Ecumenical Social Service Agencies - Newsletter
As communities of faith engaged in the hard work of lifting up the least among us, there is so much that we can learn from one another.

It is our humble hope that Seeds of Vision will help make that possible by providing a platform for ecumenical social service agencies from across the East North Central region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) to share their knowledge and experience.

This issue offers four profiles of dynamic faith-based agencies and a peek into a cooperative fundraiser. While none of the articles focus specifically on COVID, most do address it head on, examining the varied ways in which these agencies have risen to the challenge and continued to serve their clients.
Agency Profile – The Family Life Center
In 2020, 62,000 Pounds of Food Distributed
The Family Life Center is a volunteer run agency providing food and clothing in rural Greene County, Indiana. 

More than 98% of the dollars they raise go directly to clients. 

During COVID they took the unusual step of moving their food pantry outside to provide 24/7 help to anyone in need.  
Agency Profile - ChristNet Services
Rotating Homeless Shelter - 50 Churches
ChristNet Services operates a rotating shelter in Taylor, Michigan. 

From October through May guests are housed in a different church each week. ChristNet also operates a day center out of space they lease from a local church. 

During COVID they have partnered with another local agency to provide year-around 24 hour shelter to their guests.  
Fundraiser - Hunger Hike
30 Years - $2 Million Raised
Hunger Hike is a cooperative fundraiser with a 30 year history. Three Lafayette, Indiana non-profits come together to share both the costs of this event and the dollars raised. 

While 2020 was a challenge, requiring a shift from the traditional outdoor celebration to a virtual fundraiser, it also proved to be the most successful year in the event’s long history.  
Agency Profile - Family Network of Wyoming
Medical Equipment - Food - Christmas Store
The Family Network of Wyoming (Michigan) operates out of a former Christian Reformed church that donated their property. 

They run a food pantry and durable medical equipment lending program, as well as a Christmas store that enables their clients to shop for presents. 

During COVID they revamped their pantry to a drive-through model and allowed their neediest clients to increase how often they come in for help.  
Agency Profile - Home Glory Properties
Creating Homes for People in Need
Home Glory Properties is not a relief agency. It’s a faith-based small business that rehabs homes for low-income people in need of a second chance. 

Owners Doug and Indira Hsu see their tenants as more than just customers. 

They are willing to work with people who have bad credit and criminal records, and treat them like family – they encourage them, pray with them, and help talk them through difficult life issues.  
Invite Your Colleagues - Grow Our Network
If you know of other ecumenical social service agencies in your area who should be receiving Seeds of Vision, please send their contact information to dreamteam@lumserve.org.

If you would like to see your agency, or one of your programs, featured in Seeds of Vision, please contact dreamteam@lumserve.org. We would love to work with you. We’ll conduct a brief telephone interview before drafting an article and sending it to you for your approval.
Connect with your colleagues on social media by joining the Seeds of Vision Facebook Group. To join, click HERE.