Circles Initiative - helping families out of poverty

We hope to be getting SOCC more involved with this important program. Circles is a strategy to help low-income families build resources and transition out of poverty, to change systems and policies that perpetuate poverty, and to build community across race and class lines. Volunteer Community Allies are URGENTLY needed to befriend and support families as they work toward their goals. Three to four Allies are matched with each family. Training and ongoing staff support are provided. Background checks and an 18-month commitment of 4+ hours monthly are required. Must be available one to two Thurs. evenings/month.

The South Central Community Action Program invites you to join them on July 21 at 7 p.m. at 1500 W. 15th Street for an informational Dessert Night to learn about becoming an Ally with the Circles Initiative. The next Circles session begins in October.

For more information call or email Bonnie Vesely at the SCCAP office at 339-3447 or bonnie@sccap.monroe.in.us or contact Lyne Brown at SOCC.

Read more or register to volunteer here.

Backstreet Mission Opportunities

Enjoy the county fair and help at the Backstreet Mission booth. Volunteers are needed at various times - listed below. They are also in need of individuals to help with the Thursday evening meal and are seeking new board members. For details on these opportunities call Linda Kelley at 333-1905.

Fair booth opportunities:
1. July 25th (Saturday)-- 12-4pm, 4-7pm, 7-10pm
2. No Sundays.
3. July 27th (Monday)-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm
4. July 30th-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm
5. July 31st-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm6. Aug 1st-- 4-7pm, 7-10pm

Family Ministry Center - block/mortar work

There is a new family ministry being developed in an abandoned warehouse on south Rogers Street. In the future they will need several volunteers to help with the building renovation and eventually to staff the Warehouse Ministry. Currently they are in need of someone to close up 10 garage door openings with concrete blocks & mortar. Obviously, not many of us will have this expertise, but feel free to pass this along to anyone whom you know that may be able to help. To get details contact me at lbrown@socc.org or 334-0206. You may also contact the center directly by emailing steve@realifemedia.org.

Local Retirement Communities Seek SOCC Volunteers

Sterling House and Red Bud Hills is seeking volunteers to visit and interact with their residents. If you are skilled in some form of art, exercise, leading Bible Study, or just like to visit with people, they would love to have you involved.


Contact Lyne Brown in the SOCC office to learn more.

Community Kitchen Summer Volunteers Need

Volunteers are need to help with the Breakfast Program prep shift from 7 to 8:30 a.m. to prepare and assemble free sack breakfasts for distribution to children in low-income neighborhoods in Bloomington from June 1 to August 11. One delivery volunteer helps the driver load the van and hand out breakfasts at each stop on the route from 8:30 a.m.-noon. You can also help one day a week, or one day a month with meal preparation from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or meal serving (cafeteria-style) from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Six volunteers per shift are needed! Minimum age is 14 (10 if accompanied by an adult). Visit there website for more information or contact Annie Brookshire, Volunteer Coordinator for CK at (812) 332-0999.
http://www.monroecommunitykitchen.com/

Collections at SOCC

Flood Relief:
Many Monroe County families who were victim of the 2008 floods are just now getting back into their homes. Donations of household items are needed. Large items and furniture can be donated by calling 961-1510 x91. Dishes, towels, cleaning supplies, etc. can be brought to the church during office hours.

Local Agencies & Missions:
During the month of June we are collecting toiletries for local shelters and global missions. Place items in the collection bins inside doors 3, 5 & 20. Volunteers are needed to help deliver items to agencies.

Eagle's Landing Youth Center

Youth & Community Center of Monroe County Opening April 13 at Eagles Landing in Ellettsville, the Youth & Community Center of Monroe County will serve as an after-school program for youth. The core managing and programming agency is the Boys & Girls Club with outreach and support by Girls Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Volunteers are needed to interact with youth, playing board games and other games, supervising them during arts, crafts and snack time; sharing talents and interests, implementing new programs, changing bulletin boards, cleaning and organizing rooms, providing tutoring and homework help and being a mentor. All volunteers must have a background check and go through orientation. You will be asked how long you plan to volunteer, as they divide tasks differently depending on frequency, long-term commitment and availability. For more information visit their website at http://www.eagleslandingmall.com/yccmc/bgcellettsville/index.htm.