Find Out How the 2022 Thank Offering is Making a Difference
November 16, 2022The Thank Offering of Presbyterian Women began in 1888 and supports mission projects at home and abroad. In keeping with the by-laws, 40% of funded projects are related to health ministries. Of the 10 projects funded this year, seven are in the US.
Raleigh, North Carolina is home to the Women’s Reentry Project. This project helps women prepare for and navigate life after incarceration by developing tools to forge new and better lives. The WRP combines housing – which is a significant barrier to successful reentry – with wraparound social and vocational support. The Thank Offering grant will help fund three forms of subsidized housing: Bridge Housing upon release from prison; Stable Supportive Housing for 12-18 months; and Independent Housing, for those who continue in the program as nonresidents. Using gender specific, trauma-informed, evidence–based services, this program helps women achieve stability, family reunification and independent living.
A very different program in Rome, Georgia, is the Day & Overnight Transformations Retreats for Cancer Patients. Low income cancer patients must navigate many challenges beyond their illness: they often must choose between securing food or medicine, lack reliable transportation and worry about paying everyday bills. Cancer Navigators assist medical providers by guiding patients toward a better understanding of diagnosis and care while connecting them with needed services. The Thank Offering grant will provide retreats for 60 cancer patients who do not otherwise have resources to leave for a day. Through an escape from daily life and struggles, these retreats offer patients a rare opportunity to take time for themselves and receive helpful tips and information. By spending time away with other cancer patients, retreat participants witness they are not alone in their cancer journeys.
Please consider a contribution to the 2023 Thank Offering. Place checks in the offering boxes or mail to the church office, or give online as you are able in thanks for all the blessings in your life.