Day of Service
The Second Annual SICM Day of Service on April 21st was a great success once again! Over 100 volunteers came from 16 different SICM congregations as well as large contingents from Youth Build and Union Colleges. Volunteers worked at various SICM sites, including the SICM Food Pantry and the SICM Damien Center, as well as at Vale and Jerry Burrell Parks, the tennis courts at Norwood Avenue, writing advocacy letters on hunger issues, preparing Spring baskets for pantry distribution, and more. Congregations and the Niskayuna Food Co-op did a wonderful job collecting items for the Spring baskets for the kids (to be distributed through the Food Pantry this month); over 100 baskets were assembled! It was also fun to see several families who brought their children with them to gain volunteer experience.
Other volunteers worked on projects with non-profits who work closely with SICM, including at the Lighthouse (Bethesda House), the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, Better Neighborhoods, and Home Furnishings. Our partner non-profits were happy for the volunteer help, and many of our volunteers learned about other needs and issues in the community this way. The projects ended with a delicious lunch at Faith United Methodist Church, thanks to our sponsors of Martin, Harding, & Mazzotti, Marvin & Company, and RBC Wealth Management. This was a wonderful event overall, and SICM is grateful for the support from you and your congregation.
Again, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication with this project. We could not have been so successful without your contribution, and we hope you can make it next year!
Join SICM in the Feinstein Foundation Million Dollar Challenge
Help us boost our share!
The Feinstein Foundation has established a $1,000,000 challenge to help anti-hunger agencies around the country, such as SICM’s Emergency Food Pantry, raise money to help fight hunger in our communities. The more donations made to SICM—from March 1 to April 30—the more of the Feinstein challenge money SICM will receive. These donations can include cash, checks and food items (valued at $1.00 per item or pound). SICM will report the results of our appeal to the Feinstein Foundation who will divide $1,000,000 proportionately among all participating agencies.
How can you help? Make a donation, host a food drive or drop off your non-perishable food donation at SICM’s Emergency Food Pantry, 839 Albany Street in Schenectady.
Thank you for helping us support Alan Shawn Feinsteins’s belief that each of us was put here on earth to do what we can to help those in need.
Donate now! - Link to our On-line payment page
Schenectady County Flood Recovery
Efforts are ongoing, and volunteers are still needed, including in Rotterdam Junction. If you would like to assist, or want more information, please go to http://www.schenectadyhabitat.org/building/current-projects/2011-2012-flood-relief.
Please consider how you can help!
Who we are. . .
The Schenectady Inner City Ministry is an ecumenical partnership, founded in 1967, of 58 congregations (15 denominations) for ministries of social service and social justice.
SICM, with and for the churches, addresses current issues such as food insecurity, affordable housing initiatives, health and fitness, various economic development initiatives, and collaborations such as the Committee for Social Justice, Community Crisis Network, and Schenectady County Embraces Diversity.
We operate. . .
- the largest emergency food organization in Schenectady County
- the Schenectady Damien Center, a drop-in hospitality and resource center for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS
- a Summer Lunch program, providing free and nutritious lunches for Schenectady youth
- wellness initiatives including Safe Parks and Edible Playgrounds and Spiritually Sound/Physically Fit
Our mission is. . .
- to minister to the urban community and its individuals
- to challenge religious organizations, both member and non-member, and other individual members, and the general community, to provide greater involvement and service in the urban community
- to develop understanding, trust, and cooperation among religious organizations and encourage their membership in the organization
Covenanting Members of SICM
Covenanting Congregations:
- Adopt the covenant;
- Select delegates to attend the SICM Assembly, and be the link to the congregation; and
- Support SICM financially and encourage volunteering for SICM ministries.
