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
We are open for inside shopping. Clients receive a number in the the order they arrive, and five clients at a time will be invited to shop in the pantry. Masks are required during a pantry shift for volunteers and clients.
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.
If you are able to help at the pantry, please sign up online. We are limited to 12 volunteers per shift, so we are managing our volunteers closely with SignUpGenius. In addition to food pantry hours, volunteers are needed to unload deliveries and stock shelves.
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.
Client Intake - You will work inside and out greeting clients, giving them intake boards, and helping them complete intake information when necessary.
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
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 Fay Bicard Glick Community Center and the Washington Township Trustee Office to offer emergency financial intervention. 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.