Christ's Church Outreach Community Center

The Upper Nisqually River Valley communities are small, sparsely populated areas in a five mile range with many unemployed families struggling to survive day-to-day. These towns are remnants of logging communities that have been left devastated after the industries have harvested and moved on, taking hope of employment away with them. DSHS has indicated an upward growth in Public Assistance since 1993, and currently the average income level for this area is $12,000 per year. (The national poverty level has been at $17, 800 and will soon be increasing to $19,000.) Washington State Employment Security Department reports a 50% unemployment rate in this area, as opposed to Pierce County, which is comparatively lower at 4%. Currently, an alarming 74% of students in Columbia Crest Schools are participating in the State School Lunch Program (reduced/free). This high percentage indicates a "severe need" which makes them eligible for reduced/free breakfasts as well.

Christ's Church in Elbe is committed to serving this population and we wish to continue our outreach indefinitely. Some of our endeavors to date include Independence Day picnics & parades, Labor Day community swap meets, harvest parties for the children on October 31st, bread ministry and outreach, marriage and relationship classes, quilting bees, and women's groups, to name a few. Our vision for the future community center is to meet a strong need by providing the one and only facility in the area for people to learn, teach, socialize, and receive much needed resources. Some examples of this include:

In addition, this should serve as a place for outside programs such as food banks, Red Cross and others to offer services that would benefit the people of this community. This would be extremely useful as many residents lack transportation needed to reach these programs held in the larger cities.

At this time, we are seeking assistance in the form of financial gifts, goods, and/or services from area businesses. In consideration of the void we are attempting to fill, our request is limited to usable items or services. However, we are in greatest need of building materials and tools, fixtures, furnishings, decor, books, clothes, food, and anything related to our mission. We are a not-for-profit, 501c(3) organization, and your donation is tax deductible for your business. This web-site has been created in part for you to monitor the progress and view pictures of the project remotely if you are unable or without free time to visit in person. Your business will be recognized as a sponsor of our community center project in exchange for your generosity.

We sincerely, appreciate your consideration of our plea, especially as the holidays are drawing near, and families are most in need. Please contact us by telephone, mail, or email at your earliest convenience, to discuss your possible contribution. We look forward to hearing from you, and we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Brian Howard, Pastor

& Community Center Committee Members

Our vision for the future community center is to meet a strong need by providing the one and only facility in the area for people to learn, teach, socialize, and receive much needed resources. Some examples of this include:

In addition, this should serve as a place for outside programs such as food banks, Red Cross and others to offer services that would benefit the people of this community. This would be extremely useful as many residents lack transportation needed to reach these programs held in the larger cities.

In consideration of the void we are attempting to fill, our request is limited to usable items or services. However, we are in greatest need of: