Engaging Neighbors Creating Resources Connecting Individuals planting the seeds to grow a healthier community!
Who we are
OUR JOURNEY As an expression of Trinity Lutheran Church s long standing history of social ministry, we (TLC) served our first community meal in 1995. We have since responded to growing community need by increasing our monthly meals from one to three and are in the midst of adding a fourth. Over the past 12 years Trinity has written, received, and managed nearly $70,000 in grants for outreach efforts.
OUR JOURNEY Our last three years have been energized by mentorship from the Cleveland Foundation s Project Access program; a college level course of study focusing on management for nonprofit organizations. TLCO is a direct outgrowth of this apprenticeship. TLCO s priorities are hunger relief and holistic health promotion.
What we do
COMMUNITY MEALS Trinity's Loaves and Fishes, our longeststanding meal, serves the community with a volunteer base primarily from its congregation. Friends and strangers alike are welcome to join this mission of service. In partnership with the Cleveland Foodbank, grocery give aways are offered at most meals.
COMMUNITY MEALS The Third Saturday meal was honored as Cleveland Foodbank s 2010 Hot Meal of the Year, providing a nutritious, hot meal at noon to anyone who wants or needs one. Unique to Third Saturday are its professional chef, live music, and produce distributions.
COMMUNITY MEALS The Second Sunday meal was originally instituted by returned Peace Corps volunteers from the greater Cleveland area and has grown to include a variety of volunteers. Plans are underway for an ethnic theme at every meal travel the world in 2011!
COMMUNITY MEALS A brand new First Saturday meal was served in February. An amazing mix of community members, including many meal guests themselves, have come together to imagine and implement this fourth monthly meal with TLCO.
More than a meal
PRODUCE DISTRIBUTIONS From June and November we distribute large quantities of local surplus produce to the community at no cost in conjunction with the Third Saturday meal.
PRODUCE DISTRIBUTIONS Full of energy and activity, produce distribution days attract hundreds of area residents and dozens of volunteers. Cooking demonstrations and nutrition information are often part of the day.
COMMUNITY MEAL GARDEN In 2009,we dug up Trinity s front lawn and planted the Peace and Plenty Garden with grant support. Maintained entirely by volunteers, our organic garden supplies in excess of 1,000 pounds of fresh produce each year for all our community meals.
COMMUNITY MEAL GARDEN In 2010, we received a grant to install a 500 gallon rainwater harvesting system. The rain that falls on Trinity s roof now sustains our crops. Our highly visible garden is a magnet for community involvement
COMMUNITY MEAL GARDEN and showcases the potential of small plot farming to supplement the nutritional needs of urban centers. In summer the Garden is full of people of all ages learning about hunger, pulling weeds, and having fun!
WELLNESS EDUCATION We partner with the OSU Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Program to offer the Eating Smart/ Being Active class series. Participants learn to choose healthier, safer, and lower cost food enabling them to better manage their food budgets. Part of each class is dedicated to physical activity and food safety.
WELLNESS EDUCATION Serving as a Health Hub of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, we reach out to the community with information about the prevention of childhood lead poisoning i and the Healthy Homes initiative.
SOCIAL SUPPORT With grant support, women are offered a peaceful and safe peer group for dealing with the everyday stressors of poverty. Monthly sessions, facilitated by a Registered Nurse, offer health screenings and referrals as well as information on navigating the health care system.
HEALTH SCREENINGS Partnering with a variety of community health agencies and Trinity s Faith Community Nurse, we offer a variety of health screenings at no cost. Individualized education is a part of each screening. Referrals are provided to identified high risk individuals. id
Our impact
In 2010 We prepared and served 3,691 hot meals 215 more than we served ed in 2009.
More than half were supplemented with fresh produce from our garden.
In 2010 We distributed approximately 84,000 pounds of free, fresh fruits and vegetables
to an average of 239 households h each month between June and November.
That s 4,875 people. p One third of them were children.
In 2010 We reached more than 200 individuals id with wellness education, social support, health screenings and referrals.
What keeps us going
You.
VOLUNTEERS One great, strong, unselfish soul in every community could actually redeem the world. Elbert Hubbard
FUNDRAISING EFFORTS Grant writing TLCO Soul Food Art Auction Trinity Clambake and Auction S i C t Spring Compost Sale
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Thank You.
Engaging Neighbors Creating Resources Connecting Individuals planting the seeds to grow a healthier community!