Outreach

Volunteer opportunities represent one of the ways our parish reaches out to those living in troubled circumstances in our area. Check the Who Do I Call list for current contact info.

Coalition - The Church of the Good Shepherd provides volunteers for Coalition to chop and deliver wood. Wood and coal supplied by this project is given to low-income families needing fuel to keep warm during the winter months.

Financial Assistance - The Church of the Good Shepherd maintains a discretionary fund for the parish which is distributed by the clergy and our Community Outreach Director. This fund assists people with their rent and utility bills.

Habitat for Humanity - A Christian non-profit housing ministry which builds decent, affordable housing for poor, working families who are unable to get convenient loans. Youth and adults from Good Shepherd regularly participate in the construction projects.

Interfaith Food Shuttle - The Interfaith Food Shuttle collects food from area restaurants and local grocery stores. This food is then transported and distributed to agencies such as The Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen to be used in feeding the hungry in our community. This organization is supported financially by the Outreach budget of The Church of the Good Shepherd.

Meals on Wheels - Volunteers deliver a hot meal to qualified people Monday through Friday. At present, the ECW is the facilitator for The Church of the Good Shepherd in providing volunteers to deliver the meals on the fourth Thursday of each month. Financial support is also given to this organization through a special offering.

Migrant Farmworkers Ministry - This parish-wide outreach ministry focuses on adopting a migrant farmworker camp for the growing season (late spring through October). Parishioners donate food staples, kitchen supplies, sheets, towels, pillows, toiletries, men's work clothing and money. More importantly, at least one Sunday afternoon each month, church members share a pot-luck meal and fellowship with the men. Collection boxes are in Room 316 of the Parish Life Center, where the list of needed items, a sign-up sheet and contact information are posted on the bulletin board.

Saint Nicholas Tree - Each year just before the beginning of Advent, a tree appears just outside the door to All Saints Chapel. The branches of the tree are strewn with stars, each bearing the name and age of a child. are collected and distributed in time for Christmas. We always run out of stars!

The Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen was established at Good Shepherd over 20 years ago. Its mission is to feed any and all people who come to its doors seeking nourishment. Currently the Shepherd's Table feeds approximately 250 people a hot lunch from Monday through Friday. The soup kitchen also provides hot soup for the Emergency Shelter each day. The Outreach Committee also supports this organization financially. Volunteers are always welcome.

Thompson Children's Home - An agency based in Charlotte, receiving state-wide support from the Episcopal Church. It features a residential treatment program, a foster care program, two group homes, and a child development center.

Urban Ministries - This Raleigh agency provides assistance to a great number of people dealing with a variety of situations. Good Shepherd supports this ministry financially.

Warmth for Wake - Cash contributions assist qualified families, through Wake Social Services, to pay fuel bills in the cold months. We assist by a special offering at Christmas and as individuals.