BY THE NUMBERS SERVED

September 2017

390 Wednesday Night Meals

Food Distribution:

693 Families Served

1,748 Individuals Served:

544Children (18 and under)

929 Adults (19-59)

275 Seniors (60+)

81,708 Lbs. of Food Received

Food for Families October 2017

PVCM Welcome Center

The Welcome Center Finance and Resource Cen-

ter is now open from 1:00—4:00 pm Monday —

Thursday. The office is locat-

ed just up the ramp on the

first floor. Trina Bryant is the

office person who will assist

you. On Thursdays, she is

located downstairs in the

Food for Families office. The

Welcome Center provides

referrals and helps assist patrons in navigating ser-

vices to better themselves such as counseling,

pastoral care, finances, family services, housing or

health care. Everyone is welcome!

Come on out!

Football, Friends,

and Fellowship

Broncos vs. Chiefs

Sunday, October 29 8:00 pm

This is an event open to the public for men

to come together and watch the game

while having some food and participating

in a half-time devotional by Bedrock

Church. Food and drinks provided, but ad-

ditional items welcome. In the fellowship

hall of Park View, bottom level.

For questions, please call Food for Families

or Mark Lindy at (434) 665-4970.

New Park View Website!!

Completely revamped!

Better than ever!

Goal is to clear confusion

about PVCM’s many segments.

Helps visitors better understand our purpose.

Head on over and explore!

parkviewcommunitymission.org

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Liberty University’s Family and Consumer Science (FACS) Department is partnering

with Park View Community Mission. There are six majors: Family and Child Develop-

ment, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Interior Design, Event Planning, and Fami-

ly and Consumer Science with a Teacher Licensure. Each major has their own associa-

tion which encourages students to collaborate with their classmates and apply their

skills to varying projects. The Department’s Honor Society exists for the same purpose

and to recognize excellence in higher achieving students. Additionally, the association

seeks to provide community outreach and volunteer opportunities for students. Debbie

Benoit, the Honor Society’s Advisor, states that the students are required to participate

in three service projects each semester. She shares that for years the department has

been seeking to partner with one organization that students and faculty can invest into

on a long-term basis.

Park View has met with leaders from the varying FACS associations to gain assistance in

program development. Some of these projects include the initiative to create a “Kid’s

Corner” where kids can color, read, play and learn. Also, the Interior Designs group

plans to help improve the front entrance with painting and décor.

The FACS Department and Park View are so excited for this partnership, as it provides

needed help and resources for Park View while allowing students to gain hands-on expe-

rience and application of classroom education. Rachel Koenig, who works for Food for

Families and is also an LU student, was recently mentioned in the Liberty Champion

newspaper saying that “ We know a person is more than just a physical being. They’re

mental, social, emotional and spiritual (beings). We want to help restore their value and

self-worth.” Most of all, this collaboration is providing more engagement and services

for our neighbors to provide help, healing, and hope.

Left top picture: Rachel Koenig (LU FACS Honor Student) and Food for Families Staff.

Left lower picture: Child enjoying the Kid’s Corner in Food for Families.

LU Family and Consumer Science (FACS) Department Partners with PVCM

Responding to God’s Voice: ….See how they love one another

The Connecting Point: A Satellite of Park View Food for Families Ministry

Sylvia Rinker, Food Ministry Coordinator for Connecting Point at Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church reports:

“This past week at the CP, we witnessed, in real life: 1 Peter 4:10 ‘Each one should use whatever gift he has re-

ceived to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.’ One of our food recipients, an

elderly woman, was patiently waiting her turn to get her food box. She required a cane to walk, and it was so pain-

ful, she just sat patiently waiting, not availing herself of the generous coffee bar that we provided. Pretty soon an-

other of our recipients noticed her just sitting there. This neighbor made it a point to bring the lady a cup of hot

coffee, fixed just the way she liked it, with cream and sugar. Handing it to her, with kindness and love, we could al-

most sense our Father’s approval: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant!’ Through this ministry, we’re reminded

again of how blessed we are, to have a God who loved us enough...John 3:16.”

