Our Daily Bread Ministries

ODBM would like to thank some caring churches throughout the community and the Crescent City Red Cross who helped to make Christmas special for those who are financially struggling.  In a time when we often think about family and love, there are many who are alone and struggling; we see these faces come and go through our doors on a regular basis.  At ODBM, we try to create a family atmosphere where everyone feels loved and of value.  We are honored that some churches throughout the community and the Red Cross partnered with us through their support to make Christmas a special time for all by extending unconditional love in tangible ways.

We would like to thank the Women’s Ministry of Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church for their generous and much needed practical gift of hygiene kits.  Some of ODBM’s clients are hard to shop for because they don’t have homes, in the same sense that we do, so the ladies’ choice of gift was appropriate and useful.  Many of the recipients were people who received no other gifts this year.  We were able to see smiles on the faces of those who are usually bitter and depressed around the holidays because they feel forgotten.  Thanks to the ladies of EV Free Church whose heartfelt donation lets our friends know they are not forgotten, and the love that the Body of Christ has for them extends beyond the walls of ODBM.  The Women of Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Church have been giving beautiful gifts for us to give out to our guests for a number of years now, and each always has in it the most important message of the free gift of salvation offered for its recipients.  It is caring individuals like these ladies who reach beyond the pews of the church and put their love in action.  Each year they bless our guests with the knowledge that someone cares for them with gifts of Love.

Fort Dick Bible Church felt led to buy presents for children of all ages.  They wrapped them and added fun tracks, so the children would all have an opportunity to recieve the greatest gift ever given…Jesus!  Even after our Celebration of Giving where we handed out around 700 presents, we found there was still a need in the community.   We learned a valuable lesson, one night is simply not enough to meet the growing needs of Del Norte County.  We had many calls and people stopping by asking about presents for their children, and the Fort Dick Bible Church’s donation helped to meet the needs within our community for families that fell through the cracks, and missed the opportunity for gift assistance in many of the other valuable gift giving programs in our community.  On December 23rd, we handed out the pre-wrapped gifts for children, and hygiene kits and handmade blankets for adults.   Fort Dick’s Bible Church’s gifts made sure no child missed out on Christmas.  As we handed out the gifts, we could sense the Love that was behind each carefully prepared gift, and we know the people who received them felt that love too.

As is the case each year, putting on these extra events costs more than our usual budget allows; although we plan, we run entirely on donations, so it is hard to set money aside for special events.  That is where the Women of the United Methodist Church of Crescent City‘s generous gift came into good use.  The ladies gathered together a gift of $500 which helped us pay for heating our building, cooking costs, food and additional supplies.   Warming the building is very expensive, but in such a cold season, it is often the only warmth many of our guests receive and is well worth the cost.  Often, we are unable to heat the building due to the high cost of fuel.  Meeting the essential bills is usually a burden for us, but this donation gave us energy to focus on the people which is where are hearts are.  This gift not only helped with the running costs of the ministry, but gave us peace of mind!  We realize giving a financial donation takes faith that the money will be used appropriately.  We are a small ministry, but we work very hard at making the most out of each dollar given (Fishes and Loaves).   These ladies have faithfully entrusted us with a generous donation for many years which has enabled us to continue to meet the growing needs of the less fortunate in our community.

Our leap of faith this year in having two Christmas events placed a heavy strain on our food pantry and freezers.  Despite the donations mentioned above, giving during the holidays has been slim compared to the previous years.  The American Red Cross of Crescent City gave us a call in the nick of time!  Dave had called Mike and said they would like to restock our pantries!  We gave them a list, and they purchased $600 worth of much needed food items.  This enabled us to continue to make hot, nutritious, quality food for our guests, many of which have health issues; they depend on a hot, nutritious meal made with love; we have the love, but we were in desperate need of the food! This donation was much needed and timely.  The Red Cross’s donation enables us to continue to help those who are struggling to have something many of us take for granted…a nutritious, quality, hot meal.

We believe that it takes a community to work together to make a difference, and we would not be able to do the work we are called to without the help of caring individuals of the above mentioned supporters.  Thank you.  All of these giving individuals’ efforts helped to make Christmas meaningful for the less fortunate of our community.  Together we can reach people and touch lives.

