Outreach was born in early 2006 and has become a vital part of many lives in and around Farmer City. Over these years, we have helped many people in the area with the many services that we offer. In these difficult times, we have experienced a gradual reduction in both financial donations and volunteer hours. In the next few months, we will be forced to reduce the services we offer, unless there is an increase in both financial donations and volunteer help.
Outreach is housed in the east end of the Sunshine Center (by the Motel) and we offer social and educational activities for seniors and youth. A computer lab is also available. Outreach is open each Mon., Wed. and Thurs. with many regularly scheduled activities taking place. Activities include Bingo on Mondays beginning at 2pm, Quilting and sewing the second and fourth Mondays at 6:30 pm, Bible Study on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm, Gentle Stretching on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm, Adult coloring on Thursdays at 1:30 pm, Tai chi on Thursdays at 5:30 pm, and Knitting, crochet, crafts and coloring on the first and third Thursdays at 6:30 pm. We also offer day trips on a bus from Piatt Tran on the second and fourth Tuesdays from March through November going to many different locations around the state. Make-It Take-It classes are offered throughout the year. We host a Chicken Dinner for all “Spring Chickens” in the area each spring. We have a six week “Reading Buddies” program in the summer for kids to meet with a volunteer to work on reading skills. Teachers have provided positive feedback on the success of this program. We host a “Christmas Shop” each year for parents to shop for free gifts for their children. Without this program, many children would not have a gift to open on Christmas morning.
Of course, none of this is possible without financial donations and volunteer help. To help meet these needs, we schedule fund-raisers throughout the year. Unfortunately, these efforts have not kept up with the financial needs.
How can you help?
You can provide financial assistance, monthly or a one-time donation. We also offer automatic withdraw from checking or savings accounts, if you can give monthly but prefer not to mail a payment each month. Are you looking for a meaningful way to recognize someone special? You can give a gift to Outreach in their name to support the programs we offer. Please send your check along with the name of the person/persons you would like to recognize. All recognitions will be listed on a memorial board at Outreach.
Outreach has many volunteer opportunities available for you to reach out and help people in the community. Along with all the scheduled events above we also need drivers to take seniors to doctor appointments, physical therapy appointments, and/or grocery shopping. There is always a need for people to just visit with someone to ease their loneliness. If you enjoy being around the younger crowd, teenagers and pre-teens, we need someone to plan and chaperon youth nights once a month for high school and junior high kids. We are also in need of someone to clean the activity room. These are just a few of the volunteer opportunities at Outreach, if you have some time available please contact the office at 309-928-9400.
Many of you have helped Outreach by supporting events, volunteering your time and/or providing financial support. We thank you for your past and future support. None of this would exist without your help.
If you would like more information or would like to sign up to volunteer, just stop by and speak with Sharon or call (309) 928-9400. Again, donations can be dropped off at the office or mailed to: Outreach P.O. Box 101 Farmer City, IL 61842
Our Mission Statement:
Outreach Ministries enriches the lives of Seniors and Youth through Support, Socialization Opportunities, Education and Services in Farmer City and the Surrounding Area.
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