Get involved in your community! Many of the organizations listed are Christian ministries, but all are opportunities to show love.
Arrive Minnesota: arriveministries.org
Arrive is a Christian non-profit organization that helps refugees and immigrants. They partner with over 50 Twin Cities churches and hundreds of volunteers to provide tutoring, English language training, resettlement support, church refugee gardens and friendship to refugees across the metro area and beyond. Volunteer opportunities are listed on arriveministries.org/how-you-can-help. Contact: mnvolunteers@arriveministries.org or 612-798-4332.
China Outreach Ministries: comumn.org
Ministry to Chinese students and scholars. Ministry could include meeting them at the airport, temporarily housing them, helping them get settled, coming with them to the monthly Friendship Dinners, teaching them to drive and helping them buy a car, and inviting them to family activities. Contact: com@umn.edu. Many First Free people have done this including Kyle & Lenka Bragg and Steve & Marie Mondy.
Community Emergency Services: cesmn.org
CES provides direct aid relief (including food from their food shelf), advocacy, referral, guidance and prayer support for people in need. They can use Local Opportunities to Serve Get involved in your community! Many of the organizations listed are Christian ministries, but all are opportunities to show love. volunteers to interview clients, help sort and shelve donated groceries, and donate items. Contact: Melanie LaPointe, CES Volunteer Coordinator at mlapointe@cesmn.org or 612-870-1125, extension 128. Karin Olson has helped for several years.
Damascus Way: damascusway.com
Damascus Way is a halfway house for men coming out of prison. Opportunities to help include preparing hygiene kits for new residents or cooking and sharing a meal as a group. Contact: 763-545-6558 or craig. fruen@damascusway.com
Feed My Starving Children: fmsc.org
Pack nutritious food packets for needy children around the world. Well organized for groups and families to participate. Many First Free families have participated. Contact: 763-504.-2919 or info@fmsc.org.
New Salem Church: salemefc.com
New Salem Church engages in ministry to the Hispanic community. Volunteers are needed for English language conversation partners, homework helpers for students, and help with organizing clothing donations.
Urban Homeworks: urbanhomeworks.com
Urban Homeworks acquires and rehabilitates buildings, provides affordable rental housing, and helps low to moderate income households own homes. They also help stabilize neighborhoods by placing volunteer “Urban Neighbors” in strategic locations to volunteer in the community and minister to neighbors. Contact: emailus@urbanhomeworks.org. John Symington has helped.