Local News Article
S. OR Project Featured on Local News Station
Join us in: Medford, Oregon
Project Information
DATE:
6/19/2021-7/02/2021
REGISTRATION FORM:
ESTIMATED COST TO VOLUNTEER:
$0 (yes, it's free!)
FUNDRAISING GOAL:
OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
We are planning to build an After School Annex/Ministry Center for Westside Compassionate Ministries (WCM) who has an existing and robust afterschool program in partnership with Washington Elementary School but not enough space for kids to spread out.
The existing WCM space is essentially an older home that currently being used for dual purposes, one to house a family and two to serve children from the elementary school.
WCM would like to expand their space in 2021 to serve more students who will benefit from these after school programs on a daily basis!
To remedy the latter, Helping Hands International, Inc. plans to build an enclosed ministry center that can be used for sharing the gospel, creative arts, crafts, science projects and reading.
We plan to build this structure using a combination of Volunteers and skilled labor and welcome anyone to join us!
IMPACT
Pre-COVID-19 (e.g. <March 2020), WCW served approximately 150 students each week. However, due to COVID-19 and subsequent space restrictions (e.g. >March 2020-present), WCM is now serving approximately 20 students. By building this new facility, WCM projects they will be able to serve about 40-50 students (plus their families) each week for 2.5-3.5 hours a day.
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Below is a basic schedule for the week, which we approach with flexibility because our ultimate focus is on relationships!
Each Day
8 A.M. – Meet at WCM (520 S Peach St, Medford, OR 97501)
12 P.M. – Stop for lunch
1 P.M. – Continue working
4 P.M. – Stop for the end
You can register for one, or every, day of this project by filling out the "Register Now" button on the right side of your screen.
LODGING & FOOD
This project will not involve any overnight accommodations but lunch, snacks and water will be provided.
SUPPLY LIST
- Clothes: work clothes, work gloves, hat
- Shoes: work shoes are preferred (e.g. no bare feet at any time) etc.
- Other: sunscreen, water bottle, mask
HEALTH & SAFETY
Please click here for vaccination requirements and/or recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We also suggest you check with your personal health clinic or physician regarding what vaccines or medicines you may require while participating on this service project. Please note, if you do take prescription medicines, please check with your local pharmacist to ensure the medicines are not considered a controlled substance in the location you are traveling.
THE STORY BEHIND THE PROJECT
“Westside Compassionate Ministries, Inc. was started in 1999 by the Larson family.
In August 2011 the Diaz family took over stewardship of this humble ministry.
In June of 2019, Ben and Tara Heidegger, along with their two kids, took over as directors of the ministry.
The Yellow House is adjacent to Washington Elementary, and is committed to seeing and serving the staff, the students, and their families.
Westside provides a free after-school program for Washington children during the week.
We are passionate about seeing our students love to learn, learn to be loved, and learn to love in return.
God has also faithfully opened the door for Bible Club to be taught at the ministry house for K- 6th graders.
Over 200 kids are faithful and excited to hear God's Word on a weekly basis.
Lastly, in the morning a group of Junior High and High School students gather at the house for Gospel encouragement and prayer before being bussed to schools to start their day.”
– Westside Compassionate Ministries Staff