In His Service,

Daphne

Filed under: Feeding the Hungry

December 14th’s event proved to be a great success thanks to our many volunteers, Wild Rivers Foundation Grant and our caring supporters.  We served 580 Christmas meals with all the fixings, and opened our doors to let families in need pick out  a present from the heart for their family members.  Some children chose to make earrings for their moms, grandmas or other special women in their lives.  We gave out hundreds of gifts.  Our gift wrapping station helpers were busy helping the children to wrap the presents they chose for their adults.  The night included entertainment in the form of a puppet show, “Hark the Hairy Angels Sing” starring ‘Danny’.  The puppet show gave everyone an opportunity to join together in song after Danny led everyone in a prayer to receive the greatest gift ever given…Jesus!

This idea seemed a little crazy at first.  We had never done anything like this before, but believed that families who are financially struggling should have the blessing of picking out items for their loved ones, and children need to get back to the idea that it is better to give than receive.  The children were bewildered at first because they thought they were able to pick out toys for themselves, but as the evening went on the children’s attitudes and hearts began to change.

The night could never had been such a success without the many volunteers who came together selflessly to make a difference in their community.  My heart, prayers and thanks go out to each one.  The night is proof that everyone can make a difference.  Let’s start to make our dreams a reality in this community.  I challenge you to get involved.  Together we can make a difference, and we can keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.

Please click on the “Special Events” tab above on Home Page and check out the pictures of the evening.

Merry Christmas,

Daphne

Filed under: Special Events

A Full House Enjoying Love, Family and A Good Meal

Cornerstone Church's Youth Help with Gift Wrapping

Families Being Blessed

A Full House Enjoying the True Meaning of Christmas

Gifts of Warm Clothing Donated by Foursquare School: Learning Cntr 3

ODBM Transformed for Our Many Guests: Thanks to our Decorating Team

Getting Ready for an Exciting Night

Some kids Couldn't Wait for Christmas

Gifts Parents Could Give Their Teenage Girls

Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

More Gifts for Families that Are in Need

Baby Clothes & Gift Wrapping Station in Background

Presents for Kids of All Ages

Gifts Kids Chose for The Special Women in Their Lives

ODBM is Transformed for the Special Night of Celebration

Kids were able to Shop for Their Adults

Filed under: Special Events

Greetings all,  We are pleased to announce a new endeavor that will be an opportunity for our community to come together in love and unite in what this season is all about!  On December 14th, 2011, we will be a hosting a Christmas Celebration of Giving, and we need your help!  Our idea is to be a blessing to those who are struggling financially during a time when families should be rejoicing.  Unfortunately, the joy of giving has often been limited to those who can afford it, but we would like to do something about that and lighten the load of our neighbors.   We will be having a delicious dinner on December 14th at 5:00.  During the meal, we will have a puppet show with a message.  The play is entitled, “Hark the Hairy Angels Sing.”  Be sure to come see what that is all about.  After the puppet show, we will be giving children, who would not otherwise be able, an opportunity to get presents for their adults and then move to a wrapping station.  Meanwhile the adults will be able to pick out a present to give their children.  This is a huge endeavor, but we believe the community will be blessed by it, but we need your help!

It’s time to look around our homes and see what we have that is no longer being used, but would be a blessing in the lives of others.  Take time to move out with the old to make room for the new while being able to be a blessing in the lives of others by giving them an opportunity to have the joy of giving.  We are looking for gently used items that others would like as gifts.  In addition, we can teach our children the joy of giving by asking them to give away toys that perfectly good, but no longer being used.  Many of us have been blessed with so much; now is the time to give back.  If there is nothing around your house you feel appropriate, go to the store and pick up a little something  and give from your heart.

As always, food donations will be gladly accepted since we will being 2 Christmas Dinners this year: One focusing on families on December 14th, and the other on those without families on the 23rd.  We are in need of hams, pies, stuffing, potatoes, butter or any other fixings needed for a Christmas feast.

Bring your donations to ODBM on 1135 Harrold Street (right behind Les Schwaab) on Monday thru Saturday from 8-5.  Make sure to let staff or volunteers know your donation is for the Christmas Celebration of Giving.  As always your donations are tax-deductible.  If you need a receipt for tax purposes let us know at time of drop-off.  Thank you, and may your Christmas season be filled with the joy of giving and family.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, give Daphne a call at 707-954-7319.