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GOD Stories

Nakesha Moore—Family Nutrition Program (through VA Cooperative Extension): The impact Park View has had on

me goes beyond professional depth. Yes, I’m able to work in the building that serves our clients and use the same

food they have access to. But it’s more than that. Ten years ago, I was at my lowest. I had no income, and remember

receiving food from the pantry. I also attended the free weekly dinners. So every time I walk through the door here,

I’m reminded of what is possible. Park View is more than a community mission. It’s hope.

Through my classes, I’ve been able to witness many changes. Clients have learned healthy ways to prepare food.

They’ve discovered how helpful it is to plan meals and the importance of portion control. I think one of the reasons

the program has been so successful is the atmosphere. Clients are comfortable here, they know the staff and are al-

ways greeted with a smile. There is no judgement. Initially, the thought of taking a class can be intimidating, but cli-

ents soon realize that it’s more of a mutual dialogue. Also, because I use food from the pantry in our classes, clients

have the ability to recreate the meal at home. After someone has completed all of the curriculum lessons, they will

repeat and sit in the same lessons again. One client said “I’ll take it a dozen times, every time I learn something new.”

Nakesha invites you to visit www.facebook.com/MyStoryOurStruggle/?ref=br_rs to see video “What Progress means to her.”

“ Park View is more than a community mission. It’s hope.”

Two Ladies— (shared by a staff person) Wednesday nights don’t usually look like a typical work day here at Food for Families,

although it is hard to say what a “typical day” even looks like. Instead of packing up to go home right away, we usually find

ourselves exchanging funny stories from the day or joking with one another, and often times, catching up with familiar faces

who come for the Wednesday night meals. A few weeks ago at this time, a few of the Food for Families staff were in the office

when two women came inside, expressing to us that they had recently lost their jobs, moved into the area and were home-

less, looking for food and a place to stay. We wanted to do whatever we could to help them. So, we made sure they were

able to get a hot meal from the Wednesday night dinner; we also directed them to a place to stay that night and provided

them a bus pass. Most importantly, we gathered around a circle, held hands and prayed that the Lord would direct their

paths. Just a few days later, the two women came by to shop at our pantry and let us know they had both found work! They

were well on their way. We haven’t seen them since, but we see that as prayers answered and a God that provides.

“A few days later, the two women came by and let us know they had both found work! Prayers answered!”

Plastic Bags—(shared by a staff person) About two weeks ago on a Saturday, we were preparing for distribu-

tion and realized we had almost no plastic shopping bags! Our neighbors use the bags to put produce in and

clothes that they have picked out from our clothing section. These bags are vital to our neighbors in making

the transportation of their food and items more convenient. There were only about two hours left until distribution

would start, so Rachel drove to Kroger to see if they had any recycled bags. Unfortunately, all they had were about six

bags. So, she drove back to Park View, a little disappointed, not knowing how they would provide the needed bags,

but God knew! Right as Rachel walked in the door, she was greeted by members from Bethany United Methodist

Church who stood with a trash bag packed full of shopping bags a member had collected. We are learning that God is

working here and in each of our lives every single day. We just have to have eyes and ears open and be willing to see

it. To our volunteers, the Lord is using people like you every single day for a greater good you may not even realize

you are taking part in. Thank you!

“She drove back, a little disappointed, not knowing how the bags would be provided, but God knew!”

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Volunteer Schedule October & November

2017

Date Organization

October 4 Faith Christian Assembly

October 11 West Lynchburg Baptist

October 18 Amelon UMC

October 25 Peakland UMC

November 1 Chestnut Hill UMC

November 8 Lynchburg College

November 15 Timberlake UMC

November 22 West Lynchburg Baptist Ch.

