GROCERIES FOR FAMILIES

Supporting families affected by the pandemic with food, hygiene items, and other necessities

Jubilee REACH Communications 6/25/21 Jubilee REACH Communications 6/25/21

Groceries for Families: Week 65 - Day 2

Today seems like one last cooler day before the heat comes. This morning, there was actually a layer of marine air which had the temperature quite cool. As it burned off, the day was simply perfect with warm temps and a slight breeze. Enjoy it while you can. The morning was busy with a steady stream of people dropping off deliveries of groceries and pantry items. Thank you, everyone. The afternoon was VERY busy, making up for the slow Tuesday. The line formed early and was present all afternoon. Last fall and winter every day was like this, so it’s been a while to be super busy. It’s likely many families from yesterday came today. With yesterday being the last day of school in Bellevue, maybe families were busy.

June 23, 2021

Groceries today were provided by Newport Covenant, Calvary Chapel Eastside, Indian Fellowship, 24-Seven, St. Louise, Bellevue Christian Reformed, Crossroads Bible and Bellevue Prebyterian churches. A total of 156 orders came in today and all went out to families, along with 58 orders carried over from yesterday. That’s 214 groceries today. Wow! Thank you to everyone who donated.

The AM crew was from Bellevue Presbyterian Church and a mix of veteran and new people to the shift. They took on many tasks to get the operation ready for the afternoon, including potting more tomato plants. Well done, crew!

Tomato plants were handed out for a second day to families. Katherine returned with another 100 plants in 4” pots. We got a 3rdload of soil in a truck, so volunteers could plant them all in 2 gallon pots. They were very popular with the families. Thank you all!

The vaccine clinic also returned for a second day and had much more activity than yesterday. There were 16 people who came to get a vaccine today, including the mom and older son of the family profiled in this email yesterday. When asked if he was ok getting the vaccine the young boy replied, “No, I hate needles…but I hate masks more.” He did it. Thank you, ICHS.

We’re continuing to receive a steady flow of fresh produce from local gardens. It is wonderful! Thank you to everyone who is bringing it. If you know anyone who has a garden and needs a place to get it to people in need, please send them to Jubilee.

A few stories and updates:

A picture of the three Jubilee Site Coaches who worked the afternoon shift with families is on the right. This was the last day for Jorge, Patrick and Sterling to serve in the GFF. They’ve been involved since spring 2020. Site coaches will be involved with summer school in the BSD and will be busy getting ready for the next school year. They won’t be working shifts in Phase 3. So, each day coaches are working their last shifts. Thank you to all of them. The GFF program could not have happened without them on the front lines.

Maria brought the crew a beautiful veggie pasta dish for lunch today. It is light and very tasty. She’s continuing to heal nicely from her recent knee surgery. Thankfully, it hasn’t stopped her from cooking.

Angelina brought a large tray of beef tacos today, with fresh cilantro, onions, lime and hot sauce. These were devoured quickly by the crew. This lady can flat out cook. No picture, unfortunately.

Rebekah is a mom who hasn’t been profiled before. She’s been in the program since spring 2020. She and her daughter, Grace, brought the crew homemade cookies today. Yummy! We remember Grace last spring and summer as a child who cried the entire time she was at Jubilee…every time. Now, she is a happy little girl who loves to come and waves to us all.

Elsa is a young girl who comes each Wednesday with her mom. Today she brought us a thank you note. Very sweet.

We’re starting to hear from a few families who did not come talk to us about Phase 3 and are now worried about the current program coming to a close next week. We’re adding them to the waiting list. It is likely more will come forward next week.

Thanks for a great Wednesday. It was so nice to rebound after such a quiet Tuesday. The operation is humming along nicely and the transition to Phase 3 is on schedule. Thank you for your continued support, prayers and sustained energy behind this community program. We are in it together.

Blessings to you all,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Jubilee REACH Communications 6/23/21 Jubilee REACH Communications 6/23/21

Groceries for Families: Week 65 - Day 1

Here we are at the beginning of week 65 of ‘Groceries for Families’, reaching all the way back to March 23, 2020. We seem to be living a blessed life with the weather still. We missed the heat of yesterday and what is coming this weekend. Today was warm but plenty nice, with a breeze coming through most of the day. Doors were open and fans were on all day, which kept the air moving. The morning was busy in the parking lot with lots of happy people dropping off donations. Thank you, everyone. One of the volunteers commented today how blessed people seem to feel by bringing donations. It is easily seen. The afternoon was slower than a normal Tuesday. In the end, we were about 35-40 families short, with no explanation why. Perhaps they will come tomorrow or Thursday, which has happened before. Despite being slow, the operation is running smoothly, and it was a good day here.

