Shepherd’s Office resource center seeks support March 5-6
The Shepherd’s Office, a faith-based drop-in resource center for the homeless, hungry or lonely, will take part in Do More 24 Delaware, a statewide, 24-hour fundraising blitz for nonprofits beginning at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 5 and concluding at 6 p.m., Friday, March 6.
The event is sponsored by United Way of Delaware and Spur Impact Association, and features a number of community supporters awarding valuable prizes, including matching funds and free media marketing for those receiving the most individual donations.
The Shepherd's Office in Georgetown provides a supportive free resource center in a faith-based environment for the homeless, recovering alcoholics and addicts, as well as those who are unemployed, hungry and/or lonely.
Director Jim Martin says the mission center relies on individual donations instead of local or state grants; he hopes to win Do More 24 Delaware prizes by encouraging people with a heart for the less fortunate to donate any amount during this 24-hour contest.
"We are so grateful to the many volunteers and small donors who have helped us to serve the neediest in our community. We believe the people of Sussex County are among the most caring individuals in the state, and are willing to help make a difference when provided the opportunity. We’re asking all who feel led to help consider a gift in any amount, even as small as $5, to help us reach our goals of winning one or two of this event’s prizes during the 24-hour contest, or even win the biggest prize of all for most individual donations!"
The Shepherd’s Office offers free bread daily, home-cooked meals, relief from extreme cold or heat, a cellphone charging area, a bathroom, a sitting area, support groups, Bible studies and various activities each week. In addition to drop-in hours, regularly scheduled events are held all week.
• Monday: Shepherd's Helpers from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for those seeking resources or just in need of friendship, along with a free lunch for the homeless, hungry or lonely.
• Tuesday: Spanish and English Free Dinner and Bible Study from 5 until 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: Dinner from 4 to 6 p.m., and Dual Recovery Anonymous (substance use disorder and mental health) from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday: Free lunch from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Friday: Bible study from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with snacks, message, and fellowship.
Martin said, "The Shepherd’s Office provides volunteer and peer support, which is extremely important to those with a mental health disorder and/or addictions, or are down on their luck for any number of reasons, as they re-engage in the community to become productive members of society. We focus on the basics first – food and shelter – and then we dig in to the more complicated situations like finding permanent housing, becoming job ready, job searches, hiring and job retention. We provide crisis intervention for individuals and families by soliciting help from the community.”
Martin says that live streaming individual stories and needs on Facebook, as well as word of mouth and supportive local media have helped meet many unique essentials, but basic funding remains critical. He hopes people will choose to help the Shepherd’s Office win prizes through Do More 24 Delaware. Visit www.domore24delaware.org/fundraisers/do-more-for-the-homeless-hungry-or-lonely.
For more information about the Shepherds Office, to volunteer or donate now, or if in need of assistance, call 302-856-9395 or email Jim Martin at Jimmymartin767@gmail.com.