November 29 Fort Hill UMC

Wednesday Night Dinners

Coordinator: Karen Bragg

vette92ltl@aol.com/434-548-3574

Wednesday & Thursday

Food Pantry

Date Organization

Wednesdays Katie’s Place

Thursdays CVCC Transition Program

November 23 Closed/Thanksgiving Day

Saturday Food Pantry

Date Organization

October 7 Christian Medical & Dental Association/CSER Students

October 14 Fort Hill UMC/Lakewood Baptist/CSER Students/LU Campus Serve/Bedrock Volunteers

October 21 Heritage Baptist/Hyland Heights Youth/LU Debate Team/LU Dorm Hall/LU CSER/ LU Campus Serve/Bedrock Volunteers

October 28 Bonner Service Project/VA Cooperative Extension/LU MedServe

November 4 Bonner Service Project/Lynchburg College/Bedrock Life Group

November 11 Bonner Service Project/Fort Hill UMC/Lakewood Baptist Church/LU Eagle Scholars

November 18 Heritage Baptist Church/CSER Students

November 25 LU Debate Team/CSER Students

More Volunteers are requested: Food Pantry on Wednesdays/Thursdays.

New sign-up link for Volunteer Opportunities: Everyone who wishes to find out when and how to sign up to volun-teer for Food Pantry hours and distribution with Food For Families, please log on to the website link: http://signup.com/go/xtkQrmH. Contact Sarah Lagos for questions and assistance at parkviewmission@gmail.com.

5

@ Park View Community Mission Most Requested Donation Items (in bold):

Urgent Need: GROCERY BAGS

Hygiene:

• Soap

• Toothpaste

• Deodorant (men’s, women’s)

• Shampoo

• Toilet paper

• Toothbrushes

• Hair brushes

• Q-Tips (small containers)

• Clorox wipes (small containers)

• Lotion

• Shaving cream

• Razors (men’s, women’s)

• Feminine products

• Laundry detergent

• Towels/washcloths

Baby:

• Baby wipes

• Diapers (newborn, size 6)

• Baby wash

• Baby food/cereal

• Baby formula

Kitchen:

• Trash bags (45, 60 gal. heavy duty)

• Ziploc bags (gallon, quart)

• Dish soap

• Foil pans (large)

• Sharpie markers

Food Items:

• Hamburger Helper

• Ready rice

• Macaroni & Cheese

• Stove top stuffing

• Canned meats (tuna, chicken)

• Breakfast cereal

• Chef Boyardee

• Peanut butter and jelly

• Canned fruit

Clothing:

• Blankets

• Socks

• Gloves

• Winter coats

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We would like to extend our gratitude to Walmart and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank for their

generous contributions to the pantry each week. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to

continue this mission. Last month, they brought in a whopping 81,708 pounds of goods!

Once again, thanks for your support!

Thank you to our volunteer, Deborah Phelps! You may have seen

her, running from room to room, working hard. She is a loyal and

kind-hearted volunteer who helps us out three days a week at

Food for Families, as well as working at the Tree of Life Bread Min-

istry once a week. Deborah’s heart is filled by helping others.

Even before coming to Park View, she had a career as an aide at

Central Virginia Training School, working with mentally challenged

adults which she thoroughly enjoyed. She describes herself as “a

helper,” meaning she’s always looking for ways to serve others.

Deborah is a member of Destiny Christian Fellowship Church. She

has a large, close family, including eight grandchildren and one

great-grandchild, Christopher, who sometimes tags along to the

pantry to keep us company. Deborah says that her favorite part of

volunteering at Park View is the fellowship; she loves to catch up

with the neighbors, some of which are old friends. Deborah is a

valued member of our family here at Food for Families, and we

hope to have her for many more years.

Special thanks to Liberty University’s Christian Service! Liberty’s Christian Service (CSER) program

exists to instruct students in understanding and applying the biblical worldview, to educate them to be serv-

ant leaders and to promote, throughout the Liberty community, a life-long practice of caring service. LU Serve

requires students to serve a minimum of 20 hours every semester with a consistent organization. This semester we

have been privileged to have 43 students register for their CSER at PVCM. We are blessed to have students

from LU that encourage servant leadership here at Park View and truly display the love of Christ.

