Serving Others: Partnerships
Partnership is the most effective way of carrying our mission, whether on a local or a global level. Trinity has sought out a partnership model in many aspects of its mission and service outreach. Often this takes the form of local organizations that are brought to the attention of the Mission and Service Ministry by a member who is already involved in that organization. MSM (Mission and Service Ministry) gives highest priority to local ministries that engage members not just with their money, but with time and energy.
Some of our local partnerships include:
Rebuilding Together – A local event that draws from many local churches and organizations getting teams of workers out to do projects in our community. Often this takes the form of helping an elderly neighbor with household projects that enable them to remain in their home. Trinity has annually provided a robust team to make a hands on difference.
CROP Walk– Trinity has consistently been among the top churches nationwide for both raising funds and participation in this walk to end hunger. We have fielded teams here in Arlington and also done our own CROP Walks when the date falls on our annual retreat.
S.O.M.E. – So Others Might Eat. Trinity’s team provides food, cooks and serves the meal on the first Monday of the month in S.O.M.E.’s dining room for the homeless at Western Presbyterian Church in Northwest DC. S.O.M.E. provides a hot breakfast and lunch every day of the year.
AFAC – Arlington Food Assistance Center. Trinity members and friends have the opportunity every Sunday to bring in non-perishable food for AFAC. Food is collected in baskets in the Narthex and delivered regularly.
Prison Ministry – Several members of Trinity participate on a regular basis in local prison ministry and OAR (Offender Aid and Restoration).
Meals on Wheels – Trinity has been a leader in the community in providing drivers for Meals on Wheels for many years. In addition to retirees and college kids, this has been a good choice for some of our young mothers who are able to take their young children along to the delight of the clients, many of whom are older and homebound and delight in seeing a smiling face from Meals on Wheels.
Food and Friends – Trinity is a distribution point for Food and Friends, a local food assistance program for the chronically ill.
Arlington Interfaith Council / Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington – Trinity has a commitment to peacemaking. An important part of that commitment is our relationships with people of all faiths. Trinity has participated in educational events and in joint projects that move us toward mutual understanding and a shared desire to serve God in the world and love our neighbors. We work actively with the Arlington Interfaith Council as well as the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington.
Mount Olivet Community Assistance –
Each month, volunteers welcome members of more than 225 households into the doors of Mount Olivet to receive a hot meal, groceries, clothing, and gift cards for food. There is a program for children with crafts, stories, and games. The children also receive a supplemental bag with extra food for them – granola bars, mac & cheese, and more. Health screenings are available on a monthly basis. Trinity members have volunteered regularly as groups or individuals.
New Hope Housing – One of the biggest needs in the Washington Metropolitan area is affordable housing. There are many agencies we might choose to support, but again Trinity has chosen to support those agencies that engage members of our church and who have been brought to our attention through members of the church. New Hope Housing director, Pam Michell, is a member of Trinity and has led us to a more informed and nuanced understanding of understand local housing issues. New Hope Housing is the oldest and largest provider of shelter beds in northern Virginia. This organization offers innovative and lasting solutions to end the cycle of homelessness by providing homeless men, women and children the services they need to change their lives and succeed. As part of our support, Trinity’s Shoebox Project collects items and provides shoeboxes full of toiletries and other items for the clients at New Hope Housing at Easter.
THRIVE –Arlington Thrive is the only organization in Arlington County, Virginia that provides same-day, emergency financial assistance to County residents who experience sudden financial crisis such as temporary unemployment or illness. Most clients are the working poor, elderly and disabled people on a fixed income, and the homeless and formerly homeless who need Arlington Thrive’s funds as a “safety net” until they are able to get back on firmer financial footing. Arlington Thrive’s clients are among Arlington County’s most vulnerable residents. Families with children are given the highest priority, and one-third of the individuals served by Arlington Thrive are children.
