For information on any of the following, please contact David Merk – david@journeycom.org
SECRET GARDEN
Help to recreate the “Secret Garden” at La Mesa Middle School in preparation for the Fall school year and inauguration of (La Mesa Arts Academy), a new sister-school of Journey’s. March 8 is cleaning, chopping, bagging!
TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
This is National Teachers Week. National Teachers Day is May 7. For the past 3 years we have served lunch for all the teachers and staff at our partner schools. This year, in addition to lunch, we would like consider other ways of thanking them. Got any ideas? Want to lead the charge?
JOURNEYMEN WORK DAY
The Journeymen Men’s Ministry holds quarterly breakfasts. A couple of times each year, they hold work events after the breakfast. The next Journeymen’s Work Day will be Saturday, May 17. Details to follow. Join us . . . if you’re a man . . . or a son . . . or a grandson . . . or a care-kid.
FLAG DAY PARADE
Each year, the City of La Mesa holds a Flag Day Parade through downtown. For the last two years, the City has asked Journey to provide volunteers to help staff the event. We do . . . and it’s fun! Bring your kids! Work with your friends!
HIS MINISTRY
Four times each year, work teams descend (that sounds better then “go to”, doesn’t it?) on HIS Ministries in Tecate for a day of work. Painting, cleaning, weeding, etc. Without this help, Jim & Linda Doss would be on their own maintaining this not-too-small facility. Join us! Bring your family! It’s safe and, actually, a beautiful drive.
SUMMER FUN CAMP – TECATE
Last year (2013) was the first year that Journey held Summer Fun Camps in three different countries and our first year in Mexico. Summer Fun Camp – Tecate was a smashing success! More than 100 kids were present, along with more than 40 volunteers. Things went so well that we’re doing it again this year. Wanna help? You’ll have a great, inspiring time!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Each year, Journey attenders provide lots of school supplies for teachers at our 4 partner schools (San Miguel Elementary, Bandroft Elementary, La Mesa Middle and Monte Vista High School). What a help this is! According to the annual State of the School Market Survey conducted by the National School Supply and Equipment Association (no, I did not make that up!), teachers spent more than $500 out of their own pockets on school supplies and instructional materials. That’s more than 30% of all that is spent in their classroom.
CARE FEST
Each year, the Grossmont Health Care District and the City of La Mesa team up to stage Care Fest. The purpose is to make health evaluations available to low income families. Last year, the City and the District asked Journey to provide volunteers to do face painting and assist children in making crafts, helping to brighten up the day for the 1,000+ children who were present during the day. We did and we will again this year. Sit for a few hours and be the face of Jesus.
POLINSKY CENTER
The Polinsky Children’s Center is a 24-hour, County-run facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety, or when parents cannot provide care. Each month more than 300 children ages birth to 18 years old are admitted to the Polinsky Children’s Center. The Polinsky Women’s Auxiliary has asked Journey to paint some of the rooms in the facility, enhancing the surroundings with color and artwork. This is the opening of a door that we have been looking for ever since the closure of the New Alternatives foster care facility in Rancho San Diego. Join in!
MOTEL CHURCH
Last month, Journey participated in the first Motel Church service held in San Diego. Our church was a pay-by-the-week motel a few blocks from Journey. These motels typically are occupied by the transitional homeless, the working poor and, occasionally, prostitutes. The service was held in the alleyway behind the building, immediately following breakfast. Many kids and a bunch of adults were in attendance, participated in worship and heard the gospel. Volunteer opportunities include setting up and tearing down, serving breakfast and coffee, and, most importantly, spending time with the guests
HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS
Hope For the Homeless has served the homeless community of San Diego since May of 2003. That’s 566 consecutive Fridays without missing one (can’t let down our friends! They count on us for dinner after all!). we split into three teams to walk the streets of downtown San Diego. Afterwards, we stop by the Veterans Cold and Wet Weather tent to hand out PB&J and Honey Buns and hang out with them. Join us! You’ll fit right in – the volunteer crowd is different each week. We’ll introduce you to our friends!
TWICE TREASURED THRIFT STORE
Along with the Food Bank, Journey’s Twice Treasured Thrift Store has played a key role in the transformation of Journey and its relationship with the surrounding community. Opened just a bit over 2 years ago, Twice Treasured has established a reputation as the most comfortable, best-kept and stocked Thrift Store in the East County. The Thrift Store provides clothing and other necessities for those in need and makes regular donations to the Rescue Mission and other programs. A key aspect of Twice Treasured’s operation is the provision that 100% of its profits go to Journey’s mission’s effort.
FOOD BANK
Three times each month Journey’s Food Bank provides food for 125+ families. In addition, the Food Bank provides food for homeless and/or struggling people that show up at Journey virtually every day. Finally, once each month, the Food Bank provide fresh fruits & vegetables and donated food from Olive Garden to more than 125 people at two, self-care senior facilities. Serve the needy. Bless and be blessed!
FEED THE BANK!
Journey’s Food Bank receives its food from two primary sources: contributions from Journey attenders and the San Diego Food Bank. Church contributions have been declining, requiring us to purchase more and more food from the SDFB. You can help by being a regular contributor (bring your food to service each week). You also could start your own mini-food drive or come up with your own idea to help. Feed The Bank!