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Ongoing Need: Food for Families Family Sponsors

Situated in mid-town Lynchburg, Food for Families, an integral part of the Park View Community Mis-

sion, quietly goes about the business of assisting about 700 families each month with supplemental

groceries and essentials. We need your help! While all support and participation is appreciated,

there is a need for committed action. Family Sponsors are needed! To help with heating and cooling

expenses, food refrigeration, utilities, vehicle maintenance, and operations, we are looking for Family

Sponsors so that we can provide what is needed for each of these families. Please consider how you

can financially support Food for Families with a donation that is sincerely appreciated. Our neighbors

live in two of the poorest zip code areas in the City of Lynchburg and among the poorest in the state.

Every $10 Donation fills a shopping cart full of food for a family in need. Your donation also makes it

possible for us to provide a meal each Wednesday to those in need in our community. Think about

how many families you could sponsor each month:

1 Family Sponsor—Your gift of $10 each month provides food for one family every month.

5 Family Sponsor—Your gift of $50 each month provides food for five families every month.

10 Family Sponsor—$100 each month provides food for ten families every month.

20 Family Sponsor—$200 each month provides food for twenty families every month.

Please fill out and return the form below to become a Food for Families sponsor today!

I would like to be a Food for Families Sponsor!

Name:______________________________________________________________

Email:_______________________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________

City___________________________State__________________Zip_____________

Phone:______________________________________________________________

Please accept my gift of:

____$10 for 1 family each month ____$50 for 5 families each month

____$100 for 10 families each month ____$200 for 20 families each month

____$______ Other Please make checks payable to PVCM Food for Families.

Please return this portion of page to: PVCM Food for Families

2420 Memorial Avenue

Lynchburg, VA 24501

Your gift is 100% tax deductible. Thank You!

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October 10 3:00 pm Food for Families Board Meeting

October 25 5—8 pm Food for Families Fundraiser at Blaze Pizza

October 29 8:00 pm Football, Friends, and Fellowship

November 14 3:00 pm Food for Families Board Meeting

November 23 ———— Thanksgiving Day (No Distribution)

November 30 11:30 am Personal Computer Class at Park View (first in series)

October 2017 Volume 1 No. 5

The Food for Families Newsletter is a

monthly publication produced by The Park

View Community Mission Food for Fami-

lies for volunteers, churches, and other

interested individuals and organizations.

Editor: Dee Booth notedb@aol.com

Food for Families

Park View Community Mission

2420 Memorial Ave. Lynchburg, VA 24501

www. parkviewcommunitymission.org

Office phone: 434-845-8468

Office Hours: Wednesdays 8—4

Thursdays 8—5

Saturdays 8—3

Distribution Hours: Thursdays: 2pm—4pm

Saturdays: Noon—2pm

Wed. Night Meals: 4:30—Doors open

5:00—Music & Devotion

5:30—6:30—Dinner Served

Food for Families Staff

Director, Food for Families Gordy Harper gordyharper57@gmail.com

Assistant to the Director Rachel Koenig rnkoenig@liberty.edu

Staff Assistant Sarah Lagos parkviewmission@gmail.com

Office Steve Mays parkviewmission@gmail.com

Wed. Night Meal Facilitator Joyce Archie parkviewmission@gmail.com

Next newsletter deadline is Monday,

November 13. Please submit infor-

mation to Dee at notedb@aol.com or

Rachel at rnkoenig@liberty.edu.

Computer Course offered at Park View Provided by First National Bank

Learn Basic Computer Skills: Word, Excel & Power Point

Classes start Thursday, November 30, 11:30 AM—12:30 PM and

continue weekly. Instructor: Allison Daniels (434-941-2760)

Contact Allison for any questions and to join the class!

“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

~1 John 3:17—18 (New King James Version)