Attention! Due to the
changes in the structure of Palo Duro Presbytery, the funding of mission
projects is being evaluated, and a new application process will be implemented
in the near future.
Palo
Duro Presbytery funded the following mission projects in 2009:
A Meal with a Mission First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 870,
Graham, Texas 76450-0870
Phone (940) 549-1008
Contact: Rev. Randy Branson
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Graham
Presbytery funding: $250.00
In 2003, First Presbyterian Church in Graham began a ministry of feeding
students once each week during their lunch period. The students are asked to
donate their lunch money for that day to a fund. When the amount in the fund
totals $100.00, the students determine which local charity should receive the
funds. Each week 40-60 students are served and the number continues to grow.
Goals of the program include creating a safe and inviting place for students
to gather once a week, teaching them about responsible community service and
outreach, and reaching unchurched youth.
After School Program First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 448,
Littlefield, Texas 79339-0448
Phone (806) 789-2557
Contact: Rev. Janne Brumbelow
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Littlefield
Presbytery funding: $400.00
Now in its fifth year, the After School Program of First Presbyterian Church
in Littlefield continues to minister to children in grades 1-6 and now
involves several “graduates” as helpers to the younger children. On
Wednesday afternoons, approximately twenty children come to the church for
homework help, a snack, music, a devotional, Bible verses and an art lesson.
Since the local school district does not offer art classes, the original
intention focused primarily around providing art lessons for the children;
however, other needs were discovered as well. Children of varying race,
socio-economic status and intellectual ability participate in and benefit from the program.
Bowie
Mission
P.O. Box 691, Bowie, Texas 76230-0691
Phone (940) 872-6793
Contact: Cliff Mars
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Bowie
Presbytery funding: $500.00
The Bowie Mission is a locally supported, non-profit organization serving the
needs of people in Montague County. The organization provides assistance in
the following ways: food, clothing, financial assistance for medical and
dental costs as well as emergency utility costs. Donations from individuals,
churches and businesses in Bowie support the work of the Mission with
additional support from the Wichita Falls Food Bank and TEX-CAP.
Breakfast on Beech Street P.O. Box 5911, Abilene, Texas 79608-5911
Phone (325) 692-4149
Contact: Margaret Beasley
In partnership with First Central Presbyterian Church, Abilene
Presbytery funding: $350.00
Breakfast on Beech Street (BOBS) is a collaborative, non-profit community
service whose mission is to help improve the quality of life in our area by
providing a free, hot breakfast and sack lunch each weekday morning to anyone
regardless of age, race, creed, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or income.
BOBS serves 45-55 people per day. The organization is a cooperative effort of
First Central Presbyterian Church and four other congregations of other
denominations serving in harmony and united purpose for 12 years. More than
100 volunteers drawn primarily from these five congregations work in teams to
prepare and serve the meals.
Breedlove
Dehydrated Foods 1818 N. Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard, Lubbock, Texas 79403-2406
Phone: (806) 741-0404, ext. 15
Contact: Hope Floeck
In partnership with various Presbyterian bodies including the
Presbyterian Hunger Program and Palo Duro Presbytery,
endorsed by Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lubbock
Presbytery funding: $1,000.00
Breedlove Dehydrated Foods is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to feeding the hungry
worldwide. Breedlove Dehydrated Foods is committed to feeding the hungry of
the world by developing relationships and partnerships to best utilize our
entire facility and resources to the benefit of those in need. Breedlove food
aid helps orphans and vulnerable children, women, the elderly, victims of
HIV/AIDS, and the sick through programs in school feedings, maternal health
initiatives, disaster relief, health education, hospitals, and health clinics.
Brown
Bag Ministry 502
Locust, Sweetwater, Texas 79556
Phone: (325)235-8408
Contact: Dennis Bosley
Presbytery funding: $500.00
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Sweetwater
The Brown Bag Ministry distributes food to area families meeting TEX-CAP
guidelines.. The program is funded by the Nolan County Ministerial Alliance, a
small FEMA grant, donations from local organizations and a grant from Palo
Duro Presbytery. The goal is to continue providing food to the increasing
number of people needing assistance. Currently Brown Bag provides food to
400-600 individuals and family units.
