Outreach
St. David’s has a long history of helping people who are experiencing poverty, homelessness or other crises. Our commitment to bear witness loving one another as Jesus loved us takes many forms. We support programs and ministries in the community through grants and volunteers. Our current list of outreach ministries include the following:
• Trinity Center – a ministry to assist our downtown neighbors who are experiencing homelessness.
• Next to New – a thrift shop that serves as a resource for used household goods and clothing. Half of the profits ofthis shop is a major funding source for our grants ministry.
• Grants – A number of grants are awarded to local service organizations.
• Habitat for Humanity - we participate with other Austin Episcopal parishes in building a home every year.
• Angel Tree – we collect presents for children who have a parent in prison.
• Faith In Action – West Austin Caregivers – we support this ministry through our volunteers who help elderly people remain independent and through membership.
• Stand Down – We help people to acquire identification documents during this annual event.
• Simple Gifts – Parishioners choose to donate to a variety of community organizations as an alternative for of giving gifts.
• Disaster Response – We are developing this ministry to help our neighbors, locally or in other areas, who suffer from the effects of natural disasters.
• Warm Heart International – we also support the global community through this ministry to our neighbors in Southern Malawi.
• Food, clothing, and other collection drives – we participate in a variety of drives to collect items that will help our neighbors.
HANDS-ON OUTREACH COMMITTEE (HOOC): The Hands-On Outreach Committee is a standing committee of St. David’s Episcopal Church created by the Vestry to encourage and nurture participation within the parish on behalf of the outreach mission of the church. Through the works of this committee the parish manifests its commitment to our Baptismal Covenant to bear witness of the love of Jesus, and to the Great Commandment to love one another as God has loved us. We are working to create a community of compassion, praying for the discernment and wisdom to allow God to accomplish His will through us by supporting and building programs that respond to the needs of the poor and the dispirited, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, relieve human suffering, and work for justice and compassion for all the members of our community, especially for those who are powerless, voiceless, and unprotected.
GRANTS COMMITTEE FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH (GCCO): The Grants Committee for Community Outreach is a standing committee of St. David’s Episcopal Church created by the Vestry to distribute money on behalf of the outreach mission of the church.
Process for 2008 St. David’s Grants:
St. David’s Episcopal Church has a long history of helping the poor and those in need in the Austin community. For many years, the church awarded multiple small grants for up to $5,000 to area nonprofit organizations.
The Vestry has decided that for 2008, grant levels will be raised to $10,000 to enable organizations to serve more people and/or increase the impact of grant funds.
The 2008 Grant committee consists of Chair Rebecca Powers, Vice Chair Cathryn Dorsey, Secretary Paul Brownell and members: Cynthia Cannon, Amy Case, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Robyn Hargrove, Marsha Jensen, Scott Jones, Beth Krueger, Jerry McCulley, Marilyn Smolinsky, and Aldo Waker. The Vestry representative is Donnie Hungerford.
In January, the committee received 17 grant proposals from area nonprofits and charities. Nine of these proposals will receive in-depth analysis by review teams. In May, the committee will make final recommendations to the Vestry.
