Year in Review ─ 2007Year in Review ─ 2007In its 27th year, Christian Community Service Center continued to meet the vital needs of our neighbors in crisis. As is the agency’s hallmark, CCSC exceeded industry standards in corporate governance and the allocation of expenses to program services. With the support of 37 covenant congregations and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, lives were changed through six social service programs and the Sunshine Resale Shop:
• Emergency Services provided food, clothing, financial assistance and referrals to 15,759 persons in crisis. This effort included helping 1,059 families avoid homelessness or substandard living conditions by assisting with electricity, water, natural gas, and rent payments, which reflects a slight increase in this category from 2006. In addition, 135 clients received financial aid for medical needs. CCSC saw a higher number of homeless, elderly and disabled persons. The Community Garden harvested over 2,000 pounds of fresh vegetables and fruits, aiding clients’ nutritional well-being.
• JobNet served 557 unemployed/underemployedjob-seekers by offering career guidance, computer training, resume development, Life Skills courses, business attire, and access to office equipment. The personalized program design helps clients gain knowledge and confidence, aiding their paths to success. A total of 24% of participants found work, with 71% employed to potential. Each month, an average of 85 job-seekers utilized JobNet, and an average of 22 clients accessed one-to-one coaching services.
• The Martha’s Way domestic housekeeping training program engaged 51 participants on their road to vocational success. A total of 39 students completed the 36-hour curriculum, and 68 job contracts were secured through CCSC connections. More than 60% of program graduates reported that their family’s financial situation has improved since they graduated. To date, Martha’s Way has graduated 138 clients.
• Back To School grew by 16% from the prior year, providing 5,565 disadvantaged students with grade-appropriate school supplies, new uniforms, and gently used clothing. This program helps children be better prepared to achieve academic success, as they may have otherwise started the semester without essential learning tools. In December, ample resources allowed CCSC to partner with six schools, providing an additional 3,171 students with academic supplies for the beginning of the second semester.• Jingle Bell Express provided 3,217 children from low-income families with new toys and books for their Christmas celebrations. Each of their 945 families also received a holiday food package to address their hunger needs at this special time of year.
• The Louise J. Moran Vision Care Program partnered with local elementary schools to provide vision-screening services to 1,686 disadvantaged children. A total of 354 students then benefited from professional eye exams at University Eye Institute with 295 of them receiving new prescription glasses.
• Sunshine Resale Shop provided a valuable income source, netting $146,367 from the sale of donated items. CCSC supporters brought in over 3,000 donations. All proceeds are channeled into our mission, allowing CCSC to serve more clients. By selling items at a fraction of retail cost, the store provides a great service to community members, particularly those living on a fixed or limited income.
• 2,200 CCSC volunteers contributed over 32,000 hours of service across the organization - the estimated monetary value of this contribution is $600,640. Approximately 350 persons were involved in on-going service commitments and 45 groups helped with special projects. Thank you, CCSC volunteers!
In the past year members and friends of Christ the King Church donated over $7800 to CCSC’s programs and services. Many of our members volunteer with CCSC on a regular basis. Mission Offerings for CCSC will be accepted throughout March in all services of worship.
The mission of CCSC is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic, or cultural differences.
See information on CCSC’s executive director and April Sunday Forums
Informal 45 minute Group Tours
at our 3230 Mercer location.
Monday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m.
To register, please contact Clare Bruce
Bring your Friends!