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Community Outreach |
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The Heavenly Rest family reaches out to our community by giving our professional skills, volunteer time, facilities, and available funds to help our neighbors in need. We are committed to supporting our clergy, parishioners and others who, as committed members of the body of Christ, are giving of themselves as missionaries in countless ways, both inside and outside our walls. |
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| The Outreach
Programs of Heavenly Rest |
The Outreach activities of Heavenly Rest are committed to helping those in need in our immediate neighborhood and directly north in Harlem. That help comes in the form of financial support and volunteers. We support agencies that help children, the elderly poor, persons with AIDS, the hungry and homeless, victims of domestic violence, day camps for under privileged children, and more. In all, the Church of the Heavenly Rest provides over $100,000 per year in direct financial assistance to nearly 20 different organizations while encouraging parishioners to individually provide additional financial and volunteer support. |
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| In-House Programs: |
In addition, the parish directly operates a number of outreach activities to meet the needs of our immediate neighborhood. |
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Friday Lunch Program for Seniors is a program that serves a hot meal every Friday to senior citizens from the neighborhood area. Friday Lunch operates 50 weeks of the year, feeding and providing fellowship to approximately 30 seniors per week. This included operating throughout the summer months, when volunteer servers are often difficult to come by. Learn more
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CHANGES, the Domestic Violence Support Group, meets weekly at the church and is lead by a professional counselor. Approximately 35 victims of domestic violence participate, with average weekly attendance of between 7 and 9 people. Information on meeting place and time is available through the church office. |
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Holiday Meals Program Festive meals at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas are served to some 350 poor or just lonely persons at each meal. Fresh Start, the Riker's Island prison chefs' program, provides cooked turkeys for Thanksgiving. Preparing and serving these meals give CHR parishioners and other volunteers from the community first-hand experience with hunger and homelessness, as well as the spirit of hospitality these holidays represent. Learn more |
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Shelter for the Homeless Our shelter provides a clean, safe place to sleep for up to fourteen men and women right in the narthex of the church Monday through Thursday. We participate in a network of churches and synagogues coordinated through the Partnership for the Homeless. Learn more |
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What's involved? Who should I contact? |
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The Friday Lunch Program
What is Friday Lunch?
The Friday Lunch Program brings much needed socialization and enjoyment, service with a smile, and tasty and nutritious meals to neighborhood elderly.
The luncheon convenes in Darlington Hall every Friday (except certain holidays) throughout the year from 1:30-2:45 pm. During the summer school recess, the luncheon is held from 12:30-2:45 pm. There are approximately 30 regular guests who are served by at least two volunteers and a sexton each week. The program is funded by the Church.
How can you help?
- Arrive 30 minutes before luncheon start time (1:00 pm during the school year, noon during the summer)
- Set the tables for the guests, placing tablecloths, napkins and plastic cutlery on tables
- Place salad in individual bowls and pour apple juice and milk into plastic cups
- Welcome guests and collect $1.00 luncheon charge
- Say Grace
- Serve catered buffet luncheon, assist and socialize with guests
- Pack and distribute leftovers
- Serve dessert
- Set-up and play BINGO
- Say goodby to the guests. Leave by 2:50 pm.
- You could do this 1 Friday a month!
Friday Lunch Program Contact
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The Heavenly Rest Shelter
What is the Heavenly Rest Shelter?
The Heavenly Rest Shelter provides safe and clean temporary overnight sleeping accommodations for homeless individuals who are referred to the church from Peter’s Place.
In cooperation with the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, CHR provides clean, safe beds for up to 12 men and women each week from Monday through Thursday nights. Volunteers, in teams of two, staff the program and provide friendship to shelter guests.
How can you help?
Heavenly Rest Shelter Contacts
Clergy Liaison: The Rev. Tom Synan – 212/289-3400, ext. 214 or tsynan@heavenlyrest.org
Volunteer Coordinator: Marilyn Budzanoski – 212/663-7923 |
Holiday Meals
What are the Holiday Meals?
Heavenly Rest provides holiday celebrations for those who might otherwise have nowhere to go at holiday time. Guests are treated to a dignified sit-down dinner with all the holiday trimmings.
Holiday meals are prepared and served to approximately 500 guests by parish and community volunteers on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The meals (turkey at Thanksgiving, roast beef at Christmas, ham at Easter) are served in Darlington and Thomas Halls, beginning at 12:30 pm. Volunteers can help prepare food the day before, set and decorate the tables, bake the specified desserts, serve and assist guests, and/or help clean up after the meal. The final serving is usually finished by 3:30 pm and clean-up is over by 4:30 pm. Volunteers can help for all or part of the two days.
How can you help?
The Heavenly Rest Thrift
What is The Heavenly Rest Thrift?
The Heavenly Rest Thrift provides the parish and the community with the opportunity to donate as well as to purchase gently used clothing and household items.
At least three times a year, CHR provides a thrift sale in Darlington Hall. Volunteers sort and organize items, then sell them at the thrift sales. Unsold goods are donated to local churches and nonprofit organizations.
How can you help?
Heavenly Rest Thrift Contacts
Clergy Liaison: The Rev. Tom Synan at 212/289-3400, ext. 214 or tsynan@heavenlyrest.org
Volunteer Coordinators: Fritzie Kallop at 212/517-448 and Aleta Shipley at 212/876-6350 |
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