Philosophy

Jesus said in Matthew 25:35-36, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me."

Eastside Community Ministry strives to meet the basic needs of those who come to us for assistance. But we are also aware that there is often a greater need than the one that is the initial reason for coming to us. Our goal is to be able to provide individual care and to listen and try to understand the underlying issues that trap people in need and poverty. In order to break the cycle of poverty we understand this involves more than providing food, clothing and assistance; it means getting to know the individual, the family and helping them see how they can use whatever resources, no matter how few, to begin to take positive steps to becoming self-sufficient and productive within the community.

To this end we spend time with the individual, listening, offering suggestions, challenging them, and supporting them in their efforts. We direct them to community resources for obtaining education needs and to meet goals. Our youth program teaches basic life skills at age appropriate levels; teaching them to care for themselves, learning to cook, preparing nutritious meals, to do laundry, manage money and develop good study skills. We try to paint a picture of hope for those who have known nothing but poverty, to encourage them to dream, and to help them gain the education and skills necessary to realize those dreams.