigrant and Refugee Ministries Conference Advance Special exists to support local churches in Upper New York in welcoming and advocating for migrants, refugees, and immigrants. This fund provides funding for congregations who are providing immediate relief and/or who are engaged in long-term advocacy efforts. We pray that this fund inspires action and humbly reminds all that each time we welcome the stranger, we are welcoming God.
Applications for funding are reviewed on a rolling basis by a team that includes a member from the Global Ministries team, a member from the Missional Excellence staff, and two lay people who have familiarity with this ministry of justice and compassion. Congregations who are seeking to engage in ministry with immigrant populations for the first time, are encouraged to contact us first for guidance and support in best practices.
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Contact Info:
Kristina Clark
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 ext. 2066
Email: disasterresponse@unyumc.org
Volunteers in Mission Scholarship Fund #988
This Upper New York scholarship fund provides funds to volunteers engaged in mission. Persons can apply for financial support for taking in Volunteers In Mission (VIM) education courses, participating in VIM academy, and leading or participating in mission journeys led by trained leaders. The fund supports volunteers leading and engaging in mission.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to the Volunteers in Mission Scholarship Fund #988
Contact Info:
Kristina Clark
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 ext. 2066
Email: kristinaclark@unyumc.org