Norman — Faith group staff and volunteer staff responsible for social justice and poverty assistance in their congregations, along with civic, community, and youth group leaders, are invited to participate in “Meeting The Challenge: Connecting Community & Resources” at 6:30 p.m. April 6 at First Presbyterian Church, 555 S. University Blvd.
Co-sponsored by the Norman Justice Alliance, Norman Ministerial Alliance, United Way of Norman, and the City of Norman-Dept. of Planning & Community Development, the event will explore new and innovative ways the Norman community can better support our non-profit agencies working to meet the economy related needs of local families.
Norman has long been considered one of Oklahoma’s most affluent communities. Yet, the economy is a stark reality for the laid off and those with work hours cut back, people often called the “working poor” are hardest hit. Many must turn to social service agencies to meet their family’s basic needs. Agencies strive to meet this increased need while the economy makes it harder to raise needed funds; resulting in staff under tremendous pressure.
Representatives from selected agencies will provide information on current community needs as participants travel among tables organized by need areas in a timed rotation World Café format. Then, all participants will gather into small groups to discuss, with the assistance of facilitators, ways faith groups and organizations can help agencies of their choosing meet specific needs. Things that seem small like donation drives, volunteering, and service projects can make a big difference, organizers said.
“Many of our clients are single parents providing on minimal income,” said Lenora Chapman, family support specialist for the Cleveland County Community Action Agency. “We’re seeing more and more families facing unemployment, which pushes them to making a decision to buy food or pay their bills. Many people are visiting the food pantry for the first time.”
Participants are asked to bring a needed item for the Battered Women’s Shelter. That list includes tuna, canned meat, macaroni and cheese, kids’ snacks, women’s and children’s personal care items, famine hygiene items or small and medium panties.
“We are asking the community in the spirit of faith and service to look at how we can best help our frontline agencies meet the new challenge” add Ed Kearns, NJA Chair.
To register, e-mail NormanJusticeAlliance@gmail.com or call Kearns at 443-9627. Due to limited space, groups are asked to register only two people by April 1.