Filed under: Special Events

Q.  Why does Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) exist?

A.  We seek to serve the neediest members of our community by sharing the love of Jesus through a hot meal.  Our guests include the working poor, disabled, veterans, elderly,  homeless and struggling families.  Rather than just handing out food, we want to create a “family dinner table” where guests can receive the fellowship of Christian love as well as a meal.

Q. How do you do this?

A.  ODBM serves a free hot meal three times a week to anyone who comes, unconditionally.  By doing this we are inviting our guests to the “table” of God’s free grace.  For those who request it, we also offer a listening ear, counseling, prayer and some physical necessities like clothing, hygiene products and shower passes.  Finally, for those who are seeking a way out of destructive patterns like addictions or self-limiting behaviors, we offer free Life Recovery counseling groups led by a trained Christian addiction counselor.  Many attendees become volunteers at the ministry.

Q.  Isn’t this the same thing other organizations do?

A.  No.  While other ministries provide food, ODBM is the only one in Del Norte County that offers hot meals to any who need them without restrictions.  We do not function like a social service agency, with applications and waiting lists; our assistance is limited, but it’s free and immediate.  Addiction and counseling services are offered elsewhere, but ours are free, Christ-centered, comprehensive and professionally led.  There are many needs in our community, and other excellent organizations providing services-ODBM is meeting needs that are not addressed by others.

Q.  Aren’t you just enabling people to continue making irresponsible choices?

No, and here’s why.  First, three meals a week is not enough to sustain dependency!  Also, many of our guests are not homeless, but are individuals and families struggling with hard times, illnesses, disabilities or unemployment.  In addition, while meals are always free, guests may be asked to help out to receive extras like blankets or sleeping bags.  Finally, our Life Recovery classes focus on addressing the deeper issues that are keeping people from living a healthy, God-pleasing life.  Our offer of a free meal is an invitation to real life changes, based on the psychological principle that basic needs must be addressed before the inner problems can be resolved.  Frequently, after weeks of experiencing our unconditional care, positive regard and respect, guests become able to acknowledge their profound need for a change in life.

Q.  How do you pay for this?

A.  ODBM is funded solely through donations.  We receive no government grants for this work because we never want to compromise our gospel mission by meeting a grant’s prohibition on religious proselytizing.  We welcome donations of cash, food and cleaning supplies.  You can make a secure cash donation using Paypal at the following link:  http://dailybreadcc.org.

Our website also has a link to items that the ministry is always in need of:  http://dailybreadcc.org/food-needs.html.

We also welcome donations of autos, recreational vehicles, quality furniture and household items that can be sold through our Angel’s Nest Thrift Store.  http://dailybreadcc.org/catagory/become-an-angel.

Q.  Are donations tax-deductible?

A.  Yes, ODBM is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization under the umbrella of United Evangelical Churches.  You will receive a receipt for all cash donations at time of donation (upon request) or the end of the year which ever works best for you.  In-kind donations are also tax-deductible; receipts are available upon request at time of donation.

Q.  What is United Evangelical Churches (UEC) and why are you associated with them?

A.  UEC is a non-profit organization that assists small ministries with the administration of their non-profit legal obligations.  ODBM files periodic reports with UEC; in turn, UEC takes over legal reporting requirements of the non-profit.  This enables small ministries, with limited staff, like ODBM to focus their time and funds directly on missions, rather than paperwork while adding accountability and support of an organization who has been helping small non-profits succeed for over 40 years.

Q.  What do you do with the money I donate?

A.  Cash donations pay for basic ministry expenses including rent, utilities, food insurance, maintenance and the salaries of a full-time Director and part-time staff.  Proceeds from the Angel’s Nest Thrift Store also support these needs.  For more details about how money is spent, you can view the financial reports here:  http://dailybread.org/catagory/financial-reports.

Q  Are there other ways I could help?

A.  Yes!  We always need volunteers.  If you have a particular gift you’d like to share with us, like retail sales experience or office administration, or if you’d like to help cook, serve or clean, please call us.  If you’re part of a group that would like to offer a volunteer team, we’d like that too!  To volunteer, call Mike Justice at 457-2269 or Daphne at 954-7319.

And, you can pray!  Please pray for the ministry’s needs, for strength and endurance for the staff, and for God’s healing work in the lives of our guests.

