Sharing hope takes countless forms. Among other ways of doing so, UPC has a long history of partnering with a variety of nonprofit organizations that meet people where they are and lend a hand where needed. Here’s a snapshot of just three such organizations.
Seattle Urban Academy
Celebrating each youth, created in the image of God
The Facts
- 34 students currently enrolled
- Located in the Rainier Valley, part of CRISTA Ministries since 1993
- 96% of seniors graduate
- 91% of graduates are in higher education or employed within a year of graduation
The Basics
Seattle Urban Academy (SUA) is an alternative, Christian educational community dedicated to raising the graduation rate of youth-at-risk by extending the grace and power of Christ and offering a positive academic environment to young people who are hurting.
Built through relationships of love, truth, and freedom in Christ, SUA is a community of committed adults and courageous youth. Teachers and staff nurture and believe in each student, sending them out to be active contributors to the social, intellectual, economic, and spiritual health of our communities. Read more about one student-teacher relationship here.
Learn more at seattleurbanacademy.org.
Take Action
Lend a hand at SUA
A home-cooked lunch is needed for the students and staff (approximately 40 people) on Wednesday, February 6, from around 10:20am until 12:30pm. Contact Megan for more information on this service opportunity and others!
Megan, mkennedy@seattleurbanacademy.org, 206.723.0333 x203
Mary’s Place
Empowering homeless women and children to reclaim their lives
The Facts
- Established in 1999
- UPC Partner since 2012
- Program developed through the input of 50+ homeless women who were asked what they needed to rise out of homelessness
- Services provided include: two meals a day, hygiene facilities, showers, laundry, medical care, support groups, and ample resources for housing, employment, and benefits.
The Basics
In May 2012 UPC co-hosted a handful of families through Mary’s Place for the first time and fell instantly in love. Every quarter, faithful volunteers and staff from UPC and our next-door neighbors at UCUCC orchestrate hospitality efforts to provide a warm, safe, friendly place for our guests to find rest and comfort each night for one week. During the day, children attend school while mothers access basic services through Mary’s Place at their day center downtown. Read more about our involvement with Mary’s Place here.
Learn more at marysplaceseattle.org.
Take Action
Donate blankets, play games, cook a meal, drive a van, spend the night. These are just a few of the ways you can serve with Mary’s Place. We’ll host again toward the end of March. Keep an eye out for official dates coming soon. Contact Jeanie to volunteer.Welcome families with Mary’s Place
Jeanie, jbhope@uw.edu
SCOPE
Strengthening Care Opportunities through Partnership in Ethiopia
The Facts
- There are 2,000 medical doctors and 500,000 priests in the country of Ethiopia.
- Two partner universities: University of Washington and University of Gondar
- Two partner churches: University Presbyterian Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
The Basics
SCOPE improves the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and prevents new infections through medicine, faith, and community partnerships dedicated to outreach, education, and training. They say there are more Ethiopian doctors in Washington, DC, alone than in all of Ethiopia. SCOPE partners unite the medical expertise of two phenomenal universities with the far-reaching, culturally integrated structures of the church and the power of faith and hope to bring education and healing to the people of Ethiopia—reducing stigma, expanding HIV testing and care, educating new leaders through a fellowship program, and training local faith leaders.
Learn more at scopehealth.org.
Take Action
Engage with SCOPE
Pray for the three fellows currently serving in Gondar: Kefyalew Adis, Zerai Asgedom, and Kristen Savage as they carry out their research and work with medical and religious personnel in developing innovative practices to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. To learn about more ways to engage, contact Nancy. Read about the experiences of a past fellow here.
Nancy, nancyan@me.com
0 Comments
You can be the first one to leave a comment.