Dalhart
Rescue Mission 1221
Tascosa Rd., Dalhart, Texas 79022
Phone: (806) 244-4911
Contact: Richard Slaughter
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Dalhart
Presbytery funding: $500.00
Dalhart Rescue Mission provides a warm shelter in winter, food and
clothing to people in need without regard to race, religion, creed, or
national origin. Mostly transient men are served, but women and children also
receive services.
Family Guidance
and Outreach Center of Lubbock, Inc.
#5 Briercroft, Lubbock, Texas 79412
Phone: (806) 747-5577
Contact: Lynnette Wilson
In partnership with Westminster, Covenant, and First
Presbyterian churches,
Lubbock
Presbytery funding: $750.00
The mission of Family Guidance and Outreach Center of Lubbock, Inc. is
prevention of child abuse and neglect. As an advocate for children and
families, we utilize community resources to equip volunteers and strengthen
families by enhancing self-esteem, communication and family unity. By
providing friendship, support, life skills, role modeling and education, the
organization positively impacts families. The programs offered include shaken
baby syndrome training, parenting classes to provide tools to help parents
gain parenting skills, a mentoring program at New Directions which is a school
for pregnant teens and young mothers, and anger management for children and
adolescents.
Family Promise of Lubbock, Inc. P.O.
Box 1258, Lubbock, Texas
79408-1258
Phone: (806) 744-5035
Contact: Connie Hindman,
Director
In partnership with Covenant Presbyterian Church
& First Presbyterian Church, Lubbock
Presbytery funding: $3,000.00
Family Promise provides a comprehensive program of temporary housing, case
management and supportive services to homeless families with children to
empower them to become self-sufficient again. Temporary evening shelter, meals
and friendship for homeless families with children are provided by 32 local
congregations and more than 700 volunteers. During the day, our guests are at
home in the Hope House. The staff determines eligibility for services,
provides case management, life coaching and counseling for families as they
become empowered to achieve independence. The van driver provides and
coordinates transportation to and from work opportunities, school and daycare.
Child care is provided for children who are not in school to enable parents to
seek employment.
Friendship Meal P.O.
Box 870, Graham, Texas 76450-0870
Phone: (940) 549-1008
Contact: Rev. Randy Branson
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Graham
Presbytery funding: $500.00
The church provides a hot meal and Christian fellowship once a month for
anyone from the community who is in need. Approximately 70 persons participate
in the meal each month. Residents of a nursing home and a group living
facility regularly participate and enjoy fellowship in a wholesome atmosphere.
The meal is prepared by church members, and as many as 20 helpers participate
each month in serving the meal.
Good Samaritan
Christian Services 309 N. Ward, Pampa, Texas
79065
Phone: (806) 665-0073
Contact: Joy Bivins
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Pampa
Presbytery funding: $750.00
Good Samaritan Christian Services is a joint effort of churches in the Pampa
area. The organization provides food and clothing, fills prescriptions, pays
utility bills, and occasionally provides lodging and transportation for needy
clients in the area.
Good Shepherd
Christian Outreach P.O. Box 612, Tulia, Texas
79088-0612
Phone: (806) 995-3621 or (806) 995-2104
Contact: Cynthia Zolman
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Tulia
Presbytery funding: $750.00
The Good Shepherd Christian Outreach responds
to physical, medical, and material needs of persons who reside in or travel
through the community by providing temporary shelter, basic food, clothing,
utilities, medical aid and travel assistance when necessary and when funds are
available; to direct clients to existing resources and programs which may help
them meet their long-term needs; and to monitor and coordinate services and to
reduce duplication and possible abuse of services.
Hereford Food Pantry
609 E. Park Avenue, #2, Hereford, Texas 79045
Phone: (806) 364-5163
Contact: Sally Walker
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Hereford
Presbytery funding: $500.00
Hereford Food Pantry provides food for families in need of food and helps
people with food who have lost their jobs. The county imposes a requirement on
the recipients of assistance that they must be residents of Deaf Smith County.
Funds from the grant are used to purchase food.
Interfaith Ministries, Inc.
1101 11th
Street, Wichita Falls, Texas 76301
Phone: (940) 322-1365
Contact: Jean Halter Payne
In partnership with First
Presbyterian Church, Wichita Falls
Presbytery funding: $1,500.00
Interfaith Ministries is the local outreach of over 50 congregations in
Wichita Falls. The ministry provides emergency financial assistance and a food
pantry to low-income residents of Wichita Falls. Local congregations provide
financial support and pantry supplies, and volunteers staff the center.
