All Souls

I was reminded of how many good, kind and generous people there are in our community again this week when I went to All Souls Episcopal Church in North Fort Myers to visit their Wednesday Outreach program with a group from St. Michael’s. 

Every Wednesday morning people stream into their parish hall to receive groceries, clothing, toiletries and other necessities (shoes, blankets, towels, sheets, raingear, etc.). They also help people obtain driver’s licenses, state ID’s and birth certificates. They provide bus passes for medical and other appointments. Because homeless people do not have an address, the church receives their mail and distributes it to them.

They offer lunch, either on-site or to go, and the services of their parish nurse and a social worker.  Family Health Center provides free medical care. They have a program that supplies bikes so people can get to work. Someone from the VA is there to provide services to veterans, and children receive toys at Christmas time. The church is open for prayer. 

I was deeply impressed, not only with what they are doing to serve people who are struggling and in need in our community, but with the wonderful spirit in the room. It was clear these volunteers cared deeply about the people they are serving, and it was clear how much the clients cared about the volunteers and each other. It felt like authentic Christian community.

They are deeply grateful for the grants St. Michael’s provides to help them keep this ministry going. We have also made donations of food and hygiene items. Several of the leaders went out of their way to thank us. It was yet another reminder of all the good that Noah’s Ark is doing in our community.

In addition to grant funding, Wednesday Outreach is also in need of volunteers, especially during the summer when some of the regular volunteers head up north. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the lunch and assist in the thrift shop. If you would like to volunteer to serve on a Wednesday morning this summer, contact Mary Chasseur via EMAIL or me. 

Peace,

Bill+