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Health & Fitness

Blog: Sandymount United Methodist Church--Small but Mighty

Human Services Program staff acknowledge the amazing volunteer efforts of individuals and organizations in the community.

 

I am in awe when I see the fruits of many faith based organizations' labor as they provide a variety of mission efforts to make the world a better place. There are many worthwhile causes to take on, especially right here in our own backyard.HSP is certainly the beneficiary of so many supportive organizations -- civic, community based, and our faith based supporters. Not that I would ever want to single out any one group, but there are times when it's important to shine a light on the efforts of those who don't just "talk the talk, but walk the walk."

One such organization is Sandymount United Methodist Church in Finksburg. By most standards, Sandymount is a small congregation - 175 active members. You would never know it by their level of involvement with HSP's shelter programs; specifically Safe Haven and Cold Weather. Safe Haven, our long term shelter for chronic homeless adults houses folks with a serious mental illness.

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Our Cold Weather shelter is an emergency shelter that opens from mid November to April 1. This offers homeless individuals a place to stay each night during cold weather. Clients begin checking in at 6:45 pm. Volunteers are present to help with the sign-in and adjustment period. Volunteers help to prepare and serve a hot meal to each individual.

During the course of the evening, clients have the opportunity to shower and do their laundry.Members of Sandymount United Methodist Church volunteer at the Cold Weather Shelter every Friday night and the last Thursday and Saturday of each month the shelter is open. On the nights they volunteer, they provide the evening meal. In addition to these efforts, they also provide a meal for Safe Haven Shelter clients every Thursday evening.

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Safe Haven clients have also enjoyed holiday parties sponsored and supported by SUMC. These festivities have come with all the trimmings, food, gifts and fellowship as members stay and participate and interact with staff and clients on the day of the party.

In the summer months, members of the church have given their time to plant vegetable and flower gardens at Safe Haven and performed a variety of yard work lawn maintenance at the Domestic Violence Safe House.

What is truly amazing is the regularity of their participation with each of these shelters. It is especially noteworthy due to the size of their congregation.

HSP would like to give a shout out to Sandymount United Methodist Church for all they do. Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. is grateful for all its volunteers and the many organizations that give our programs their loyal and consistent support. We salute them and express our heartfelt thanks.

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