THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
FROM YEAR TO YEAR
Most of us are happy to have 2020 in our rearview mirror, but honestly, many of its challenges, as they relate to hunger, are going to continue to be a part of the narrative for 2021. One good thing about the year-that-shall-not-be-named is that the long-standing issue of hunger in America is now in the national spotlight. Hunger is often highlighted during the holidays, but it’s actually a year-round national crisis. Now that hunger is in the headlines, we must help fill the immediate need, while also creating long-lasting changes.
There isn’t a vaccine for hunger, so it will take us all working together to make this a better year for our food-insecure neighbors. When it comes to fighting hunger, don’t forget that YOU ARE ESSENTIAL!
We can’t be sure of how everything will play out in 2021, but we are certain of a few things:
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Unemployment and underemployment will remain.
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Inequities in food access will still exist.
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People will continue to turn to the FCOC for help.
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The FCOC WILL be there for our community, just like it has since 2007.
As we move forward, let’s bring with us the biggest lesson learned last year: we can achieve incredible feats when we work together! You answered our call for help time and time again and it’s this unwavering support that keeps us going.
As opportunities to be a part of the solution present themselves this year, we encourage you to act upon them because there is still a lot left to do.
What do you say? Let’s roll up those sleeves, pull up those bootstraps and get to work!
FROM THE FCOC PROGRAM MANAGER...
WE ARE THANKFUL
TO HELP THOSE IN NEED
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THEIR STORIES...
Homeless in Flushing?
How can that be?
Where can you go when you can’t go back home because of a dangerously, abusive relationship? The YWCA Safe House was full! All of the shelters in Flint were full! To make matters worse, this all happened during the ice storm in April and even though it was too cold to survive outside, the warming center in Flint closed on April 1.
What can you do for a client who is homeless in Flushing? Pray! Pray! Pray! “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah” 65:24
God answered our prayers and she is now housed and safe.
Suddenly, Jill’s Husband Became Critically Ill...
Jill and her husband had a thriving business that had been in the family for three generations. During the recession, their small-town business was hit hard. Employees were laid off and hours of operation were decreased. The hard-working couple was determined to ride out the downturn.
Suddenly, Jill’s husband became critically ill. Now, every day she faces the struggle of keeping the business open and paying all the necessary medical bills. Plus, she’s without her husband’s partnership of keeping the doors open.
Recently, Jill’s family had no food in the house with no money to restock their pantry. Fortunately, FCOC was there to help them through a difficult time. Food assistance is critical to the health and well-being of families like Jill’s and can mean the difference between hunger and health.
Jill’s family is not alone. Too many Flushing residents don’t always know where their next meal will come from. Hunger is a terrifying reality for 2 in 10 people in our community and 1 in 6 Flushing children. FCOC’s mission is to reach out to those in need of food, clothing, prayer, and resources to navigate through an economic crisis. We invite you to be one of our warriors against poverty by praying, volunteering, and giving. Our neighbors need you.
The Importance of a Friendly 'Hello'...
One of our volunteers was cleaning the porch outside of the outreach center. A person walked by the center and both exchanged pleasant hellos.
The man suddenly stopped and came back to the bottom of the stairs. He looked up at the volunteer and said, “Hey, I hear you can help people here.” The volunteer’s genuine concern for the man came through in her caring answer, “We certainly do help people in our community who need food, clothing, personal items, and/or resources to other agencies who can assist in ways we can’t. He replied, “It’s the end of the month and my disability check doesn’t come in until next week. I really need some food and toiletries to get the through.” The mask of shame fell away from this man’s face the moment he found a friendly person who was willing to welcome him into our place of love.
SERVING OUR SENIORS
We are thankful to help so many in our community.
Many of the people we help at FCOC are the senior residents in our community. Living on a fixed income, some of those residents have to make the choice between purchasing either vital medication or food each month.
The National Council for Aging Care published an important article regarding the facts behind senior hunger:
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
Left to right: Front Row: Diane Jerichow, Caitlin Seavey, Second Row: Carole Hibbard Back Row: Bill Abendschein, Noralyn Hassold, Evelyn Johnson
Carole Bearer
Eric Mason, Bob Krueger
Marie Gengler, Halle Slough
We are thankful for all of the wonderful volunteers that serve at FCOC. Here are just a few of the many friendly and caring volunteers that you will see here.