Barb Powell

Unified presence at Synod to bolster CHHSM-member ministries’ visibility

By Barb Powell | June 10, 2017

The United Church of Christ’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries will elevate its visibility in the exhibit hall of the denomination’s General Synod this summer in Baltimore, Md., through two unique approaches: a 12-table exhibit area for member ministries and subsequent unified approach to reaching out to attendees. The CHHSM Exhibit Hall space…

Read More

One-of-a-kind auction fosters the partnerships that provide ‘Emmaus Difference’

By Barb Powell | May 31, 2017

When United Church of Christ-related Emmaus Homes in St. Charles, Mo., held its first-ever quilt and silent auction May 21, it found that combining the good works of local business and church partners reaped extra benefits. The event — part live oral quilt auction and part silent auction — was held at Parkway UCC, an…

Read More

Kentucky volunteers make the difference for Uspiritus

By Barb Powell | May 25, 2017

We’ve all heard the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” At United Church of Christ-related Uspiritus in Louisville, Ky., it takes the whole community. As with all CHHSM-member ministries, Uspiritus relies on volunteers from many local businesses and churches. For example, the main UPS hub in Louisville leads a number of…

Read More

Cedar Community Seminar Series is Resource for Whole Community

By Barb Powell | May 19, 2017

Navigating the sea of options for senior living and senior healthcare can be difficult, if not impossible, at times. But a new program at United Church of Christ-related Cedar Community is helping seniors and their families chart a course to confident decision making. “Every Step with Cedar Community” is an ongoing, educational seminar series geared…

Read More

It’s a Millennial Attraction At Uspiritus

By Barb Powell | May 3, 2017

“How do we get socially conscious young professionals interested in our work?” It’s one of the most common refrains in churches and nonprofits, who seek to form long-lasting partnerships with Millennials as they fulfill their outreach ministries. In response, United Church of Christ-related Uspiritus, based in Louisville, Ky., recently launched an Ambassador Council, and it’s…

Read More

Orion Family Services Focuses on Parents as ‘Change Agents’

By Barb Powell | May 1, 2017

An innovative approach to healing the minds and spirits of children and families is bringing success for United Church of Christ-related Orion Family Services, based in Madison Wis.  Its Parent Skill Builder program, begun in 2007, is a therapeutic parenting program provided in the home that helps parents strengthen and improve their parenting, which helps…

Read More

Elon Homes and Schools for Children Provides Place for Old Foster Youth to Grow in Hope

By Barb Powell | April 25, 2017

Is a typical 18 year old ready to live independently without support of any kind? The answer, of course, is no. And fragile young people who’ve grown up or lived large portions of their lives in foster care are particularly vulnerable. United Church of Christ-related Elon Homes and Schools for Children in Charlotte, N.C., is…

Read More

Horse Riders Find Healing, Wholeness at UCC-Related Peppermint Ridge

By Barb Powell | April 25, 2017

“Smokey!” Raymond’s voice rang out across the No Drama Ranch in Norco, Calif. For most passersby on that clear Saturday morning, the moment might not have seemed like much. But for Raymond and the staff of the United Church of Christ’s Peppermint Ridge arriving for his therapeutic riding session, it was a profound and proud…

Read More

Congregation, CHHSM Ministry Partnership Creates Promising Futures for Children — Whatever It Takes

By Barb Powell | April 25, 2017

Church of the Redeemer United Church of Christ in Westlake, Ohio, takes seriously its longstanding mission partnership with UCC-related Crossroad Child and Family Services, based in Fort Wayne, Ind. The connection is more than 60 years old, thanks to the members of the small, Greater Cleveland-area church and their willingness to serve those in need.…

Read More

Retirement Housing Foundation Lends Helping H.A.N.D.S.

By Barb Powell | April 17, 2017

At United Church of Christ-related Retirement Housing Foundation, based in Long Beach, Calif., Judy A. Shaw, director of service coordination, had a problem: how to develop a program so that residents of RHF communities across 29 states could give to others in their local areas. “I was looking for a way for residents to give…

Read More
Join Our Mailing LIst

Follow on Facebook

Quick Links