Barb Powell

Mississippi’s ‘Your Barefoot Neighbor’ Rallies International Online Community in Massive Food Drive for Back Bay Mission

By Barb Powell | May 13, 2025

Not too long ago, Matthew Bounds was working in a regular job like the rest of us. But these days, he’s Your Barefoot Neighbor, an impactful online influencer who doles out easy-to-make, favorite hometown recipes and creates community. And as his most recent fundraiser for Back Bay Mission (BBM) in Biloxi, Miss., shows, that online…

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Through CHHSM Nollau To You, Hoyleton Staff Discovers Renewal and Purpose

By Barb Powell | May 13, 2025

A recent Council for Health and Human Service Ministries Nollau To You retreat at Hoyleton Child & Family Services in Fairview Heights, Ill., gave team members — from direct care supervisors to executive staff — a unique opportunity to both recharge and increase their leadership skills. Held April 9 and 10, 2025, the four retreat…

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Archway’s Mosaic Campus Earns Multiple Honors for Community Impact, Affordability, and Historic Preservation

By Barb Powell | May 13, 2025

Archway Communities’ Mosaic Community Campus in Denver was recognized in April 2025 with multiple awards for its transformative approach to affordable housing, historic preservation and community revitalization. These statewide and local honors mark a major milestone for Archway Communities and the adaptive reuse project’s many partners, underscoring the impact of collaboration and mission-driven development.  Mosaic…

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Call for Workshop Proposals for First-Ever Gathering of Faith-Based HHS Organizations in March 2026

By Barb Powell | April 11, 2025

In a first-ever collaborative effort, four faith-based health and human service organizations will hold The Gathering: Many Gifts, One Spirit, March 24-26, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis. Some 500 attendees are expected from the four associations: UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM), Mennonite Health Services (MHS), Methodist Ministries Network (MMN),…

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Emmaus Staff and Client Advocates Bring Disability Awareness to Missouri State Legislators

By Barb Powell | April 11, 2025

For the past three years, members of the advocacy team at Emmaus Homes in St. Charles, Mo., show up in full force at the Missouri State Capitol for Disability Rights Legislative Day (DRLD). But on Feb. 26, 2025, Emmaus raised the level of involvement as 84 Emmaus direct service providers, staff, supporters, and clients traveled…

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CHHSM Retreat Offers Insights into Times of Transition for UCC Heartland Conference Summer Camp Volunteers

By Barb Powell | April 11, 2025

Volunteer ministries require special commitment and dedication, traits that are tested during times of change. To facilitate a new way of doing outdoor ministry in the UCC’s Heartland Conference, Jill Frey, executive director of outdoor ministries, asked the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries to offer a leadership retreat for the conference’s summer…

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Digging Deeper, Stepping Up: Annual Gathering Filled with Inspiration and Joy

By Barb Powell | March 19, 2025

The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries’ (CHHSM) 87th Annual Gathering, held March 11-13, 2025, in Boston and Cambridge, Mass., filled the hearts, minds, and senses of attendees with meaningful worship, inspiring workshops and keynotes, joyful conversations, and poignant moments.  Centered around the theme, “Into the Deep: Casting Nets of Justice,” the focus was…

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Annual Gathering Wednesday Worship Becomes ‘Harambe’ Moment for all

By Barb Powell | March 19, 2025

The Rev. Darrell Goodwin, executive conference minister of the UCC’s Southern New England Conference, preached about the power of a unified CHHSM during the Wednesday evening worship service of the 87th Annual Gathering. Held March 12, 2025, at Old South Church UCC in Boston, the special service included the consecration of the current graduating class…

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UCC GMP Thompson Charges CHHSM Members to Wade Deeper, and Find Strength in God’s Love and Presence

By Barb Powell | March 19, 2025

The opening worship service of CHHSM’s 87th Annual Gathering was filled with moment of joyful celebration and moments of somber reflection. Held March 11 at 11 a.m. at First Church of Cambridge (Mass.), Congregational UCC, the service included a sermon by UCC General Minister and President the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson and the…

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Connect, Collaborate, Learn: Sponsoring Friends and Partners Express Importance of CHHSM Annual Gathering

By Barb Powell | February 13, 2025

The theme of this year’s Annual Gathering — March 11-13, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge, Mass. — is “Into the Deep: Casting Nets of Justice.” The event will explore ways in which CHHSM members and their community partners can use bold action to encourage collaboration and dedication in creating a more just and compassionate…

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