Men’s City Team & Goodness Village
We are continuing to make meals once a month for both communities. It really is a lot of fun and something you can even do together as a family! There are new opportunities to serve posted regularly.
“I loved working together with others to make the meal for Goodness Village. It not only was helping Goodness Village but also allowed us to get to know others in our church and build community.”
~ Michelle
Backpack Drive
Our backpack drive was an overwhelming success! Not only were we able to meet the need for Beyond Emancipation, but because of your generosity and spreading the word we were also able to help several other organizations as well. Especially exciting is that we connected with an organization called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) . They help children and youth in the foster care system by pairing them with a mentor, which can make all the difference. In addition to this we were able to give backpacks to all three continuation high schools in the Tri-Valley.
AND there’s more! We exceeded our initial goal by so much that we had a dilemma. Do we buy more backpacks so that we fulfill our matching pledge OR do something else? After praying and talking with Beyond Emancipation it was decided mutually that setting aside those funds would be best. They have many needs in December, a big one being luggage. So Blue Oaks is honoring our pledge to match, just in a different way than we originally planned. The Ephesians verse comes immediately to mind. “God can do abundantly more than we can think or imagine” The heart of Blue Oaks is amazing. Extending love and doing meaningful things in our community. Thank you!!
Women’s City Team
Women’s City Team Oakland is a traditional housing program. The ultimate goal is to help the residents gain stability, long term housing, and a livable wage. There are two main causes for women entering the program: domestic violence or homelessness. At City Team the staff walk alongside women by offering case management, budgeting, counseling, and emotional support, which helps give them the courage and the confidence to change.
City Team was in need of some furniture. Blue Oaks has already provided dining room chairs, but there is still a need for dressers. Our hope is to have a team of volunteers go in October to assemble some dressers and do yard work. If you are interested in talking more about this opportunity, please contact Lisa Herrington.
A Note From Pastor Lisa Herrington
I read this recently and think it’s the perfect message for our Compassion Ministry!
“We can’t do everything, but we can do something. We can’t help everyone, but we can help someone. We can’t change the entire world, but we can make a difference in one life.”
Every day we are presented with opportunities. I often wonder how many things I miss out on because I don’t listen to God. I love the heart of Blue Oaks and the desire we have to make a difference in our community. We have four main causes: Homelessness, Fostering, Special Needs, and Seniors. As we continue to build a robust compassion ministry if you have ideas or suggestions and want to talk, please let me know! I would love to grab coffee with you! Let’s continue to do for one what we wish we could for many!