Mission and Outreach: Coat Drive

Dear Friends,

The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas is joining with One Man’s Treasure at the 2016 Diocese Convention on November 5th to help meet the critical needs of indigent men returning to the Dallas area after years of incarceration during the upcoming months– gently used or new winter coats.  One Man’s Treasure has delivered a complete set of clothing to 1055 men to date in 2016 and anticipate providing clothing to another 350-400 by the end of the year.  We will need more than 650 coats to meet the coat needs of our clients during the upcoming winter months (mid-October through February) and this drive will help meet that need.  

We ask that your congregation consider becoming part of our “prayerful hand up” ministry to these returning men by donating MEN’S winter coats and/or gently used or new shoes or work boots that are another critical need.  All sizes are needed, with a special emphasis on XL-3XL coats and size 10 to 12 shoes. If your church decides to participate in the drive, your convention delegates can drop off the donations at One Man’s Treasure’s table or the designated carts at the Convention.  If that is not convenient, please call 214-532-9819 to arrange a pick up the week before the convention or at any time in the weeks ahead.  Any coats that we cannot use in our program will be distributed to The Gathering or other charities for distribution to the homeless.  

As we reflect on this year’s convention theme, “Love the Lord your God”, we are reminded of the second part of Jesus’ great commandment found in the Gospels And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  Following Christ’s commandment and His call in Matthew 25:34-40, the individuals and churches throughout the Diocese who serve in One Man’s Treasure’s ministry show that love of their “neighbor” by serving men recently released from prison who are in need and so often overlooked.  

Each year, between 8,000- 9,000 men return to the Dallas area after they are released from prison and given only a bus ticket, $100 and a pair of pants and a shirt that may or may not fit.  During the winter months, they leave without a warm coat.  They are faced with many unique challenges to successful re-entry including the basic necessities of clothing, food, housing, transportation and employment.  There are limited, if any, resources available to help them meet those needs.  Most return without family support to assist them or to families who are poor and cannot financially assist them with even their basic needs.  These challenges can be overwhelming.  The mission of One Man’s Treasure is to provide these men with decent clothing that takes care of their daily needs, is appropriate for job interviews and employment, and that can give them a sense of dignity and hope.  Each set of clothing is delivered to the client at his residence by a male volunteer (called a shepherd) who takes time to visit with him, referring him to resources for other needs, and demonstrating God’s love.  In serving these “neighbors”, we not only are encouraging them during this critical time of transition, but are also helping them become productive members of their community with a broader goal to lower the rate of recidivism (return to prison) and make our communities safer.

Thank you for your consideration in helping us meet the needs of these returning men.  The support of the Diocese of Dallas and all the churches who have blessed this ministry with its gifts over the years has been invaluable in our ability to serve and grow in our outreach.  This note from Colby, a recent client, expresses the gratitude we all feel for your support. “Unfortunately I haven't had the privilege to meet all of you personally, however due to your commitment to serve those in need I do believe I'm aware of the One behind it all (Matthew 25:36).  I thank GOD for the passion He's placed within you and the resources He's provided to you. Thank you One Man’s Treasure for the immeasurable amount of love and sacrifice you all have invested into others. Your work hasn't been done in vain.”  

Please call me if you have any questions about the drive or other ways to be part of the ministry.  May God bless each of you and His Church as we worship and serve Him. 

 

Annette
Annette Jenkins
Executive Director
214-532-9819

Hospitality Outreach

Good fellowship, good cooking and good wine was the hallmark of St. Dunstan’s appreciation dinner where the men prepare and serve a gourmet meal for the women of the church.

About 70 women gathered in the parish garden while servers brought trays of smoked trout crostini’s and glasses of wine.

“It’s a beautiful recognition for the women who are the movers and shakers of the church,” said Lee Spence. “The men do a wonderful job of cooking an epicurean meal. Everyone looks forward to this event each year. It’s just lovely.”

This year the men cooked herb-crusted beef tenderloin in a red-wine reduction sauce, potato gratins, balsamic glazed tomatoes and molten chocolate cakes with fresh berries.

“Everyone is having an incredibly convivial moment,” parishioner Jeanne Greenawalt said. “There is such a goo spirit and lovely feeling of everyone being together. Everyone is smiling and sharing ideas.”

Milton Husbands, a retired obstetrician and the mastermind behind the luncheon said the event was a good way to recognize the women’s work and to make them feel special. “It’s a fun thing. We try to change the menu each year and to make something good with appetizers, a main course and a wine selection.”

Over the years, the luncheon has attracted other women in the community, and as a result some of them have made St. Dunstan’s their church home. “It’s good outreach for us,” the Rev. Tom Pantle said. “It’s been great, because the men stepped up and did something on their own.”

The men begin their prep work the night before by washing fruit, cutting vegetables and trimming meat. The men have bonded during their efforts to prepare and serve the food and have since started a local chapter of the brotherhood of St. Andew’s. “The luncheon is a good place for eh men to get to know each other,” Pantel said.

The event has gotten so popular, the church is running out of space to expand.

Nancy Hoing, took a break from her gourmet meal to marvel at the fellowship and community of the church. “I’m a newcomer,” she said. “What a great thing to see the gentlemen serve the ladies. I’m really having a good time.”

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This blog aims to highlight mission and outreach in EDOD parishes