Community that cares for its people

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“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

There are times where circumstances call for assistance from others. I am happy to say that the people and organizations in the Wilmington area demonstrate compassion for those in need.

As we journey through life and we experience the needs of people here in the Wilmington area, it is very heartwarming to see the generosity of the people and the support of area businesses that demonstrate compassion in helping those in need.

In Matthew 25:35-36 we read, “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 can think of three ministries here in the area that “live out” what this bible verse speaks of.

The first one that comes to mind is the Sugartree Ministries/Your Father’s Kitchen. Sugartree serves more than 1,000 meals a week and gives out groceries to about 150 families weekly. They also provide an emergency shelter for men, recovery 12-step meetings weekly and a coffee shop which offers a good cup of coffee, live music and a place to have fellowship.

The Hope House is another local ministry which is located on Locust Street. Hope House is a Christian, faith-based drop-in shelter.

Hope House provides a safe place to sleep at night for women and children. They welcome guests into a clean and sober living environment. They offer clean showers, laundry facilities and free WiFi. Women and children are provided with clean pajamas, warm socks, an evening meal and a light breakfast along with a warm bed and clean linens, which amounts to a safe, chaos-free, supportive, non-judgmental place to spend the night.

Their mission is to welcome as Christ welcomed those in need, and to offer love, hope and compassion to foster and facilitate a restoration of human dignity, self-respect and well-being. They model this by offering clean beds, and listening ears, in a clean facility.

Here the women and children find genuine, caring hospitality in their time of need. It is the belief of Hope House that a hot cup of coffee and friendship offered with Christian love and concern shared by a committed community can be the beginning of a whole new life.

This next ministry is near and dear to my heart as I am a Client Advocate at the New Life Clinic, a pregnancy resource center serving men and women in our area. They address the physical and emotional needs of those facing pregnancy-related circumstances and sexual health concerns.

Once clients visit the center they have the opportunity to receive the following services — abortion education and alternative resources, birth control and sexually transmitted infection information, early ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, earn-while-you learn program (earn essential baby items while you learn to be a great parent), family and parenting education programs, maternity clothes lending, prenatal vitamins, post-abortion support, and referrals to community resources.

All services at New Life Clinic are free and confidential.

The above ministries would welcome volunteers and any support that you could provide.

Romans 12:13 tells us “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality”.”

Veronica Grabill is Chaplain at Clinton Memorial Hospital.

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Veronica Grabill

Contributing columnist

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