by Alison Pierce

As you may have heard, the church will be sponsoring an AED/CPR training class on May 25th. To help defray the cost of this class, the Missions Committee voted to sponsor 12 church members and/or participants to attend this class for a total of $540. We hope this will encourage a great turnout at this important event and perhaps save a life one day!

Did you know that April is Sexual Assault Prevention Month? In support of this cause, the Missions Committee voted to contribute $500 to Sojourner House in Providence, which for over 45 years has offered comprehensive services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to victims of abuse and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Believing that everyone deserves a safe, healthy home, Sojourner House promotes healthy relationships by providing culturally sensitive support, advocacy, and education for all victims. They provide hotlines, emergency shelter, housing programs, housing development work, a dropin center, immigration advocacy, youth and teen programs, sexual assault and health advocacy, rapid HIV testing along with education and training.

The need for Sojourner House’s services seems to be ever-expanding. In 2023, they served 1,885 individuals and answered a staggering 1,023 hotline calls. Our support will make a difference for these individuals and families seeking help.

Our last meal donation for this season was delivered to the Men’s Shelter on April 6th. Twenty-five hot and tasty meals were provided with help from the Broaster House. We are grateful to Sandy Gamache who, once again, provided a touch of home by baking homemade desserts. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bob Meo, George Briggs, Steve Wowk, Alan Whittemore, and Jim Robshaw for faithfully delivering these meals to the men each month and for their compassion and understanding. Although the need is still great, the shelter will now be closed until it opens again on November 1st.