tb_pathToImage = 'http://oregonfaithreport.com/wp-includes/js/thickbox/loadingAnimation.gif';tb_closeImage = 'http://oregonfaithreport.com/wp-includes/js/thickbox/tb-close.png'; The Oregon Faith Report - Faith News from Oregon Top 10 News Report Business Report ... Report Oregon churches find new ways to help local needy July 30, 2009 94% of Oregon churches provide resources to assist people who lack basic necessities.
By Betsy Maynard,
Oregon Family Council
Times of economic hardship tend to encourage creativity. West Salem Foursquare Church is working to creatively partner with social organizations to meet needs they see around Salem. This is not new for the church â helping people with practical needs is an emphasis of church life that dates to the earliest days of Christianity.
In 2004, the church also founded an Adopt-A-Block program called the Dream Center, with the motto of âLove them until they ask why.â Through the Dream Center church members visit certain blocks every Saturday, helping with neighborhood cleanups, and practical needs. When they realized that many on their adopted blocks lacked adequate primary and preventative healthcare, the church began a twice a month medical clinic at a local school. Through a working relationship with Walker Middle School, church members also offer a variety of youth activities at the school on Saturday mornings. A group of West Salem Foursquare members wanted to do what they could to help the consistently homeless and mentally ill they saw in their neighborhoods. Focusing their efforts on Marion Square Park, the churchâs James Ministry provides survival gear, clean socks, resource guides, and meals to hundreds of individuals. | |
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