Cross Partnership

As the weather warms up, Cross is planning to move their Food Pantry out to parking lot again. It is expected that the users will increase with the increased visibility outside. Ascension continues to collect donations for Cross so that they can serve those in need in the neighborhood. Donations of food and sturdy bags can be placed in the designated bins in the Donation Center. Cross and the partnership congregations will be looking at any changes or new ministries can be developed as we move away from the limitations of the pandemic and return to more active ministries.

Healing Hearts

Save the date for Celebration of Hope to be held on May 15 at Marriott West from 5:00 to 8:30. With the cancellation of the event in 2020, Healing Hearts hopes to have a good representation from its supporters. The evening will include dinner and a program and a wonderful time. To register, go to their website healingheartsofwaukeshaco.org and select “Support Us.”

 Hope Center

Thank you to all who donated to Hope Center for the To Go Meal program. Donna Savin was able to provide a Thrivent Action Team grant to provide the Hope Center meal program with carryout boxes for the program. At this point, there is no definite plan when they will open the building for in person meals but the participants will continue to get the To Go meals until further notice. Donations of clothing or household goods can be made with prior arrangements. Contact Hope Center if you have something to donate. The Clothing Shop is open but with limited hours for donations and for shopping. Call 262-549-8726 to make arrangements.

Habitat for Humanity Waukesha

Their mission is: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Their vision is: A world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County builds decent, affordable homes for families who are unable to purchase a home through traditional methods. They do not give houses away, based on the belief of giving a hand up, not a handout. By providing a home with an affordable mortgage, homeowners obtain self-sufficiency and overall improved family health and neighborhood pride.

Homeowners spend time and effort into making their dream of homeownership a reality. Sweat Equity is their version of a down payment. Each adult must contribute time volunteering at the ReStore or working on the job site to build their home. Not only does each homeowner gain skills and meet new people in this process but they get the satisfaction of playing a key role in improving their own circumstance. A recent homeowner Noel said, “you take pride in something you personally own” especially when you have built it by hand.

Habitat of Waukesha has made affordable housing a reality for over 30 families in 30 years. In 2015, they tripled the yearly number of homes built from an average of one home per year to three per year. In addition to building homes, they educate the community on affordable housing and how they are a part of supporting the mission. The ReStore is a retail location that collects and sells donated home goods and building materials at a discounted price. Profits from the ReStore are used to fund the builds while community members take advantage of the lower price.

How can you help? 

• Donate to ReStore
• Volunteer at ReStore
• Provide hands on help in building or remodeling or help with preparation for the new family
• Participate in the Women Build coming up in May by joining the build or donating financially

For more information go their website or contact our member Nick Wagner.