SERVE ORLANDO

There are lots of local organizations continuing to serve the community at the point of its greatest need. Here’s a list of a few local organizations that could use your help right now. Take some time to consider how the Lord is encouraging you to be Relentlessly Generous.  

GRACE MEDICAL HOME

Grace Medical Home is a local clinic that serves those in our community who do not have access to health insurance. They’re immediate needs include hand sanitizer, hand soap, Lysol wipes, Kleenex tissue boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, and masks.

These items and more can be purchased online from their Amazon wish list, or if you have the supplies in person (which would be so helpful!), you can set up a drop off by calling (407)-936-2785 ext. 2077. They are located at 1417 E. Concord St. Orlando, FL. 

They also have many ongoing volunteer opportunities! Find out more at the volunteer page on their website.

Follow Grace Medical Home on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.

IDIGNITY

IDignity was created to assist the disadvantaged in Central Florida to navigate the complexities and financial burden of obtaining the legal documentation that the State of Florida requires to obtain an ID or license. The documents IDignity obtains on behalf of their clients enable them to apply for employment or school, obtain access to shelters, seek help from social service programs, open a bank account or cash a check, secure housing, or overcome many other obstacles to becoming self-sufficient. The demand for these services has yet to ebb.” 

First Pres was among the first five founding churches of this remarkable organization back in 2008. We have supported IDignity in various ways over the years and continue to believe in and support their mission. 

IDignity has many different ways in which you can get involved! Follow this link for more information of how to give of your time, talent, or to make a financial contribution.

UP ORLANDO

UP Orlando, also known as United Against Poverty seeks, “to serve those in poverty by providing crisis care, case management, transformative education, food and household subsidy, employment training and placement, personal empowerment training and active referrals to other collaborative social service providers.” 

UP is experiencing a higher rate of requests and is in need of: canned fruit/fruit cups, canned vegetables with pop tops, canned soups, rice and ready-rice meals, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter & jelly. They are located at 150 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL. 

UP Orlando can accommodate volunteers whether you are an individual looking for regular opportunities or you have a group and are looking for a worthwhile way to spend your time together. You can find more information about any of these options here!

Follow UP Orlando on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for regular updates.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

Second Harvest Food Bank not only provides food to families in need, but they offer culinary training for adults in the community looking into new career options, disaster relief, community kitchens, and kids programs. They have ample volunteer opportunities but often spots are taken quickly, so be sure to sign up several weeks in advance! You can find their volunteer page here.

COMPASSION CORNER

Compassion Corner is the homeless drop-in center that First Pres runs out of the Christian Service Center space. We provide coffee and a devotional in the morning, case management services, some hygiene essentials and other supplies for potential job interviews, and a cool space to escape the heat during the day or rain during a storm.

We would love to have you volunteer to serve coffee, lead a devotional, or help with case management services. Please email canderson@fpco.org for more information.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE CENTER

The Christian Service Center has been serving the most vulnerable in our community for many years through their Daily Bread program. They are continuing to serve lunches for the homeless and vulnerable even through this crisis. 

To find out more on how to help visit their website here. 

Follow the Christian Service Center on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for regular updates.

CONWAY CARES / SERVANT’S HEART MINISTRY

Conway Cares is a local ministry that several covenant partners at First Pres started about 10 years ago to help answer food insecurity with children in their own neighborhood. They partner with local schools to send home food for the weekend for students that depend on lunch through the school system. As the program outgrew Wendy McNeill’s garage, they partnered with Servant’s Heart Ministry to have access to more warehouse space and expand their reach.

Since many families are still out of work, and seniors need to stay home for protection, the need to help those in the Conway community that are experiencing food insecurity has grown exponentially. Conway Cares and Servant’s Heart have pivoted their process during this pandemic to delivering boxes of groceries for the week to families that reach out for help. Since they are receiving more requests for help, they need more involvement from the community--food donations, financial donations, and even more drivers to drop off food. We encourage you to get involved while upholding mandated restrictions. Find out more about helping during coronavirus here.

Final Thoughts...

If none of these options sound like a good fit for you, let’s chat! We’d love to get you connected to an opportunity that matches your giftings and passions.

If you are not in a position to serve or offer monetary support in this season, we want to be sure your needs are met. First Presbyterian Church of Orlando offers a completely confidential benevolence fund (password: gofpco) for any needing financial assistance due to quarantine-related hardships. Please also let us know how we can pray for you in this time. We are the church -- separated -- but together, serving as His hands and feet, meeting the needs of our community.