Northside Mission Ministry
Northside Food Pantry is open to Washington Township residents on the following days:
- Tuesdays, 12:30-3 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 4-6:30 p.m.
- Saturdays, 10 a.m.-Noon
Doors open 30 minutes prior to above times.
Northside Ministry cares for the underserved and those experiencing hardship in Washington Township by building relationships to develop food security, to work toward economic stability, and to participate fully in the life of the community.
Check out this profile of Northside Mission Ministries in Responsive Congregations, a publication of the Project on Religion and Urban Culture 2.0, a joint initiative of the Polis Center and IU School of Liberal Arts. You'll see how the Holy Spirit has moved within our congregation to shape this vital ministry "To create transformational change in the place that Second Church has called home for nearly two centuries, among people who—members or not—belong to its community."
Northside Food Pantry
Located on the northeast corner of the church, the food pantry is a tangible witness to our church in action.
We are limited to 12 volunteers per shift. In addition to food pantry hours, we also need drivers for donation pickup, sorting, stocking, and home delivery every Friday.
Northside Food Pantry sources most of its food through Gleaners. If you would like to help keep the pantry shelves stocked, you can donate online and select "Northside Food Pantry" in the drop-down menu.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Karen Johnson.
Pantry Volunteer Opportunities
We encourage you to consider all volunteer opportunities described below and then sign up online.
Data Entry - This task requires approval and special training. This position requires computer use and works directly with the intake volunteer and clients. Volunteer should arrive 1 hour before opening shift.
Intake - This task requires special training and previous pantry experience. Volunteer works directly with the data entry volunteer to ensure all required client information is obtained.
Client Liaison - This job involves assisting clients during their shopping experience inside. Plan to be on your feet 3-4 hours. You will receive on the job training during your first shift.
Data Entry - This job requires special training and is a sit-down job. It involves the use of a computer and the ability to multi-task.
Car Loader - You will be working outside helping clients load their vehicles. You may also help with traffic control.
Food Delivery Processing - This job involves unpacking, sorting and storing food from our various vendors. Food delivery takes place when the pantry is closed to the public. This is a behind-the-scenes job with no food pantry client interaction. You will receive on-the-job training.
Contact:
Karen Johnson
KJohnson@SecondChurch.org
Community Garden
The three-quarter acre plot south of the church provides fresh vegetables to the Northside Food Pantry. Dedicated volunteers tend the garden, which is not only productive, but also beautiful, featuring flower beds, a seating area, and a prayer garden.
Contact:
Jeff Reese
Garden Manager
reesejs19@gmail.com
Willowlake/Greenbriar Elementary School
Northside works collaboratively with Women@Second and other friends of Greenbriar to provide volunteer support for classrooms and school events, snacks for after-school tutoring, teacher appreciation events, and the donation of school supplies and other specially requested items.
Greenbriar students need school supplies throughout the year. Download the supply list and bring donations to Second in a bag marked “Greenbriar.”
Contact:
Jan Millholland
jmillholland@indy.rr.com
Utility and Rent Assistance
The Utility and Rent Assistance Program (URAP) partners with the Washington Township Trustee's office and families in Washington Township to offer emergency assistance. In these “gap” situations, a little assistance goes a long way, often preventing a family from losing their housing or having their power shut off. Our partners provide vital case management with URAP families to ensure long term stability.