Seeds of Hope Grants awarded

Ten Seeds of Hope Grants totaling $23,233 have been awarded for 2013. Seeds of Hope grants are awarded to congregations and diocesan groups in Southern Virginia to support the development or expansion of social justice ministries sponsored by diocesan congregations and organizations. Over the next few weeks, we'll tell you about our grant recipients. 

St. Paul's, Newport News
Single Mothers Support Program

Because of St. Paul's location in the very pit of poverty in Newport News, they work with single mothers who are struggling to keep body and soul together for themselves and for their children. A volunteer (retired) social worker is available weekly to offer family and financial counseling, employment counseling, etc. To help these vulnerable families avoid eviction, St. Paul's also offers financial support for rent and utilities.

St. James', Warfield
Senior Citizens Outreach Program

St. James started a Senior Citizens Outreach Program in 2004 with a Seed Of Hope Grant. During the years since the program was started, educational, recreational and social activities have been provided monthly for approximately 35 or more senior citizens from the parish and parish community. Each session has included a lunch and fellowship with each other. All of the participants live in this rural, socially isolated community and their lives have been enriched by the various activities. In 2010 -2011, the parish applied for a grant to add another component to the program - an Online Resource Center. The funds were used to purchase computers, pay for an instructor to teach the seniors how to use the computer and internet services. The senior citizens have participated in the training classes and have acquired basic computer skills that will enable them to access websites for information and to communicate with family and friends. The interest in these classes is so great, St. James' is expanding this program to provide services to a larger number of senior citizens.

Mission of the Holy Spirit, Norfolk 

Building Dreams

The Mission will continue its partnership with Old Dominion University nursing students to help school-aged members succeed in school. Tutoring of younger participants will focus on reading, elementary-level skills and completion of homework, and older participants will be coached on the skills necessary to be successful at their grade levels. The weekly evening program will include a break for a nutritious dinner.