THE BOARD OF OUTREACH AND MISSION

The Board of Outreach and Mission (BOOM) has over the years funded many worthy and needy agencies in our community.  For a variety of reasons we have decided that this year our focus would be on those agencies having a close and longstanding relationship with Plymouth Church directly.  We seek to support these agencies financially and through volunteer efforts.  These agencies are:

Maggard Migrant Ministry:  In 1967, the members of the Triune club of Plymouth Congregational Church endeavored to make the Christmas season a little brighter for some of the children of migrant farm workers in South Dade.  Triune brought thirty-five children, ages 5-9, to Plymouth Church in Coconut Grove for dinner, a Christmas story, and gifts from Santa.  That was the beginning of a comprehensive program designed to enhance the lives of children and young adults in the migrant community.  Every year since then, Triune and now Maggard Migrant Ministry, Inc. have brought a busload of more than 80 little children to Plymouth for a festive Christmas dinner.  Each child gets custom fit clothing, a choice of a major toy – plus two more to take back to a brother or sister who did not get to come to the party. 

MMM’s mission grew beyond Christmas.  To assist with the year-round needs, a relationship was established with the Migrant Education Office in Homestead to help migrant families with emergencies as they arose.  In 1982, the Director of the Migrant Education Program of the Miami-Dade Schools, Cipriano Garza, asked Triune to assist with college tuition for two students.  The next year tuition was provided for four more students.  For twenty-three years, any deserving migrant high-school graduate who desired to continue his or her education, but who could not afford the price of tuition, was provided financial assistance.  In 2006 more than $26,000 was provided in scholarship aid.

Maggard Migrant Ministry, Inc. was formed in 2000 to fiscally separate the Migrant Children’s Christmas Party, the Migrant Scholarship Program, and other migrant ministries from other activities of the Triune Club.  This allowed the Maggard Migrant Ministry, Inc. to obtain a 501(c) (3) designation.  All migrant ministries are now coordinated by the MMM, Inc., whose finances are completely separate from those of Plymouth Church.

Barnyard Community Center:  This organization, located at 3870 Washington Avenue in Coconut Grove, is part of “Coconut Grove Cares” which was started in 1948 by Elizabeth Verrick.  The Barnyard’s focus has always been to help the economically disadvantaged population of Coconut Grove by providing an after-school program, summer camp, dance lessons and tutoring to the children of the area.  Any child in the neighborhood can attend the center provided the parents have committed to attending a workshop.  Presently the center provides services for 375 children and their families.  Their funding is provided by the city and county, United Way, private donations and the fundraising efforts of the monthly antique show held at the Convention Center.  Tutoring assistance is always needed; a new computer, advice concerning insurance and someone to organize music and art programs would be most welcome.

Thelma Gibson Health Initiative:  Located at 3629 Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, the Initiative provides services for those with substance abuse and AIDS.  There is an outreach program, HIV testing, referrals for treatment, and assistance with readjustment and living accommodations after they have been through the program.  In existence for 2-1/2 years, this agency also aids its participants in paying their bills, such as light and phone.  Plymouth has made the most contributions in this area, helping those with unexpected expenses who are trying to get back on their feet.  Their needs above financial help include repairs to their facilities and volunteers to help in the office, a new computer and basic toiletries.

You will be hearing more about the missions of these agencies and how you can help during the mini-mission fairs in the fall.  We invite you to participate by giving of your time, skills, and experience.

The Board of Outreach and Mission (BOOM) is committed to working closely with these agencies and growing these meaningful ministries with the help of our entire Plymouth congregation.  We encourage you to check for news updates in the Plymouth News to keep you informed and find ways that you can become involved.

FEEDING THE HOMELESS AND OTHER PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Homeless Assistance Center:  The first Thursday of each month Plymouth volunteers, age 16 and over, organized by Mary Ellis, serve the evening meal to the clients of the Homeless Assistance Center on North Miami Avenue.  Mary finds volunteers who meet at 4:20 p.m. in the church office parking lot and carpool together to the Center to serve a meal to the several hundred clients of the Center.  Everyone leaves together by 7:00 p.m.  If you are interested in helping, please call the church office to volunteer.

WE CAN DO:  Each Sunday members of the congregation may drop canned goods into the “We Can Do” collection box located on the plaza in front of the Sanctuary.  These donations are then delivered to the Coconut Grove Food Pantry.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Under the leadership of Court Norris, Plymouth church members continue to help in the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes in our area.  No special skills are necessary, just a little time.  On any given Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. volunteers are needed to help build new homes and change lives.  Please contact Court, 786-206-5922, for more information or to volunteer.

CARING FOR THOSE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Organized by Dr. George Fisher, Plymouth members show their care and concern for the men, women and children afflicted with HIV/AIDS by volunteering at the Food for Life food pantry, participating in the Miami AIDS Walk, and working with the Community AIDS Care Resource.  George also serves as our link to the “United Church of Christ’s Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns.”

About 30 people from Plymouth and St. Stephen's Episcopal formed the "Churches in the Grove" team and raised $12,100 in support of Care Resource, Miami-Dade and Broward counties AIDS support agency that provides testing, medical treatment, medication studies, education, financial aid, counseling and support for those living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers.

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

Beginning in July, a large group of Plymouth “elves” donate, assemble, fill and, by mid-December, are able to distribute Christmas stockings in the form of gift-filled bags to over 1,200 needy children in our community who might otherwise receive very little Christmas cheer.  The recipients will include children of migrant farm workers and children from Tucker Elementary School in Coconut Grove.  The stocking bags are distributed the second and third weeks in December.

Go Back