Benevolences

FAMILY RENEW:  Family Renew is a non-profit agency that provides transitional housing and guidance to parents with children who are homeless.  Family Renew is sponsored by many religious organizations in our area.  Seabreeze United Church was one of the original 17 sponsors.  Family Renew has paid and volunteer staff that help homeless parents learn budgeting, nutrition, and practical parenting.  Family Renew sponsors over 30 shelters for these families.  If you would like to volunteer please call Ed Ubbens @ 252-3578

 HALIFAX HABITAT FOR HUMANITY:  The Mission Statement of HHH is to share God’s love by working in partnership with the community of the Halifax area to create decent, affordable housing with God’s people in need.  No special skills are needed to volunteer for HHH, a willing heart; lots of enthusiasm and the want to help are the requirements.  Many volunteer opportunities exist such as, Habitat Home Store, construction site, and administration office duties.  Minors are encouraged to get involved and there are specific jobs for persons under 18 years of age.  Contact Cecilia Cannon, HHH Volunteer Coordinator @ Cecelia@halifaxhabitat.org or call 257-9950.

HALIFAX URBAN MINISTRIES:   “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” MT 25:40 The purpose of Halifax Urban Ministries is to respond to the needs of the hungry, homeless and low-income people in our area.  H.U.M. cares for people in need by providing emergency services with the objective of keeping them from becoming homeless.  Volunteer opportunities include feeding the hungry as a server, clean up crew, stock assistant Greeter and worship/music.  Please contact Ed Ubbens @ 252-3578 or H.U.M. @ 252-0156.  www.halifaxurbanministries.org

SHOE FUND:  The Shoe Fund is a unique charity solely funded by Seabreeze United Church to benefit area students that are in need of shoes and can’t afford them.  Local schools give students a voucher for shoes at Kmart.  Kmart notifies Seabreeze United Church and we reimburse Kmart!  

WESTSIDE CELEBRATES “Building a Field of Dreams”: Three years ago Judi Winch, principal at Westside Elementary School in Daytona Beach, walked a child home from school. During her visit to the student’s home, she learned the little girl was not allowed to play outside because her parent’s did not believe it was safe. As Mrs. Winch walked back to the school, she dreamed of an opportunity for the community. Her dream included keeping the gates of the school open at night to lure parents, children and other members of the community onto the campus for recreational and academic activities. The vacant field at the school would be turned into tennis courts and a track that would attract all ages of people from the community. The school would become a safe haven for children and adults to learn and play. The dream had a name: Westside’s Night Alive! Now that dream is a reality. Westside received a 21st Century Grant for $317,408 to pay for staff and supplies for the after school program, which officially opened in October 2006. Currently, 129 students are enrolled and receive after school tutoring, homework help and recreational activities five nights a week. The program also targets adults and parents by offering classes in computer technology, internet safety, parenting skills, professional skills and GED tutorials. In addition, representatives of the community contributed close to $200,000 in cash and services to make the dream come true. The tennis courts are completed and the track and computer lab are nearly done.

WESTSIDE’s NIGHT ALIVE!  Seabreeze United Church ministers to the needs of Westside Elementary School with volunteers and funds.  Westside’s Night Alive has created a place for people of all ages to attend after school developmental programs in a safe environment.  Students receive tutoring, homework help and recreational activities.  The program also targets adults and parents by offering classes in computer technology, internet safety, parenting skills, professional skills and GED tutorials.  Please contact Diana Simmons for more information or to volunteer 386-677-1711

Seabreeze United Church supports the CROP walk along with other Faith based organizations.  CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) has an annual beach walk-a-thon where walkers ask for pledges.  These pledges are shared with Halifax Urban Ministries, Second Harvest Food Bank and world wide missions to stop hunger.  Please contact Wynn Hamilton 386-846-3290 or Amy Killgallon, Florida Regional Director of CROP 888-297-2767 or www.cropwalk.org

 Seabreeze United Church is involved with the Angel Tree Program.  Each Christmas we receive a list of children whose parent is incarcerated.  We buy Christmas gifts that are requested by the parent or caregiver and deliver them to the children.  This program is part of the Prison Fellowship Ministries.  Please contact Wynn Hamilton 386-846-3290