Outreach Committee Activities

The Outreach Committee is pleased to let the congregation know about the organizations which The First Congregational Church of Falmouth is supporting.

The Outreach Committee has made grants recently to the following organizations and we are pleased to highlight these extremely worthwhile organizations serving the needs of those less fortunate. 

Cape Cod Free Clinic:

The Cape Cod Free Clinic has moved some of its operations to new space in Mashpee, although there is still a presence in Falmouth. The Clinic schedules approximately 100 patient visits per week, 20% of whom come from Falmouth. The Clinic’s program for people with chronic illnesses, Project Coordinate Care, continues to provide unique and critical services with over 380 uninsured patients participating. Over 35% have cardiac related conditions, 10% have asthma, 13% are inflicted with diabetes, 32% have chronic depression and 10% have multiple conditions. Within this group, over 20% do not speak English as their primary language. Our gift this year is $2,500. Tel: 508-540-7075 

Falmouth Service Center:

Your Outreach Committee made a gift to the Falmouth Service Center which provided food for 8,651 clients in 2003, of whom 3,509 were under 18 years of age and 629 were over 65. In addition, the Center held 32 Financial Workshops during the year to assist individuals in rethinking budget priorities. Fuel Assistance Applications were processed through the Center. During the holiday season, the Center distributed over 2,000 gifts to 459 children in 18 families in addition to food for more than 700 households. Of particular note is fact that 6,951 volunteer hours were devoted to the Center in 2003. Our gift this year is $2,000. Tel: 508-548-2794 

Gosnold:

A Bridge Back on Cape Cod, Gosnold admitted nearly 3,500 people to their inpatient and residential programs, providing more than 10,000 counseling sessions in individual, group, and family meetings. With increased activity for addiction and mental health treatment, more individuals from our community have turned to Gosnold this past year. Gosnold conducts programs at the following facilities: the 50 bed Gosnold Treatment Center, Emerson House (44 bed residential treatment facility for women and children), Miller House, a 33 bed residential treatment house for adult and adolescent men, Gosnold TSS (27 bed transitional care facility for men and women), and MICA House, a 7 bed residential treatment facility for dually diagnosed. Our gift this year is $500.           Tel. 508-540-6550

Earlier in 2004, our church made contributions to several organizations. We are pleased to highlight two of those organizations

Around the Table.

Around the Table is open three days a week and serves a hot meal to approximately 4,000 people a year. It is an “all volunteer” organization which depends upon the generosity of the community, including the churches, local businesses, and volunteers. In addition to the funds contributed, non-perishable goods are also contributed. People are referred to Around the Table by the local churches, human service organizations, as well as the fire and police departments. Volunteers from throughout the community are always welcome. Our gift this year is $750, an increase from 2003. Tel: 508-548-1520

 Penikese Island School:

 The School, celebrating 30 years of service, is located on an island near Cuttyhunk on the western tip of the Elizabeth Islands. It is a school for nine troubled teenage boys who have the choice of attending Penikese without heat, electricity or indoor plumbing or being incarcerated. The School prides itself on providing the best treatment and education for castaway boys on and off the Island. Staffed by accredited teachers and staff, the School helps students develop self esteem in a relationship based environment to prepare them the return to society as productive, law abiding citizens. All students who took the MCAS test in 2003 passed! Our gift this year is $1,000. Parishioners wishing more information or a visit to the Island, reached by boat from Woods Hole, are encouraged to contact the School at 508-548-7276. click on this link: www.penikese.org (opens in a separate window.)