Q.  How long has ODBM been in operation?

A.  In 2005, we began imply, serving hot food to the homeless behind Safeway.  Since then we have grown to our current location and expanded ministry.  We have served over 275,000 hot meals since we began.

Q.  Who are the staff members?

A.  The ministry’s full-time Director is Mike Justice.  The part-time Life Recovery Counselor and Assistant is Daphne Cortese-Dean.  You can read their stories at the following link:  http://dailybreadcc.org/catagory/our-staff.

Other part-time staff and volunteers assist in the thrift store, support administration and help with cleaning and maintenance as well as food service.  Read about our volunteers here:  http://dailybreadcc.org/about/189-2.

In addition, a volunteer Advisory Committee assists ODBM with administration and fund development.   The members of this committee are Steve Perez, Deborah Gerth, Roy Tedsen, Elli Kimbauer and Pat Hawkins. Please look for an upcoming link with their bios.

Filed under: Frequently Asked Questions

Greetings friends,

As the weather is changing, we are seeing an increased need amongst our neighbors.  We wanted to send a quick plea to caring individuals to come to the aide of the less fortunate in our community.  As we sit in our warm homes, we often forget that there are those outside suffering.  We are asking that we all join together as a community and pull out blankets we are not using as a love offering that will really make a difference in the life of another person, and quite possibly save lives.

We know we live in a caring community, and people do want to help, but don’t always know how.  Helping those in need is easy.  Simply bring your old blankets to Our Daily Bread Ministries @ 1135 Harrold Street, and we will hand them out to those in need.

We will also be having a Christmas celebration on December 13th wherein we will be giving children opportunities to pick out presents for their family, and parents who are struggling to get their children presents, an opportunity to get gifts for their children, along with a dinner, music, puppet show and gift wrapping stations .  We are accepting gently used toys and items that would serve as gifts for this event.  What a wonderful way to teach our children the joy of giving while cleaning out old toys they no longer use.  We believe this event will edify families and give everyone an opportunity to give.

If you could spread the word about this exciting opportunity, with your friends, family and co-workers it would be greatly appreciated.  Together, we can make a difference!  Thank you.

–

Our Daily Bread Ministries

1135 Harrold Street

Contact number 707-457-2271

www.dailybreadcc.org

Filed under: In the News

We are seeing a continued growing need in our community for the services we offer.  As the needs grow we see it as an opportunity for community members to get involved.  We have heard many testimonies of the fulfillment that comes from helping from our volunteers and donors.  We would like to extend this opportunity to our website visitors.  While volunteers are essential in meeting the needs, donations of food items are also vital to continue on with our mission.

In order to make the most out of every dollar that comes into ODBM and meet the growing needs of the community, we are working towards a standardized menu.  This will enable concerned citizens to get involved in a way that ensures they are a part of the process of feeding those who are facing financial hardship in these trying economical times.  We are including a monthly list of needs, so you can be  apart of the much needed work being done at ODBM.  If you feel a desire to help, we want to make it simple for you; Please consider buying a little extra when you are shopping for your family.

 June’s needs are as follows:  Hamburger, chicken, pork loin or chops, spaghetti, elbow noodles, egg noodles, coffee, powdered Tang or Lemonade, sugar, fresh fresh or canned vegetables, creamer, bleach, toilet paper and eggs.

If we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot!  Thanks for your support.

Filed under: How You Can Help

Filed under: Financial Reports

So many new things have occurred in 2011 at Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM).  You are going to want to get involved!  No matter what your gifting or talents, we have a place for you to participate in helping the community.  We realize that Del Norte County is full of caring individuals who have a desire to be useful.  As the ministry continues to grow, there are even more opportunities.  We have many stories of individuals, we call them angels, who couldn’t find a job, are retired or empty-nesters, but still wanted to do something productive with their time.  These “angels” started volunteering at ODBM and were hooked!  Some of them were able to find full and part-time jobs, yet still find time to come in and help.  If you are feeling a tug on your heart to do something worthwhile, and are unsure where to start; we have an opportunity for you to be a blessing and become part of our family.  We believe everyone has a purpose, so come drop by and talk to us and see how we can work together for the betterment of our neighbors and community.  We have growing opportunities for volunteers to use their skills volunteering while building up their resumes while gaining a renewed sense of purpose at the Angel’s Nest Thrift Store and ODBM including: office work, computer skills, photography, web design, cleaning, cooking, music (worship), serving, filing and organizational skills are always greatly needed and appreciated. 

