Matthew 25:35-36,40 …for 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, I was in prison and you came to visit me. …. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
For more than 100 years, IPC has provided a place for inspired worship and fellowship with an emphasis on living out our faith through service. Under the umbrella of Community Ministries, IPC Social Services works to reduce food, housing and transportation uncertainties faced by less financially fortunate members of our Birmingham community. Reducing these obstacles better positions children and adults to benefit from education, employment and social opportunities.
We have three primary food ministries – Blessings Box, Buddy Bags, and Pop-Up markets.
The Blessings Box, located on the 31st Street side of the Sanctuary near the entrance to Community Ministries, provides neighbors with no questions, no judgment, easy access to food and hygiene items.
During the school year, IPC packs and delivers 175 Weekend Buddy Bags twice a month for students at Hayes K-8. Buddy Bags provide nutritious and easy-to-prepare food that students can take home for the weekend when other resources aren’t always available.
Through P.E.E.R., Inc. (aka East Lake Market) on a monthly basis, IPC funds 5 free produce Pop-Up Markets: 1st Friday - Westminster Presbyterian Church, Titusville, with Westminster providing meat and eggs; 2nd and 4th Fridays - Hayes K-8, Kingston/North Avondale, with the addition of chicken and eggs; 3rd Fridays - Birmingham Towers, North Birmingham. On average, the Pop-Up Markets deliver approximately 350 boxes of food per month. In addition, during this November and December, the Pop-Up Markets are participating in two Faith Chapel, Wylam, organized events serving approximately 300 families each.
In-kind donations from IPC members and friends fully stock most of the Blessing Box and Buddy Bags items with the Social Service Fund purchasing occasional short fall items. The Social Service Fund fully funds the Pop-Up Markets.
Alongside its food ministry, Social Services attempts to identify and assist in addressing minor problems before they fester and cause major problems. For example:
A utility bill delinquency can leave children in the dark and result in late payment penalties, reconnect fees and risk of eviction from public housing.
A missed rent payment can result in a homeless family.
Inability to replace a dead a vehicle battery results in loss of transportation and can result in loss of employment.
An untreated routine dental issue can become a medical emergency.
If after investigation and review of a situation, the decision is made to provide financial assistance, the payment comes from the Social Services Fund. In other cases, not involving a financial issue or where Social Services determines not to offer financial assistance, attempts are made to assist through further conversation and referral.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Social Services has provided financial assistance to 328 unduplicated family units. Of these families, 104 are known to Social Services through their children’s participation in IPC’s STAIR, Lift Off and Summer Learning programs. We met the other 224 families through walk-ins to Community Ministries (often in connection with Blessing Box visits) and through members of our referral network. We expect this level of activity to continue for the fourth quarter.
During the first three quarters of 2024, the primary categories of Social Services Fund expenditures were Food – 33%, Utilities – 33%, Housing – 19% and Transportation – 10%. The Social Services Fund is funded by several sources, the largest of which is IPC member and friend financial contributions designated to “IPC Social Services.” Please consider making a gift today. Questions about how to give? Contact Catherine Sager at csager@ipc-usa.org or (205) 933-3716.
