Outreach concluded its Heat Respite program on Friday, August 27. With partnerships from over 30 congregations/organizations and dozens of new volunteer connections, Grace is proud to have concluded on such a high note. This ministry opened its gates twelve weeks ago to only several people who wanted to hang out underneath the breezeway, complete with misters and fans. Through word of mouth, people who needed to get out of the heat learned that Grace was open and willing to share a truly safe space. In the weeks that followed, participation tripled. Eventually, following CDC guidelines, as well as offering COVID vaccinations on-site, Grace Council approved a migration indoors. In the past month, Grace has offered indoor heat relief to around fifty people per day and served over 400 meals each week.
We cannot thank everyone enough for being part of this community action. 2021 was tumultuous, dangerous, but all in all, amazing. We helped one another; we shared with one another. For each donor who shared a dollar, a bottle of water… for each prayer that was said for this ministry… and for each person who volunteered their time - THANK YOU!
Outreach coordinators, Phyllis and Adrienne, will remain at Grace for a couple of weeks to throw a celebration for volunteers and a luncheon for donors. They will also finalize data, inventory, and post-respite needs. Please stay tuned!
To learn about post-respite volunteer opportunities, please reach out as soon as possible to us at outreach@graceinthecity.com or call the church at (602)258-3787.
