Mission-A-Month

This two-story home located near downtown Archbold is designed to provide shelter for one or two individuals or family units at a time until they are able to become self-sufficient. The Friendship House is endorsed by the Archbold Area Ministerial Association and is coordinated by a volunteer board. Thanks to generous community help, the home underwent maintenance and improvement work in Summer 2021, including a larger project to update utility and living spaces, and upgrades to the heating/cooling system.

Fairlawn began under the vision and direction of 11 area churches offering a full continuum of care on an active senior campus. Our Independent Living duplexes and apartments allow residents to enjoy retirement without the worries of maintenance in a friendly and safe community of neighbors. If help is needed, Fairlawn Haven Care Center and Assisted Living are nearby to offer support.As a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, Fairlawn depends on the generosity and support of our friends and community. To learn more visit their website at https://www.fairlawnarchbold.com/.

Cherry Street Mission in Toledo, Ohio, was founded on Biblical principals in 1947, and remains a Biblically based, Christ-centered organization today. Their Spiritual Advocates consist of both staff and volunteers that lead Bible studies daily and mentor guests through their journey with Christ. Cherry Street has a Men’s Division, Women’s Division (Sparrow’s Nest) and food services. Each night, Cherry Street provides safe, free shelter for nearly 230 men and women who would otherwise sleep on the street or remain in an abusive situation. Cherry Street is more than food, clothing and shelter. Their redemptive programming is built around one on one discipleship. Cherry Street is the only organization in the region to offer three meals a day, seven days a week, free of charge to anyone who needs them. For more information, visit cherrystreetmission.org/.

Habitat for Humanity of Fulton County, Ohio (HFHFCO or Habitat) builds homes in Fulton County, Ohio for people who need affordable housing and have little or no means to better their circumstances through conventional avenues. We partner with people who are willing to work for what they need, giving a hand up, never a hand out. This principle teaches skills so partners can provide for themselves and teach their children and grandchildren to do the same. Each project requires pay back of the project price (determined through set standards). These payments are affordable because no interest is charged. Project costs are kept low through donations and volunteer labor from those in our communities. Principal payments from partner-homeowners are used to fund the mission, but isn’t enough so we rely on donations, fundraisers and grants also. For more information, visit https://habitatfco.org/who-we-are/local.html

“Back Bay Mission has a simple mission: to strengthen neighborhoods, seek justice, and transform lives” (thebackbaymission.org, 2021). Back Bay serves communities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast through ministries like their education and empowerment programs and their housing rehabilitation program - all with a goal of transforming lives. St. John's has participated in several mission projects in coordination with Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi over the years and continues to be one of our larger mission partners.

Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission's (TGRM) has been providing men and women in the Toledo, Ohio area with shelter and resources since 1955. Both the men’s shelter and women’s shelter (Rebekah’s Haven) provide for the spiritual, physical, and material needs for homeless persons through generous support of Northwest Ohio. St. John's has supported them for the last several years prayerfully and financially, and with material donations. Several times per year, St. John's will share in the TGRM men's chapel services, with members of St. John's preparing a meal with chapel guests for after service. To learn more about TGRM and the many services they provide, visit tgrm.org.

Each holiday season for the last 35 years, Fulton County Christmas Cheer is the one organization that unites the entire county in serving our needy. Thanks to generous donations from area churches, organizations, and community members, families in need have the ability to "shop" for free items ahead of the holiday season, including essential items such as toilet tissue, detergent, cleaning needs, etc., and other items such as toys and gift cards. St. John's participates each year with the Cheer Tree, which is decorated with tags indicating specific items in need from Cheer. Gifts are placed under the tree and are then taken to the Cheer center for distribution. To learn more about this local initiative, visit fultoncountychristmascheer.org.