Each day the North Kent Service Center enters the mission field, where we ask the Lord to use us to make a difference in the lives of others. The North Kent Service Center will celebrate 37 years of ministry, “Helping our Neighbors in Need” on June 5, 2010. We are excited to share some of our information on how we have assisted families through out the years. “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38); “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord”(1 Corinthians 15:58).
In 1973, when we opened our door, we served 35 individuals and operated on a $1,000 budget. In 2009, we provided service to 40,596 individuals and operate on a $550,000. Our emergency food distribution in 2009 was 732,448 pounds, up from the 324,000 pounds in provided in 2002. “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11).
In the past 6 years we have experienced a tremendous growth of families seeking services here at the North Kent Service Center. These families come to us with stories that will break your heart. We do every thing we can to provide the needed services each family is requesting. We have had families living in tents, cars, losing everything they have worked so hard for. Some families have never had to seek assistance before and walking through our door is hard for many. These new families are our neighbors, friends, family and even possible yourself. We all can make a difference in the lives of others. “Give and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:3;8). “Pray about everything . .. If you do this you will experience God’s peace. . . .His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quite and at rest” (Philippians 4:6).
The North Kent Service Center provides the following services to individuals living north of 6 Mile up to 22 Mile—the entire width of Kent County. If you know anyone living in these geographical boundaries and needs assistance with food, clothing, household items, shelter and utility assistance, please have them call to see if they qualify. Eligibility is based on income.
• Emergency food assistance
• Emergency utility assistance
• Emergency shelter assistance
• Senior Meals on Wheels
• Senior Pantry
• NOW Pantry
• Referrals to one of our 6 support pantries
• Federal Commodities – 4 times per year
• Mobile Food trucks
We need your help to continue this very important community ministry with food drives, cash donations, household donations, furniture and volunteering your time. We are currently seeking volunteers to drive for the Senior Meals on Wheels program, our front desk registration and customer count out area. If you are interested in volunteering or setting up a food drive please call the North Kent Service Center at 866-3478 ext 103.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18).
God Bless—wishing you a lifetime of blessings and smiles.
Sandy Waite, Executive Director
The North Kent Service Center
10075 Northland Drive, Rockford
