Support the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry

Back-to-School Backpacks for Episcopal Farmworker Ministry

​Again this year, The Church of the Good Shepherd is collecting back-to-school school supplies to benefit approximately 350 children served by Episcopal Farmworker Ministry. Our goal this year is to collect 80 backpacks!

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick a grade level (or as many grade levels as you want)
2. Buy a backpack for each grade level selected; fill the backpack(s) with supplies corresponding to the grade level you select [please scroll down to see the supply list, or pick up a hardcopy list in the Parish Life Center foyer
3. label your backpack(s) with the appropriate grade level
4. return your filled backpack(s) to the Parish Life Center by Sunday, July 27th
5. All donated backpacks will be blessed on the 27th at the 10:15 worship service and then picked up by Episcopal Farmworker Ministry the week of July 28th. ​

Thank you in advance for your generous support!

​Contact: Gerard McNeill or the Parish Office. 

Learn more about this important ministry below:

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The Episcopal Farmworker Ministry:
Support for Agricultural Workers in North Carolina

The Episcopal Farmworker Ministry (EFWM) is a dedicated organization committed to "responding to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of farmworkers." As a collaborative effort between the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina and the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the EFWM has been a vital resource for agricultural workers and their families across Eastern rural North Carolina since its inception in 1978.

Mission and Reach
Based in Sampson County, the EFWM primarily serves crop field workers and meat processing plant workers, along with their families. Their comprehensive approach includes direct services, educational initiatives, and various other programs designed to support this essential community that supports our nation’s agricultural system.

A History of Service
The EFWM's journey began modestly in 1978 as the "Clothing Closet Ministry." Over the years, it expanded its scope to address a broader range of needs:
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• 1982: The ministry hired its first outreach worker, providing crucial services such as transportation to service agencies, translation, English classes, and recreational activities, primarily for Haitian migrant workers.
• 1986: In response to the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the EFWM initiated immigration services.
• Early 1990s: A significant development was the construction of a daycare facility, which later evolved into Saint Martin’s Migrant Head Start.
• 1996: The ministry welcomed its first Sacramental Minister, focusing on developing a religious congregation for migrant workers.
• 1998: The opening of a permanent facility marked a major milestone, enabling the expansion of programs and services.
• 2000s and 2010s: This period saw the EFWM fostering a strong community of agricultural workers and advocates, consistently delivering quality services and broadening efforts to meet diverse needs, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.

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Programs and Current Focus
Today, the EFWM continues its mission with a wide array of services and programs. While historically working with Latino migrant workers from other states and abroad, the ministry has expanded its reach to include Latino agricultural workers who reside in North Carolina year-round. This includes individuals working in meat processing plants, nurseries, packing houses, animal farms, and various field roles.

Beyond their foundational services, the EFWM offers specific programs where community support makes a tangible difference in the lives of farmworkers:

• Mattress Swap: Many farmworkers endure sleeping on beds with mattresses long overdue for replacement. The ministry addresses this critical need by purchasing mattresses in bulk, delivering new ones directly to the camps, and facilitating the removal of old, worn-out bedding. This initiative directly improves the living conditions and comfort of farmworkers.
• Food Distribution: The EFWM plays a crucial role in combating food insecurity by providing essential groceries, clothing, and other household necessities to hundreds of families every month. This ongoing program ensures that farmworker families have access to the basic provisions they need for a healthy and stable life.
• Labor Camp Outreach: The ministry actively engages with the community through its labor camp outreach program. They visit dozens of H-2A labor housing sites where temporary workers reside for the growing season, building relationships and providing direct assistance where it's most needed.
• Sunday Services: For spiritual nourishment and community building, the EFWM hosts Sunday services. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday at 12 pm at La Sagrada Familia, the parish church conveniently located on the ministry campus.

Support the Ministry
The Episcopal Farmworker Ministry remains a beacon of hope and support, continually adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of agricultural workers and their families in North Carolina.

To learn more or to contribute financially to their work, you can donate directly through their website: https://www.efwm.org/donate.

All photos and information above from the EFWM website.
Please read and subscribe to their newsletter to get more involved:   ​https://www.efwm.org/

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Back-to-School Backpacks: Supply List

Our parish goal is to fill 80 backpacks during July. Thank you in advance for your generous support! Contact Gerard McNeill or call the Parish Office if you have questions.

Instructions:

• buy a backpack for each grade level selected
• fill the backpack(s) with supplies corresponding to the grade level you select
• label your backpack(s) with the appropriate grade level
• return your filled backpack(s) to the Parish Life Center by Sunday, July 27th

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​Pre-K / Kindergarten School list
● Pencil pouch/pencil box pencils
● Scissors blunt tip/child size scissors
● Expo markers
● Glue sticks
● 2 boxes of Kleenex tissue
● Crayons
● One pair of headphones
● One pack of dry-erase markers
● 1 box of gallon-size ziploc bags
● Construction paper
● Pocket folders
● Backpack

Elementary School Supply List (1rst grade through 5th grade)
● 2 inch 3 ring binder
● Wired Headphones (No earbuds)
● Pencil pouch
● 2 composition book
● Crayons
● Pencils
● Pink erasers
● Dry erase markers
● Scissors (2) Kids friendly
● Three plastic pocket folders
● Glue sticks
● 2 pack of loose leaf paper
● 2 Subject notebook/Composition notebook
● 1 box Tissue
● 1 box of gallon size Ziploc bags
● Colored pencils
● Highlighters
● Pens
● Backpack

Middle School supply list (6th grade to 8th grade)
● 3 inch 3 ring binder
● 1 set of 8 tab dividers
● Glue sticks
● Wired headphones (No earbuds)
● Graph paper / squared paper
● Pencils
● Pencil sharpener
● Pens black red and blue
● Erasers
● 2 Folders with pockets
● 1 pack of highlighters
● Index cards
● Pencil case/bag
● 2 Composition notebook
● Colored pencil
● Ruler
● Box of tissues
● Backpack with padded laptop slot

High School supply list (9th grade to 12th grade)
● Highlighter
● Pack of pens (Assorted colors)
● Colored Pencils
● Pencil pouch
● Pencils or mechanical pencils
● (1) 5 subject notebook
● Index cards
● Pencil sharpeners
● Erasers
● Sticky notes
● Index cards
● Ruler
● Wired headphones (No earbuds)
● Backpack with a padded laptop slot

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