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Mission PrioritiesMission Priorities receives funds from Our Church’s Wider Mission and designated endowments. Since OCWM makes up the bulk of our funds, it is important for our churches to know that it is through their giving that our committee has been able to award grants each year to different outreach groups right here in our own backyard. Increases or decreases in OCWM giving have a direct impact on the funds available for these grants.
We are eager to tell our story to the WRA churches and committee members are available to speak to church groups or to be part of a mission moment during the worship service. Our grant partners would also be happy to talk firsthand about how these grants and other sources of income are making a difference in the lives of those they serve. To arrange a speaker or visit, call the Western Reserve Association office and ask for Joan Ishibashi or Myron Kushner or email Myron,Chairperson of the Mission Priorities Committee. Who are our Mission Partners?
Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland -Provides quality health care and related services free of charge to those who lack appropriate alternatives, and advocates for policy changes that make health care available to all. Has been the health care safety net for individuals who lack access to primary care and related services. The WRA grant helps the Free Clinic's "Teen Clinic" program for youth in the 13-21 age group. The Free Clinic provides care for nearly 12,000 individuals annually through a wide range of programs. 87% of the clients are uninsured; 96% are living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Learn more at: The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland InterAct Cleveland - Creates coalitions of congregations to provide groceries and meals. Invites groups and individuals to plan and work together to feed the hungry at monthly community meals, pack food at the Community Food Pantry, and partner with people moving from homeless shelters to their own apartments. One program, Partners in Action, assists people moving from addiction, incarceration and/or welfare to self-sufficiency. A Mentoring Program pairs congregation members with individuals in need of guidance and support. The WRA grant will support the development of a steering committee to guide the growth of their programs and to expand their educational dialogue programs. Learn more at: InterAct Cleveland Interfaith Hospitality Network-Cuyahoga County - Provides overnight hospitality, meals, and support to homeless families through a network of 70 congregations and 3,000 volunteers. Works to mobilize the religious community to respond to the needs of the community’s most vulnerable: homeless children and their families. The WRA grant supports the "School Transportation Project" that transports children to the school they attended before becoming homeless. The Network’s mission is to alleviate the trauma of homelessness and assist families in finding work, securing a home, and becoming self-sufficient. Learn more at: Interfaith Hospitality Network-Cleveland Interfaith Hospitality Network-Lorain County - This is a new organization in Lorain County. Provides overnight hospitality meals, and support to homeless families through a network of 12 congregations and a growing number of volunteers. Works to mobilize the religious community to respond to the needs of the community’s most vulnerable:homeless children and their families. The WRA grant will support the start-up and expansion of the program throughout 2009. The Network’s mission is to alleviate the trauma of homelessness and assist families in finding work, securing a home, and becoming self-sufficient. Learn more at: Interfaith Hospitality Network-Lorain
Old Stone Education Center- The mission of the Old Stone Education Center is to improve lifetime opportunities for women in greater Cleveland who have not completed their high school experience due to childcare needs and economic issues. Services of the Center include GED preparation classes, parenting and family literacy program, career readiness program, health care education, financial management program and an on-site state-licensed day care and childcare facility for children 6 months to 5 years. During the past academic year a total of 125 participants were served. Old Stone is one of 9 GED locations in Cuyahoga County. The WRA will support the continued expnsion of this program during tough economic times. Learn more at the Old Stone Education Center website. St. Paul's UCC- The St. Paul's ministry serves the Franklin Rd. area where 53% of the population lives in poverty. their programs help to address affordable housing, homelessness, poor education opportunities, early pregnancies, substance abuse and domestic violence. The programs include an outreach center, after school programs, a Thrift Shop and twice-monthly community meals. The WRA grant helps to support the operation of these programs. Learn more by visiting the Senior Citizen Resources - Committed to playing a vital role in planning and providing a coordinated senior transportation plan for the city of Cleveland. SCR is one of several transportation providers in the city working with Senior Transportation Connection to establish a collaborative transportation network for city residents. SCR specifically provides services to ensure seniors living in Old Brooklyn have access to transportation for necessary appointments and day-to-day needs. Learn more at: Senior Citizen Resources. |