Individuals, businesses, civic organizations and local foundations also
support the ministry. Clients are interviewed by trained volunteers to
determine needs, and payments are made to utility companies, pharmacies,
landlords and other providers based on clients’ needs and available funds.
Long-term prescriptions assistance is provided through the Prescription
Project. The CITA (Community Interpreting and Translating Assistance) program
provides volunteer interpreters and translators to non-English and limited
English speakers in the community and surrounding area. Since July 2007,
Interfaith Ministries participates with and is fiscal agent for the Wichita
Falls Area Disaster Recovery Committee, a group of community representatives
working with flood victims to restore homes and lives of those affected by the
summer 2007 flood.
Loaves
& Fishes Food Ministries P.O.
Box 105, Coleman, Texas 76834-0105
Phone: (325) 625-2060
Contacts: Leta Gaither
In partnership with United Christian and Presbyterian Church, Coleman
Presbytery funding: $500.00
Christian Family Ministries of Coleman County’s
Loaves & Fishes Food Ministries serve needs of the disabled, poor,
and those with other needs throughout the county. Families in need of
non-perishable foods may come once each month to receive supplemental
groceries for their use. Hot meals are also provided each Tuesday and
Thursday, with most of the meals being delivered or picked up by care givers,
for the homebound, those without transportation, or any family who is unable
to personally pick up or come to the dining room to get their meals. All work
is done by volunteers.
Mexico
Mission Trip First Presbyterian Church, 3601
Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, Texas 76308
Phone: (940) 766-0512
Contact: Laura Gibson
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Wichita Falls
Presbytery funding: $3,000.00
Each year, a team of 20 or more missionaries travels to Piedras Negras,
Mexico, under the auspices of Constructores Para Cristo, to build two simple
homes for Mexican families in need of safe, decent housing. The construction
of the concrete block, three-room houses takes five days. Upon completion, a
dedication and worship service takes place and the family receives the keys to
their new home. It is a wonderful, moving experience for all involved as we
love our neighbors as Jesus commanded.
NOROC (Grannie
Program in Romania) c/o Fred White, 200
Hedges Road, Abilene, Texas 79605
Phone: (325) 692-0284
Contact: Fred or Carolyn White
In partnership with First Central Presbyterian Church, Abilene
and Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lubbock
Presbytery funding: $3000.00
NOROC must continue to exist and do the compassionate work for which it was
created. The NOROC mission statement is to give New Opportunities for Romanian
Orphaned Children. NOROC’s three programs serve 300-400 institutionalized
children, from birth to young adults and involves approximately 70 adults
(mostly retired) who interact with the children. The programs are Big-hearted
Grannies, Big-hearted Teachers, and Big-hearted Friends. Rev. Mary Ferris
provides spiritual support and helps older youth to make the transition to
live independently.
Opportunity School, Inc.
c/o First Presbyterian Church, 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, Texas 79101
Phone: (806) 373-4245
Contact: Emily Wood, Development Director
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Canyon
Presbytery funding: $1,000.00
Opportunity School, nationally accredited by the National Association for
the Education of Young Children, prepares
children for success in school and in life by providing early education parent
support for 152 children from low-income families. The school features a
strong parent education component in addition to low child-teacher ratios and
a carefully designed curriculum. Founded as an outreach mission by members of
First Presbyterian Church in Amarillo, the school has two campuses: Central
Campus in First Presbyterian Church in Amarillo serving 80 students, and the
Grand Street Campus serving 72 students.
Presbyterian Food Pantry 333 Orange, Abilene, Texas 79605
Phone (325) 692-0073
Contact: Frances Buzard
In partnership with First Central Presbyterian Church, Abilene
Presbytery funding: $500.00
The Presbyterian Food Pantry is open each Tuesday from 1-4 p.m. and provides
food and essentials for a week to needy families, who may come for help once
every six weeks. Food is purchased from the West Central Texas Food Bank and
local grocery stores. Church members support the pantry with donations of
money and food. More than 50 volunteers from First Central and Westminster
Presbyterian Churches in Abilene staff the pantry.
Presbyterian Home for Children
3400 S. Bowie, Amarillo, Texas 79109
Phone: (806) 352-5771
Contact: Pam Thomas
In partnership with Westminster Presbyterian Church, Amarillo
Presbytery funding: $4,000.00
The Children’s Home provides Christ-centered care
and nurturing for abused,
neglected and dependent children and youth in a therapeutic home-like
atmosphere. Trained professionals teach social, academic and independent
living skills in a safe and secure setting. The Home invests in the lives of
young people, helping them find a sense of hope and purpose in their lives.
