Thank you to everyone who participated in the Holiday Food Basket program this year. SECOM had 536 families sign up just for a Christmas basket. Because of your generosity, all of those families were able to take a break from poverty for one day. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Welcome
Through a diversity of services, SECOM addresses the connectivity of problems that keep people trapped in a poverty maze. SECOM's overarching direction, "Helping today, building hope for tomorrow" is a reflection of a broader approach to poverty. By feeding the poor SECOM is helping today and through its family education and health programs SECOM gives individuals skills and knowledge that can help to build hope for tomorrow.
"I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me. I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you were doing it to me!"
Matthew 26:35, 36, 40
You changed the world, now change lives.

SECOM is in need of volunteers to help families in our neighborhood.
Child Development Assistants:
Of the 938 vulnerable children under five years old in our immediate neighborhood, only 96 are in programs that prepare them for school.
As part of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) SECOM is making a difference in the lives of children. You can help children learn by assisting one of our teachers. There are various days available throughout the month from which to choose.
See what the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative is doing for the children of Grand Rapids at: http://elncgr.org.

Explore your potential to change lives.
Have you had 50 years or more gaining character and compassion? Can you give of your time and talent to help adults improve language skills, to help mentor parents, or to help children increase social and language skills and prepare for school?
Ask Amy about Encore team opportunities.

