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Community News -
Community News
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Written by Richard Kerns
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Tuesday, 07 September 2010 15:30 |
FROSTBURG – Members of the Neighborhood Friends Care Ministry appeared before the Frostburg Mayor and City Council recently to detail a volunteer program that provides assistance for small chores that can loom large for the elderly or disabled.
Neighborhood Friends Care is an ecumenical network of care based at the Frostburg Presbyterian Church, 33 Broadway.
Inspired by the passage from the Gospel of John, 3:16-18, imploring Christians to “let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth,” the organization seeks to help those who have trouble helping themselves.
Volunteers with Neighborhood Friends Care help residents with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor projects at their homes, including maintenance and minor repairs ranging from hanging pictures and painting, to raking leaves and cleaning gutters. They can also repair faucets, install shelves, fix broken steps and replace light bulbs.
Mayor Arthur Bond applauded the group, saying many Frostburg area residents may have needs “under the radar” that might seem trivial to those who are healthy or have the means to hire help, but can pose a big challenge to others.
“I think it's amazing that people are willing to do these tasks,” the mayor said. “They may seem menial to us, but they can be a major problem for some people.”
In addition to helping out with chores around the house, Neighborhood Friends Care volunteers are also available to run errands, help pay bills, set up a new computer, write letters and mail packages. Volunteers can also provide transportation to church, medical appointments or other trips around town.
As noted on the ministry's pamphlet, “The vision of Neighborhood Friends Care is to create and implement a community wide support network designed to assist individuals with limited resources and/or abilities. This network will provide members of the Frostburg community with both the opportunity to give and receive assistance. Neighborhood Friends Care is an ecumenical community program that encourages neighbors to take an active role in caring for each other and seeks to strengthen relationships between the church and community. It is our hope that God's love will be present in each encounter.”
For more information about Neighborhood Friends Care – for those either seeking assistance or wishing to volunteer – contact Jane Stallings-Delaney at 240-284-3466.
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