The goal of this home is to increase the number of successful transitions from
a controlled environment into independent living.
Presbyterian Medical Care
Mission 302 Medical Drive,
Abilene, Texas 79601; Phone: (325) 676-3104
Contact: J. Scott Golding
In partnership with First Central Presbyterian Church, Abilene
Presbytery funding: $3,000.00
The Presbyterian Medical Care Mission provides, in a Christian setting,
primary medical and dental care to low-income, uninsured children and adults
in the Abilene area. The Mission charges on a sliding fee scale with the
average office visit costing just $15.00. Although the Mission is not a free clinic, patients are
never turned away for inability to pay.
Samaritan Pastoral Counseling
Center of Amarillo, Inc.
112 W. 8th, Suite 800,
Amarillo, Texas 79101
Phone: (806) 353-1668, ext. 29600
Contact: Twilla Woolsey, Executive Director
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Amarillo
Presbytery funding: $1,500.00
Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center provides faith-based counseling services
to individuals, couples, families, and children in the Panhandle area. Our
therapists are licensed professionals in the State of Texas and are trained in
integrating psychotherapy and spirituality in the healing process. We provide
help to individuals/families dealing with their spiritual journey, marital
issues, parenting, depression, anxiety, as well as other mental illnesses. Our
program provides counseling on a sliding scale basis for those who are without
health insurance and could not afford counseling.
Seymour
Organization Helping Others (SOHO)
215 N. Washington
Street, Seymour, Texas 76380
Phone: (940) 889-8408
Contact: Marilyn Piatt
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Seymour
Presbytery funding: $1,000.00
SOHO provides a single point of contact for all persons seeking assistance for
genuine physical, material, social, spiritual, educational or emotional needs
or concerns. The organization
operates from an office donated by the community, utilities included. The
organization duplicates no other programs in the community and has one paid
employee. SOHO pays $100.00
annually to the food bank to keep the pantry stocked.
South
Plains Food Bank — Farm, Orchard & Garden Division
4612 Locust Avenue,
Lubbock, Texas 79404
Phone: (806) 762-3831
Contact: Jenifer Smith
In partnership with Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lubbock
Presbytery funding: $1,000.00
South Plains Food Bank began in 1983 in response to the emergency food needs
of the community. Our growth and innovative responses have made us an agency,
which not only provides emergency food, but also seeks to build opportunities
for self-sufficiency and food security. In 2008, we distributed over seven
million pounds of food through our network of 265 agencies throughout our
25-county area. Over 20% of that amount was comprised of fresh produce grown
at our farm, orchard, and gardens or donated by local farmers and wholesalers.
The South Plains Food Bank, Inc. through its various programs, is a
humanitarian resource with responsibility for securing, growing, and
processing, and/or distributing food to charitable organizations and persons
in need. The South Plains Food Bank, Inc. strives to be a model for community
partnerships and a catalyst for social change by providing opportunities for
persons to break out of the poverty cycle.
The
Feed Store P.O. Box
695, Albany, Texas 76430; Phone (325) 762-2038
Contact: Amy Kelly
In partnership with Matthews Memorial
Presbyterian Church, Albany
Presbytery funding: $1,000.00
The Feed Store is a 501(c)(3) corporation which exists for the purpose
of “feeding” youth both physically and spiritually. For the past two
years, The Feed Store has provided free lunches once a week to junior and
senior high school students in Albany. The meals, prepared and served by
volunteers at Matthew Memorial Presbyterian Church, include prayer and
scripture readings. Jesus
said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they
will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6). It
is upon this promise that The Feed Store has been built and shall be
sustained.
The
Word at Work 1400 Wolflin Avenue, Amarillo,
Texas 79109
Phone: (806) 342-3600
Contact: Rev. Tim Tam
In partnership with Covenant Presbyterian Church, Amarillo
Presbytery funding: $4,000.00
The Word at Work enlists and challenges churches to actively
participate in missions through providing guidance to churches with teaching,
resourcing and leading trips. The organization maintains close communication
with pastors and with the Presbytery of Belize in order to communicate their
needs to churches in the United States. We are developing an ever growing
network of people and resources with which we are able to support the work of
Christ’s church in Belize and beyond.
