Community Outreach

Since CELC’s vision statement is: “We are a Christian fellowship reaching out to all people so that they might know 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 Program Discontinued

CELC was notified a few weeks ago that LSS-SW was discontinuing the I-HELP program. The SW Valley group of churches is hoping to continue the program and are working on ways to make that happen. CELC will remain engaged in conversation with the group, but will not continue to host the program at this time. We have offered support in providing some meals and laundry service. Please watch for more details.

March 27 was our last night of hosting the program. Thank you to everyone who has supported the I-HELP program this past eight years. Many meals have been prepared and sheets/blankets laundered and folded, and we are grateful for your generosity.

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

Recent Changes to Refugee Resettlement

Virtual community meeting

Zoom Registration

On February 26, 2025, the United States State Department, in charge of the country’s foreign policy, terminated contracts with all 10 Refugee Resettlement organizations. This includes Global Refuge and Episcopal Migration Ministries, our parent organizations in Phoenix and Tucson. The terminations apply to the resettlement agencies’ agreements to provide Reception and Placement (R&P) core services for refugees already arrived in the United States, as well as several of the Resettlement Support Centers (RSCs) that help process and support refugees who are being vetted for U.S. resettlement.

On March 5, the Supreme Court ruled that the administration must release the frozen funds and that a lower court judge should clarify what obligations the government must fulfill. At this point in time, LSS-SW is still owed over $1 million for services provided in December and January. While these changes are ongoing and there is much uncertainty, we know you have many questions that we want to do our best to answer.

Tune in on March 19 at 12pm to hear the latest from our President and CEO, Connie Phillips.

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