Take ACTION in Your Community

Summer of Service Article in the Ventura County Star

kchapman — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:40:30 +0000

More than 1,400 volunteers from 24 churches across Ventura County have completed more than 100 projects this summer helping others, according to the Camarillo-based nonprofit Action Foundation.

The foundation, which acts as a catalyst bringing churches together to serve others, called for church members to participate in its Summer of Service initiative from June through August.

As a result, church volunteers have completed 108 community projects, said the Summer of Service coordinator Don Cole.

“Our goal was to get people beyond the concept that we do a one-day project and move on,” said Cole. “Another goal was to encourage churches to make a connection with their communities.”

The projects included painting and maintenance at public and private schools, cleanup, trash hauling and landscaping at mobile home parks, and helping seniors and the disabled with home improvement projects and wheelchair access.

“It gives the community a chance to see these are a group of people who want to help others, and it’s a chance for churches to work side by side doing what we’re here for,” Cole said.

On Saturday, Cori Cashier was busy painting the exterior walls at Park Oaks Elementary School on Calle Bouganvilla in Thousand Oaks.

She was one of several members of the Anthem Church of Thousand Oaks who have been volunteering at the school site on Saturdays throughout June, July and August.

“Our church has been here three times,” she said, “We’re really trying to get involved with the school because they need help. We’ve done everything from painting to gardening to cleaning up, and it’s been quite a transformation.”

Cashier said she gave her time because she thinks it’s important for her church to focus on getting active in the community.

About 100 people from five churches have participated in the community service project at Park Oaks, which has been overseen by contractor Jeff Albaeck, who owns Albaeck Painting in Newbury Park and who also donated his services.

Members of the Rotary Club of Westlake Village also showed up Saturday to help out, as did Maria Orellana, who’s a teacher’s aide at the school where her two young sons are students.

“It feels like our community is very supportive,” she said. “It’s going to be a big difference for the kids. Sometimes when we drive by with my kids, they notice the difference and they say, ‘That looks great, Mom.’”

Principal Paula Willebrands said that without the volunteers, the painting project would never have gotten off the ground.

“In today’s budget climate we do not have the money to do a project like this, so without the volunteers and the community working together it just wouldn’t happen,” she said.

Other organizations that have benefited from volunteers helping out, Cole said, include Samaritan House, RAIN Project Transitional Living Center, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Kids to Kids group home, Tender Life maternity home and residents of Thunderbird Oaks Mobile Home Park.

On the Net:

http://www.actionvc.org

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/aug/28/church-volunteers-complete-100-projects-across/

Thank YOU for being a part of Summer of Service!

kchapman — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:37:18 +0000

Thank you for the privilege of participating with you, your church, and your servant volunteers this summer. Here is a summary of the Summer of Service across Ventura County:

· 24 churches participated (5 on more than one occasion)

· 108 community service projects were completed

· 1,460 total volunteers served their communities

Did you see the article in the Ventura County Star on Sunday, August 29, about the Summer of Service? Here is the link: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/aug/28/church-volunteers-complete-100-projects-across/. Make sure you see the pictures and the comments at the end.

In this article, the focus is on one project in Thousand Oaks; it is just one example of what happened across Ventura County this summer! Note that the Park Oaks Elementary painting project occurred over 5 Saturdays, involved 5 churches (2 of which were there more than once), and included over 100 total volunteers. One of the churches ran the school’s year-end carnival last June; this Fall, the church is partnering with an Hispanic congregation to run an ESL program for parents at the school. These churches exhibited the goals of SOS by embodying the love of Jesus for their community.

May you be encouraged by this story of service, and by the many servants at your local churches who each day put their love for Christ into practical, life-giving action!

Serving Him together,

The ACTION Foundation

Habitat for Humanity Build – Thousand Oaks Finished!

laurau — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:26:36 +0000

We got there early to make sure all the forms were ready. One of our “small Groups” came and brought snacks and water for everyone. We all had to re-learn our geometry so we could put siding up under the gables. (Sheesh) I’m so glad they are patient. It was an exciting day between the use of power saws, table saws, and power siding cutters.

We had an amazing time. There were people there who were part of ACTION or Calvary CC and was great to work along side of the homeowner, Rosa. Thanks to all those who served!

