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Serving Others
Tutoring/Mentoring Program
The Tutoring Program at Central Presbyterian Church is an opportunity to assist, encourage, and motivate children. Central's program, which has a rich 15-year history, pairs a volunteer tutor with children from Boys& Girls Club and Oakridge Neighborhood Service. One tutor is assigned to one child to assist with their homework and other educational activities on Tuesday evenings. Tutors get to know a child in a structured setting where special friendships are developed during the school year.The program currently has 41 regular tutors--and we're always looking for more for children on the waiting list.
Interested community volunteers can call Evy Hansen at the church office, 279-3658. All applicants are screened.
Program Goals
- To improve the educational achievement of the student To better the student’s self-concept To provide a role model to the student, someone who cares and is concerned
- To increase Central Presbyterian Church’s service to the community and provide an avenue for individual commitment to the work of the Church.
Revised 1/30/02
Community Missions
Through the World and Community Concerns committee, Central provides help to many in the Greater Des Moines area
Churches United Shelter. Central members prepare and serve evening meals on the 13th of each month.
DMARC Food Pantry. Central's Board of Deacons oversees the Food of the Month program reminding members and friends to bring specific food items to church and leave them in the Shopping Cart in the 39th St. Lobby for monthly delivery to the Food Pantry run by the Des Moines Area Religious Council. Check the Announcements page to see this month's food of the month.
Tutoring Program. Through the efforts of 30-plus volunteers, Central tutors assist children from the Homes of Oakridge and Boys and Girls club every Tuesday evening at Central. This program has grown to include a meal and one-on-one homework assistance. Coordinator - Evy Hansen
CROSS Ministries. Donations from Central help support the various CROSS Ministries community programs (direct emergency aid such as food, clothing, access to shelter, counseling and transportation. One favorite program is providing needy children with back-to-school supplies, including back packs, paper, notebooks, pens, and other supplies. Other projects include hosting the CROSS Ministries Coffee Houses and donations of baked goods to the annual CROSS Ministries Christmas Bake Sale.
AMOS (A Metropolitan Organizing Strategy). Central was one of the first member congregations in this ecumenical approach to community betterment.“...Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate...” Amos 5:15
What Is AMOS? (A Metropolitan Organizing Strategy)
AMOS is a non-partisan, institution-based community organization devoted to speaking prophetically for social justice in metropolitan Des Moines.
AMOS offers a strategy built on relational power, gives opportunities to participate in shaping public policy, and provides a means for change in public life by connecting people around concern for the common good.
AMOS cuts through the lines that divide us, such as race, socioeconomic status, geography and religious denomination.
AMOS focuses on the identification and development of leaders in local congregations and communities.
AMOS shapes an agenda as leaders in local congregations engage hundreds more in one-on-one conversations, conducts research and takes action on group issues and concerns.
AMOS is non-partisan and accountable to the member congregations and local communities.
Central’s Session has endorsed this organization and budgeted $1,000 for 2004. With the shared support of member congregations, AMOS now has a full-time lead organizer, Paul Turner. In the months ahead intentional conversations will take place to identify community issues to be addressed.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Alanon, and Overeaters Anonymous meetings are held weekly at Central. More information is available at Des Moines area AA website.
Helping Hands
Central's mission trip to El Salvador
June 23-29, 2008
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