ODBM is made up of family and volunteers.  We are the Body of Christ with many different parts, and we need each other to make this ministry a success by feeding people and touching lives.  There are so many needs in this community, but we believe that we can work together and meet the needs while growing in our relationship with Christ and eachother.  I would like to give you an example of a few of our most recent volunteers and the difference they make.  Last Monday night, a young 14 year old man named Austin honed his musical skills and blessed us with worship before the meal; his bravery and Love for the Lord was admirable and touched the hearts of all who listened.   Austin was a fill in for our usual dear sister who spent time serving  and then stepped out of her comfort zone and started singing on Monday nights and sharing a little bit of her heart in what the Lord has done.  The week before Austin’s performance, a couple stepped out of the Church doors and used their cooking talents to prepare a delicious fish fry for our dinner guests.  They will be continuing to bless the community by serving delicous Fish fries two nights in the month that we do not usually serve: March 1 & 22.   The youth at Grace Lutheran worked on getting together $800.00 worth of food for the meals, served and cleaned at a dinner.  Foursquare School had a coat and clothing drive in December and came and arranged the clothes for us.  The Pelican Bay Evangelical Free Womens Group made hats and scarfs with scriptures attached for our Christmas celebration.  Pastor Stella Carr has given up her friday nights to come and give a Word to the people during meals.  We believe in the worth of ALL our communities’ residents; one of our dinner guests who has been on the street for years has been helping out in the day time, staying sober and has found a place to live.   Numerous community service workers have finished their hours yet continue to serve.  Many of them have found part-time work through the ministry.  A retired Bookkeeper has offered her services to get our books in order.  A team of professionals from the community have been painstakingly working with us for the past year to assist us in administration, accounting, public relations and fund development.  A woman who has a green thumb wanted to give back to the community and has developed a partnership with the High School FFA to grow fresh vegetables for the meals; she has awakened the hearts of the students that they too can make a difference in the community and has 56 students wanting to participate.  A blessed sister who has successfully completed treatment for Hepititus C has been eagerly working on the development of a Hepititus Support Group that will meet at ODBM on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8.  We might mention this same blessed saint has used her skills at the register in the “Angel’s Nest” as well as with computer data entry.  Others come and give of themselves by serving food, offering a smile, a hug or just an ear; the power of this should not be underestimated.  While some of our clients are facing financial hardships due to bills, others have lost all hope in many areas of their lives.  They feel like no one cares and that they are beyond help.  The time given in unselfish love to our guests matters more than you think.  It does take time, but we have seen numerous hearts softend and then lives changed.  While our guests lifes are changed, it is just as much of a blessing to watch people develop their talents.  So, what talent are you hiding?  Come and explore the possibilities with us.  Drop us an email, call or come by.  You will be blessed!

Filed under: Feeding the Hungry

Every evening the dear saints gather in prayer before service in Our Daily Bread’s prayer circle.  This is a time when economic lines have been erased, and we enter in as family with One Father!  It is a family unique in that everyone is accepted and valued.  The judgement is left to God, and we are called to Love.  We gather with this sense that we are all sinners saved by Grace and in need of a Savior.  As we pray, it is our hearts’ desire that Christians would step out of their comfort zones, and begin to care about those society has left behind.  There is a tremendous blessing when we are obediant to the call of giving to those who cannot give back, and it is our desire that ALL are blessed!

There are a few churches within our community who have answered the call and stepped out of their comfort zones.  We would like to thank the United Methodist Church for their faithfulness in giving.  Their generous support has helped us to continue to feed the economically challenged with our community.  The past year held many financial struggles for the ministry, and without the help of the faithful parishoners at the United Methodist Church, we would not have been able to meet the growing needs we witnessed in 2010.  Grace Lutheran Church has also been a tremendous blessing as their youth has worked to purchase 800 dollors worth of food, serve meals and actually work at the feed.  These faithful believers were not afraid to get their hands dirty and step right into work.  They proved to be both humble and helpful.  In addition, two of Grace Lutheran’s members have felt led to hed up a Fish Fry which will begin Friday the 4th of February and will continue next month on days when we are not regularly feeding.  We are so excited and grateful for those who are willing to help.  We believe this is just the beginning.

Filed under: Feeding the Hungry