Funds are used for operating expenses.
Tulia Day Nursery P.O. Box 361, Tulia,
Texas 79088
Phone: (806) 995-2786
Contact: Kelly Reusch
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Tulia
Presbytery funding: $500.00
Tulia Day Nursery is a
non-profit child care center serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Our
goal is to provide the highest quality of care to all children while educating
and entertaining them We strive to provide healthy, well-balanced meals three
times a day. We offer a positive, encouraging and upbeat atmosphere to our
children and their families.
United Samaritan Services of
Vernon 1708 Main Street,
Vernon, Texas 76384
Phone: (940) 552-8778
Contact: Barbara Harvey
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Vernon
Presbytery funding: $1,000.00
United Samaritan Services of Vernon is a benevolent organization which
provides financial assistance to low-income residents of Wilbarger County.
Volunteers interview each person seeking assistance, assesses their financial
need, provides information and explores options for further assistance beyond
what USSV may provide. USSV pays for basic necessities such as rent, utility
bills, prescriptions, medical visits, ID cards, and provides clothing and
maintains a food pantry for those in need.
West Texas Organizing Strategy
P.O. Box 5237, Lubbock, Texas 79408
Phone: (806) 928-1243
Contact: Beatris Vega
In partnership with Covenant Presbyterian Church
Presbytery funding: $2,000.00
West Texas Organizing Strategy (WTOS)
is a coalition of congregations in Lubbock and San Angelo which supports the
families of our community. Families across the region face economic, social
and cultural pressures. Because WTOS member institutions believe that strong
families are the foundation of a prosperous community, we work to ensure that
the needs of all families of our community are addressed so that all families
can share in the prosperity of the community. We do this in a non-partisan
manner by building relationships among the member congregations and with
political officials.
Wichita-Archer-Clay
Christian Women’s Job Corps
2301 9th Street, Wichita Falls, Texas 76301
Phone: (940) 687-0601
Contact: Gabriela Nesbitt
In partnership with Fain Presbyterian Church, Wichita Falls
Presbytery funding: $500.00
Christian Women’s Job Corps is a holistic ministry addressing the physical,
emotional, social, financial, and spiritual needs of women who have no hope,
and no place to turn. Two requirements of this program are: the student must
be assigned a mentor, and she must participate in Bible study. The mentor
becomes her guide in reaching her goals, and Bible study teaches her to gain
strength from God’s Word. Our 10-week, 4-day-a-week session provides classes
in math, English, money management, parenting, careers, boundaries, Bible
study, health/nutrition, computers and crafts. The classes are designed to
teach the student to gain self-sufficiency.
Wichita
Falls Faith Mission, Inc. P.O. Box 965,
Wichita Falls, Texas 76307
Phone: (940) 723-5663
Contact: Becky Browning
In partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Wichita Falls
Presbytery funding: $750.00
Wichita Falls Faith Mission,
established in 1958, is
one of Wichita County’s leading non-profit homeless shelters. Commitment is
focused on ministering to the total person by providing a comprehensive and
compassionate response to homeless and indigent individuals/families. Faith
Mission ministers to clients by providing immediate physical, spiritual,
social, emotional and educational needs through ministries of charity. Safe
housing, nourishing meals, clothing, household goods, and spiritual, social,
emotional, and educational needs are provided to clients as well as students
in a “Genesis” recovery program. There are sleeping spaces for 74 men, 16
women, and four families.
Mary
Ferris, Missionary to Romanian orphans
In partnership with the World Ministries Division of the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
Palo Duro Presbytery and the congregations of Palo Duro Presbytery
Presbytery funding: $10,000.00
Mary Ferris, an ordained Presbyterian minister and full-time missionary living
in Romania, works to successfully transition older orphans to lead productive
lives as adults after they leave the institution.
Her work also involves advocating for the well-being of all of the orphans in
Tulcea County.
Ministry Support
Grants to Small Congregations
First
Presbyterian Church, Dalhart
— $5,000.00
First
Presbyterian Church, Littlefield — $5,000.00
First
Presbyterian Church, Lubbock — $3,000.00
Campus Ministries
United
Campus Ministry, First Presbyterian Church in Canyon — $2,000.00
Underground
College Ministry, First Presbyterian Church in Wichita Falls — $3,000.00
