Community Connections

What to Expect at Community Connections

OCUMC Community Connection has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank since November 1, 2021. Each distribution day, Second Harvest provides us with frozen meats and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bakery items such as breads and desserts.

Participation is simple: just give us your name and the number of people in your household. No other information is required. In addition to food, we offer:

• Racks of free clothing, shoes, and household items
• Connections to health resources through our community partners
  • Hispanic Health Initiative: Blood pressure checks every 1st & 3rd Thursday
  • Big Red Bus (and other mobile health units): Quarterly visits offering HIV and other health screenings
    

Prepared Grocery Bags
If you are not able to attend Community Connections, we offer packed grocery bags filled with common meal items in our church office.

Mail Call Ministry
For individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, we offer our church address through a partnership with the United States Postal Service. This allows you to safely receive your mail through our Mail Call Ministry. To register, please bring a Driver’s License or any valid form of identification.

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
OCUMC sets aside money into the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to meet the financial needs of individuals and families. If you need help with rent or utilities, please visit the church office to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Financial Assistance Program
We also offer limited financial assistance for individuals and families experiencing a crisis or urgent need.

• Applications are available for a one-time $100 assistance request.
• Payments are made directly to a utility company or landlord (not given in cash).
• Assistance is available up to three times within a five-year period.
• Requests must be spaced at least three months apart from the last approved application.

This program is designed to provide short-term stability and support during difficult seasons.

Groceries for Neighbors, Food for Families, Dignity for All

Jesus calls us to love and serve our neighbors with compassion, reflecting His heart for those in need. At OCUMC, we believe this calling is lived out through simple, tangible acts of care—like providing groceries to families who may be struggling. Through Community Connections, we are putting our faith into action by meeting people right where they are, offering food, friendliness, and a reminder that they are not alone.