The Shepherd’s House, Open Hands – August 24

Kathy Donofrio — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:18:46 +0000

Greetings from Pastor Leaf!

Hello all, I just wanted to let you know that we are quickly approaching our next COMMUNITY GROCERIES OUTREACH. This month we will also include school supplies for families. Our Open Hands event is on Tuesday, August 24^th from 3-6 pm in our Youth Room (2517 TO Blvd- Across the street from church sanctuary). I have attached a flyer that you may email/distribute to any individuals/families you know that are in need. If you have any questions or needs, please let me know. It is a true honor, blessing, and gift to serve with you and to shine Christ’s light and salvation to our community. In Him ~ Leaf Zwerling, Senior Pastor

The Shepherd’s House, 95 N. Oak View Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, Office 805-371-5775

Open Hands Flyer[1]

One City | One Meal Thanksgiving Day Downtown

Jesse — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:09:21 +0000

Sponsor a table at Ventura’s Thanksgiving Meal and enjoy the opportunity to cook, serve, host, eat and relate with many of our marginalized and under-resourced neighbors. 11a-1p Mission Park Downtown. Teams of 8-10 recommended. $100 sponsors a table/meal for 10.

For more contact Pastor Jesse at jesse@vmc.net.

A family blessed by the work at VCCS

kchapman — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:43:28 +0000

Dear Servants,

I am a parent of a senior at Ventura County Christian School (VCCS). My husband and I wanted to thank you and the group from Calvary Westlake for all of the work they did at VCCS. What a wonderful blessing. We know that your church has its own school and yet all of you were willing to come and help our school. As you know VCCS is a small, struggling school but we so believe that God wants this school to stay open.

For our daughter it has been a tremendous blessing. Michelle had spinal meningitis at 15 months so learning is difficult for her. She works very hard for her grades. VCCS has worked with her to help her achieve her greatest potential. Michelle would not have survived in public school. The school is also there for the students that are able to take AP classes. The school focuses on working with the students both academically and spiritually.

Your groups willingness to help is so greatly appreciated. As Christians we tend to focus on missions in other countries but there is work to be done here also. You have done missions work right in your own backyard. I hope in heaven you get to meet students whose lives you touched by your work as you hear Christ say, “well done good and faithful servant.”

Again thank you.

Blessings,

Charles and Deborah Clark

Snapper Jack’s Fundraiser – Sept 14 & 22

Kathy Donofrio — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:37:14 +0000

Christmas Shoppe will be hosting a fundraiser at Snapper Jack’s September 14 and 22. 20% of your order will be donated to ACTION. Please bring the below flyer when you come in. Only good at Snapper Jack’s, 5100 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, 11am to 9pm. Hope to see you there!!!

2010 Community Christmas Shoppes

Kathy Donofrio — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:25:28 +0000

Preparations are underway for the 2010 ACTION Community Christmas Shoppes to be held in December. Shoppes will be held in Conejo Valley, Ventura, Simi Valley and Pt. Hueneme/Oxnard. Please watch for toy donation boxes to be placed throughout the county. If your place of business, church or small group would like to host a box, please contact the ACTION office and we will get a box to you. Many volunteer opportunities will be available, as well. For more information, please contact the ACTION office (805) 987-0300 or email at actionfoundation@verizon.net.

Ventura County Christian School – Follow-Up Finished!

kchapman — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 05:00:57 +0000

What a great day! We had 20 volunteers show up including about 5 kids who worked their hearts out. We had neighbors, families that attended the school and the administrator stopping by to see what we were doing and thank us. It is amazing how the Lord can bless you when you are trying to bless others. Korrie Chapman

Thunderbird MHP Finished!

beemer2010 — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:23:18 +0000

What a wonderful day this was. We ended up with 28 volunteers who started out at St. Paul with a light breakfast and prayer, then headed over to the MHP. We had 10 projects lines up with a few more added once we got there. The folks at Thunderbird have become like family to us and we treasure the time we get to spend with them…yes, even when we’re weeding an entire yard full of overgrown ivy, or cleaning carpets….plus, they are always thankful, which makes us love it more!

We look forward to helping them troughout the “Summer of Service” and beyond…

Becky Warren