My City May 2022

MYOUTREACH

“There is so much good in Flint – so much good!”

a church in Utica, MI that o ered community outreach with meals for the homeless. “I got my feet wet there,” she says with a smile. Before his retirement in 2019, Pastor Yops invited her to join the team, where her main focus is on - nance, grant-writing and program development. “We are always trying to identify the needs in the community,” she ex plains, “and to ll those needs with services. We nd the gaps and combine our resources to create programs.” One particular need that was identi ed in the Flint area was job skill training. “We are still in the beginning phase of addressing that need,” she says. “We hope to o er more training programs such as kitchen manage ment and landscaping.” A small team helps keep the Flint Mis sion Network running smoothly, along with more than 250 volunteers from area churches. “We are so blessed to have so many people who want to

RACHEL SIEMEN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

help!” Siemen exclaims. “Churches are our biggest supporters.” On Tuesdays and ‘ursdays, volunteers provide approximately 100 hot meals at the Franklin Avenue Mission – cooking, serving and cleaning up afterward. ‘ere are some volun teers who just sit and talk with the attendees, Siemen shares. “A lot of what they do is to focus on building relationships. People come just for the social aspect.‘ey feel welcome and enjoy hav ing dinner together.” ‘e Flint Mission Network is also looking toward the future and will continue to grow. “We are always trying to nd more ways to help, to ll those gaps,” says Siemen. One service they hope to provide is a

place for people to wash their clothes. “Laundro mats are far away for many people. We are working to create a laun dry facility at the Frank lin Avenue Mission.” Another unmet need is a ordable child care. ‘e Network also hopes to o er an early childhood center next year, which will be located at the Franklin Avenue Mission. “We have such an amazing team,” Siemen shares, “and we o er the best services we can.” Before coming to Flint, she had heard about its struggles. “After living here for a while, I have learned how beautiful the city really is and I have a new appreciation for Flint. It is a beautiful city and I am glad I’m here. ‘ere is so much good in Flint – so much good!” ®

How to Help If you would like to volunteer your services, visit intmissionnetwork.org or call 810.285.9598. Donations can be made online at intmissionnetwork.org/give/ or by mailing a check made out to the ministry you wish to support:

Franklin Avenue Mission 2210 Franklin Ave., Flint MI 48506

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