Community Outreach

Since CELC’s mission statement is: ““We are a Christian fellowship, reaching out to all people, so that all may see, know and experience God’s love for them.” it only seems natural that we go beyond our church walls and reach out to serve those who are in need.

Tuesday Food Program

CELC Food Program’s purpose is to assist working poor living in Goodyear, Avondale, and Litchfield Park. The program is able to provide a weekly food box to approximately 67 families. In addition to food, our Outreach Program offers clothing and household goods (received through donations) at a reasonable cost. Our intention is to assist people on their way to self-sufficiency by offering help in these and other areas.

Outreach 2023 Report

Households Served 3,381
25% increase over 2022
Individuals Served 15,815
Distributed over 177,218.48 lbs of food

Volunteers welcome on Tuesday mornings between 8:00am and 11:30am

Special Volunteer needs during summer - check on link on button below.

Outreach Needs

Thanks to West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop

The West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop approved grant funds of $2500 for adult hygiene products for CELC Health and Outreach. Thank you to Kathy Williams for submitting the application last year. Adult hygiene products will be offered to our Outreach clients and I-HELP participants the first Tuesday of every month. If you know of someone in need, please contact Kathy or Pastor Kim.

Food Pantry Video
- Thanks to Darren Coyle and Kathy Coyle

I-Help

CELC participated in I-Help (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) which provides a safe place to sleep and a hot meal for adults experiencing homelessness. Also, a case manager is available to help individuals in the program to attain vital resources needed to regain stability in their lives.p

I-Help is reforming - Volunteers will be needed

The SW Valley IHELP advisory board has been working diligently for several months to reorganize the IHELP program. Pastors and outreach leaders from the following churches are a part of this group: AZ Vineyard, Avondale Baptist Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal, CELC, Refinery and New Foundation.

AZ Community Impact, a not-for-profit 501c3 organization and SW Valley IHELP have joined into an official agreement that AZ Community Impact will serve as the umbrella organization for IHELP. We are working on getting liability insurance coverage through them. This will make it easier to apply for grants since they have a proven track record.

Target dates for start up

Sept 1 – Start intake process

Sept 11 – Volunteer training at AZ Vineyard 6:30 p.m.

Sept 14 – Begin overnight hosting in churches (pending insurance coverage and night monitors)

The CELC church council voted to participate in the program, and we will host 2-3 Friday nights a month (every other week. Refinery will host the other Friday nights. I am working on a schedule through the end of the year with Refinery and will post dates as soon as they become available.

I am putting out a call for people to serve as a part of volunteer work team from 4:00pm to 9:00pm once or twice a month. Our goal is to have at least 4 volunteers present during that time to assist with check-in, serving meals, monitoring shower time and evening chores. The more people we can get signed up to assist, the fewer time commitments for all. If you could only work part of the (4-9pm) time, that would be workable too. Training will be provided for members of the teams.

Volunteers will also be needed to prepare meals for guests in the program (and volunteers) as well as laundry (towels and sheets). I will put out a meal sign up schedule once the exact dates are determined.

Please email office@christgoodyear.org or call the church office to volunteer for IHELP. You may also contact Su Erickson for more information.

West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop

The West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop (WVLTS) is a non-profit second-hand store that provides bargain prices to customers and financial support to many west valley charities.

More Info

Please consider supporting the Lutheran Thrift Shop, as they have provided CELC with several grants in recent years.

Adopt-A-Cop

CELC has a program of spirtual support for our local Goodyear police officers. If you would like to link up with a Goodyear cop to pray and connect with, please email the church office or contact Faith Hanley.

Quilters

Quilters meet every Monday morning at 9 am in the BldgA Fellowship Hall. Our quilts are hand tied and are given to a local domestic violence shelter, baptisms and graduates, We spend our summers preparing for a craft sale to support purchasing materials for our group

This activity is open to all who share our passion of quilting and great conversation.

Monday Morning Quilters
- Wreath Making

Quilt Blessing Service

LSS-SW

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is an organization affiliated with the ELCA with an outreach mission:

We stabilize people during crisis and transition, build a foundation where people can thrive, and preserve dignity and respect for the most vulnerable.

Throughout the year, they support many programs and activities which CELC may participate in that may be highlighted here.. Please check out their web site for more information.

LSS-SW Web Site

YMCA - Outreach Programs for Aging Seniors

Ihe YMCA has started a program in the west valley for seniors. It is called Outreach Programs for Aging Seniors, OPAS and is for those that have a need for rides to medical appointments, friendly visits, shopping, running errands, help with bills or just a phone call, etc. If you would like to inquire about this program please call 623-212-6088, ext 3.

Volunteers are also needed to support this program and are background screened. It is a well-run program that began in Ahwatukee, AZ. It's a great opportunity but it's also free. Monica Vincent