This is the time of the year when we donate to our local community through Hand of Hope and to the world through the Presbyterian Church One Great Hour of Sharing.
As we all are faced with the covid-19 virus, we know that every organization has been dealt a severe blow which affects many in mental health care, families struggling, the underserved population, gig artists/musicians and operational expenses. This year is especially important for giving! The Mission Initiative has chosen to support the following local organizations in our community:
Faith Hope and Love – Duffle’s for Kids: In 2013 we learned children entering the foster care system were often pulled from sometimes dangerous situations with only 5 minutes to gather their things and they were given a black trash bag to collect their belongings. Our hearts broke over this news and we decided to help by supplying a brand-new duffel bag with personal care and comfort items. Since we started in May of 2013, we have given away over 3,500 bags to different agencies. We work with many organizations that regularly deal with children in crisis, law enforcement, domestic abuse shelters, homeless shelters, local schools and foster care programs.
- They Know They are Loved - It is important that the children who receive our bags feel comforted. We believe it is important that they receive brand new items that can be just for them to keep. Our hope is that they would know that they are loved and cared for.
- They Feel at Home - We want the children who receive our bags to feel they feel safe, valued and significant during this transition. Providing them with items such as a fleece blanket, flashlight and stuffed animal helps to ensure they feel comfortable during this traumatic time.
- They Have Confidence - Children displaced from their homes and brought into foster care often feel very vulnerable and afraid. Our hope is that they feel they can be confident in themselves and their situation even when things around them might not be easy.
- They Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle - Our bags provide children with items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and soap to help them maintain their basic hygiene habits. When a child is displaced from their home, they might not think to grab these necessary items. We make sure they don’t go without these basic necessities.
Family Service of Racine (FSR) is a nonprofit, state-certified, outpatient mental health clinic located in Racine, Wisconsin. We offer counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. We also offer several support groups and education classes.
- Our Mission: The mission of FSR is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families.
- Our Vision: The vision of FSR is to be an innovative provider of high quality, accessible educational services and mental health counseling for members of our community.
Racine Arts Council, founded in 1967, RAC encourages, supports and advocates on behalf of emerging and established artists, artistic groups in our community, and young people interested in the arts. These programs have been especially affected by the covid-19 virus “safe at home” lockdown as many events and visitations have been canceled. There will be much work to do forward!
- ArtSeed grant program helps foster the arts in our community by funding arts related projects by local artists and non-profit organizations. Past grant recipients have included Racine Symphony Orchestra, Choral Arts Society, Racine Art Museum, Belle Ensemble
- ArtStart makes art accessible to our community, no-matter their socio-economic status. This program serves Women’s Resource Center, Bethany House, Ellsworth Correctional Facility for Women, Racine Youthful Offender Facility for Men and HALO
- Lonely Instruments Need Kids (LINK) is designed to give donated instruments to children who are financially unable to purchase or rent an instrument of their own.
Please give online (click here) and reference that it is for Hand of Hope.
We will be collecting donations through May 2020. And thank you!