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GO Local

We are often asked about our involvement in our local community. For example, we might hear, “What does Parker Hill do for inner-city kids?” Or, “How is Parker Hill involved in caring for the homeless?”

These are good questions.

Several years ago we made a decision not to replicate ministries that are already doing an excellent job meeting specific needs in our community. Instead, we have chosen to direct our people towards a handful of organizations that are doing a far better job within their spheres of influence than we could ever do. Below you will find some organizations like that.

If you find an organization that is addressing a need that captures your heart, please contact the organization and find out about the opportunities for personal ministry. (And don’t forget to consider how your small group can get involved.)

  • Harmony Heart Camp: Located on nearby Heart Lake, this camp offers a great experience for inner city families (Newark, Philadelphia) that may not otherwise have a “camp experience.” The camp often needs volunteers to help with programs, set-up, odds and ends, etc. Camp Director, Brian Luke (bluke@worldimpact.org; 570.254.6272), can tell you more.
  • Scranton Rescue Mission: Come along side the people of the Scranton Rescue Mission as their share food and the gospel with the homeless of our area. They’ll be at 8 West Olive Street, Scranton, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evening. If you’d like to be part of this ministry of compassion, please contact Phil Schultz at adwjesus@juno.com or 570.561.9866.
  • Habitat for Humanity: Their vision is to provide, decent, affordable housing and the opportunity for home ownership to economically disadvantaged families in Lackawanna County.  If you’re interested in serving with Habitat for Humanity in their Scranton chapter, please contact Susan Burke at 570.498.3877.
  • Big Brothers/ Big Sisters: BB/BS is  a one-on-one mentoring organization where adults are paired with an “at risk” child. The end goal is to provide a positive relationship for them and to give them role models in their lives. If you are interested in playing this kind of role in a child’s life, please contact Stefan at lbbbs1@epix.net or 570.347.5616.
  • Ministering to Pregnant and Teen Moms:
    Youth for Christ’s Teen Parents     ministry connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage parents in programs designed to help them make good choices and establish a solid foundation, not only in their lives, but also in the lives of their babies. If you’re interested in being part of this ministry, please contact Cyndi Colman at 570.587.0094 or jrccyn@aol.com.
    Care Net     is a national organization with over 1,100 crisis pregnancy centers located throughout the United States and Canada. There are currently plans to begin a Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center in Scranton. If you’d like to join this ministry, please contact Tammy Johnson at 570.470.1702 or carenetofscranton@yahoo.com.
  • Hospice Care:
    Dunmore In-Patient Hospice Community Care:    Volunteers are needed to greet visitors, answer telephones, visit with patients, help prepare meals and assemble flower bouquets for patients. Visit www.hospicecommunitycare.com for a virtual tour and contact Kelly McAndrew at 570.954.2986 if you are interested in serving in this way.
    Compassionate Care Hospice in Scranton: Volunteers are needed to provide companionship and friendship for patients through reading, playing games, pet therapy, hair styling, or any other talents you may have to offer.  Please contact Becky Klepablo at 570.346.2241 or bklepablo@cchnet.net for more information.