There is always something going on at FSBCA designed to help people, and we don’t always take the time to tell the success stories we hear. For example, in April, our church was the host site for Project Connect, a ministry sponsored by our church and the Valley of the Sun United Way to help homeless people–and those who are close to becoming homeless. At Project Connect, people received real help and were also able to make connections with many more organizations who could help them.
On that day, we met Elda. Here is her story:
In desperate need of stable housing and a job, 36-year-old mother of three Elda knew she needed help, but didn’t know where to turn. When she needed it most, she got a timely phone call from her sister-in-law telling her that she might find help at Project Connect at the First Southern Baptist Church of Avondale.
After being a homemaker for more than a decade, Elda is now the main breadwinner for her family. It has been difficult to find a job and she struggles to pay apartment rent each month. At Project Connect, Elda found the housing and employment assistance resources she was looking for. She also received needed information about crisis services and utility assistance. She was able to apply for Social Security cards and birth certificates for her family and get an identification card for herself. While she was here, she received a haircut for herself and her son, set up a free voicemail box, and selected some clothing. And she was able to do this all for free and all at one location–our church. And she and her family had a free lunch as well!
For Elda, Project Connect was the light she needed to get out of a dark situation. She now hopes to be a help to others by spreading the word about project connect and volunteering at future events.
Elda is only one of 159 adults we helped on that day with the help of over 110 volunteers. Like Elda, some people tood advantage of the free transportation to the Motor Vehicle Department to get identification cards. Others were assisted though the Maricopa County Housing Authority. They could apply for food stamps, medical assistance, vision vouchers, and assistance with Social Security. 150 of them received free backpacks that the guests were able to fill with clothing, hygiene items and snacks. Before they left, they had a opportunity to shower, shave, and get a hair cut. By the end of the day, we had provided over 450 meals, and many of the guests took advantage of the opportunity to pray with a pastor or a volunteer.
It was an incredible day!
Project Connect is only one of the many ministries we participate in designed to help others. And helping others is at the heart of our own personal discipleship. These ministries give us a chance to be the disciples of Jesus we really want to be!