It's a Wonderful Life

 

Due to capacity and other factors, Associated Ministries will not be hosting “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Blue Mouse Theater as a benefit for Family Emergency Fund. The Family Emergency Fund still exists and the need for the fund will only increase as resources continue to decrease in the community at large. We still need and encourage your support for the Family Emergency Fund. For those who would like to make a contribution please click here to donate online. (or check can be sent to Associated Ministries at 1224 S. I St., Tacoma WA 98405) If you would still like to see the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a part of your family Holiday tradition, it is playing at the Galaxy Narrows off Mildred Street in Tacoma. The Galaxy has graciously offered to let us take up a donation for the Family Emergency Fund following the film. One of our Board members will be available in the lobby after the film to give you more information about the fund and to accept donations.
Thank you for your continued support of Associated Ministries and the Family Emergency Fund!
www.associatedministries.org

Donation Gifts

Alternative gift idea for the Holidays!

Consider a donation to Associated Ministries as a way to give to your loved ones for the Holidays this year. Why not honor that family member who has everything or needs nothing by supporting those most marginalized in our community this season. Please click here to donate online.  (If you would like a holiday acknowledgement card sent to you so that you can let your loved one know of this donation please click here for this request). Associated Ministries Unites People of Faith to build Stronger Communities.www.associatedminitries.org

Building more than Houses: Habitat for Humanity

by Sue Potter

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity builds so much more than houses.  When bankers and homemakers and truck drivers work alongside homeowners, they build relationships.  When Baptists and Catholics and Jews and Pentecostals put aside their differences and pick up a hammer, they build bridges of understanding and respect.

A Year in the Life: Access Point for Housing

by Greg Claycamp

One year ago, Associated Ministries was awarded a contract by Pierce County to provide Centralized Intake and Homelessness Prevention.  We dubbed this program Access Point 4 Housing, or AP4H.  As we end our first year and look forward to the next, we want to explore what the view looks like from our perspective.

 Far more people are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless in Pierce County than anyone understood; that is the big takeaway from our first year of operations. The need is beyond the scope of government, and beyond the reach of all of the exceptional organizations attempting to meet it.  The need is so great that we can only approach it by organizing ourselves as a stronger community, one that insists homelessness is unacceptable, and that we will personally and collectively act to prevent it.

Hunger Walk Cash and Food Donations Total $230,000

The Associated Ministries 2011 Hunger Walk raised approximately $230,000 in cash and food donations. This would not be possible without the generous support of our many walkers, teams, sponsors and supporters. To everyone who played a in the 2011  Hunger Walk, we extend a sincere thank you!  - Associated Ministries

42 People of Faith in Pierce County Create a Circle of Protection

Associated Ministries would like to thank the people of faith that braved the cold and rain and draw a circle of protection around programs that affect the most marginalized in our communities.  42 people in Tacoma joined the nationwide effort and over 150 religious leaders and people of faith signed a letter to Super-Committee Co-Chair, Senator Patty Murray. As the Super-Committee was unable to reach an agreement this week and budget cuts will be felt across the board for programs and service, people of faith continue to have an obligation to help the most vulnerable be heard. We know from our experience in serving hungry and homeless people that these programs meet basic human needs, protect lives, and the dignity of the most vulnerable. 

155 People of Faith Attend Thanksgiving Interfaith Service

Associated Ministries’ Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service has been a cherished tradition for parishioners in Tacoma- Pierce County for more than 25 years, bringing people together from many different faith traditions to worship and give thanks for our many blessings. This year’s powerful service held Tuesday Nov. 22, at Christ Episcopal Church in North Tacoma, brought together 155 people of diverse faiths, denominations and congregation and raised over $1,000 for Associated Ministries Family Emergency Fund. 

- Associated Ministries

A Different Approach: The Congregational-Based Housing Project

By Rev. Chris Morton

Naomi and her daughters-in-law were in search for a new home in the land of Judah where there was more food (Ruth 1.6ff).  Jesus invited Zacchaeus to come down from the tree so that the two of them could go to Zacchaeus’ home (Luke 19. 1-10).  Narratives abound that remind us of how important home is – whether it is a physical structure in which we abide, or a spiritual and an emotional place where we feel connected. No wonder our hearts break when we see people who do not have a place to live, or to stay; when we see people who do not appear to have connections to the community.  Is it any wonder, then, that we have worked so diligently to fulfill our social contract to ensure that everyone has a safe place to live? 

Youth in Crisis find Temporary homes

by Elliot Stockstad

Safe Families for Children is a growing national movement of congregations and volunteers responding to families in crisis.   Safe Families began on the West Side of Chicago in 2003 when Dr. David Anderson—who directs a private foster care agency called Lydia Home Society—had an idea.  His staff was equipped to work with children after they were in the State child welfare system, but what if more could be done before families got to that point?

Elected leaders also need to step up to protect vulnerable people

by Chris Morton

Change is all around us, and it is demanding that our institutions like businesses and government change too.  As the economy continues to change, the amount of funding collected by our governments at all levels continue to decline.  Congress and the State Legislature are facing crippling debts, and there are voices from the community calling for cuts to programs and services.  Such voices are trying to help us live within our means, reminding us that the social contract that holds our communities together is not only in and through the government, but also includes civic organizations, not-for-profit agencies, and religious congregations.  In the midst of the conversation around government budgets  there are people, politicians among them, who are saying that “the churches” will simply have to step up their efforts.