June 22, 2021

Groceries today were provided by Creekside Covenant, St. Madeleine Sophie, Bellevue Christian Reformed, East Shore Unitarian, Bellevue Presbyterian, Covenant Presbyterian, Crossroads Bible, Cornerstone Fellowship and Westminster Chapel churches, as well as Bellevue Kiwanis, Rotary Bellevue Sunrise and Jubilee Friends. A total of 172 came in today and all went out except for 37. The remaining will go out first thing tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who donated.

The AM crew was from Overlake Park Presbyterian Church today. There was a mix of returning and new volunteers, which is always fun. They worked hard receiving deliveries, organizing groceries, organizing market foods, making flower bouquets and packing bags of produce. Well done and thank you, crew!

As we do each Tuesday, we want to thank the stores who donate food and volunteers who bring it at the beginning of each week. Rick brings food from Amazon Fresh. Kathy & Dale bring food from Safeway Thrasher’s Corner. Gil and Mike bring food from QFC Crossroads. Fred brings food from Whole Foods Bellevue. Fred brings food from Trader Joe’s Overlake. Mike and Gil bring food from a Local Distributor. This food fills the daily market and adds a lot of variety for families. Thank you, everyone.

Senior lunches were delivered to 31 people in the community today. Barb is on vacation, so her crew filled in. A very tasty lunch of stuffed pasta shells and lots of extra goodies filled each bag. Thank you to Gina, Theresa and Sheri for doing extra and making all the deliveries.

A local gardener donated about 200 tomato plants today, through the Creekside Covenant garden. Katherine lives in Redmond and has a heart for helping others grow food. Cindy is the Creekside gardener who connected her to Jubilee. Pots, soil and stakes were donated. Katherine, Cindy, Carol and Bob were here all afternoon potting plants and giving them away to families. The PM volunteers stayed a little late to pot more to get them ready for tomorrow. Families were very excited to have tomato plants, ready for their decks and patios. Thank you, Katherine, Cindy and volunteers!

International Community Health Services (ICHS) held a vaccine clinic here. Only 1 person was vaccinated today, but the 4 person crew was not discouraged. They invited lots of people to come back tomorrow. If nothing else, it shows the families there are people who care about them getting easy access to vaccines. Thank you, ICHS.

A few stories and updates:

A note from a family: “My husband didn’t have a job when the pandemic started and has struggled to find good work. It has felt like we’ve been living day to day for a long time. With your help providing essentials, we’ve been able to pay rent and utilities. Thank you so much! We’re praying for you guys and for God’s divine provision.”

A note from a family: “At the beginning, both my husband and me were laid off. Only my husband is back to work, making half of what he used to. He was laid of 7-8 months. Now he is hourly, not salary, and only gets 31 hours max per week. But Jubilee has kept us floating. We were lost, saying, “Now what”, with credit cards stretched with too much debt. Then came Jubilee! We needed diapers at the start, but now our daughter is out of them. We have a special needs son. You give us what we need and a very nice variety. Thank you, from our family.”

Paul is a man whose family we’ve profiled before. He came late today with his three children, while his wife is working. He told us they are all living in a very small apartment. They have been working toward getting in a home, so the kids have more space and a yard. He knows there are people supporting this program. He asked if everyone would please pray for them, and that God would provide a new home for his family.”

Here are some points for everyone to know about Phase 3:

162 families have now come to talk to us about continuing; all of them will be registered to Phase 3
- Of these, 135 live in Bellevue, 13 live in Redmond and the rest are in the surrounding cities
- The largest family size is 8 (3 total) and the smallest is 1 (3 total); the average size remains about 4.5 people.
We’ll be checking in with all families every two months to see how they are doing.
34 families are on the waiting list; these are families which came after June 7 to say they need help after July 1; we’ll be making decisions in the coming weeks about this group
The operation will be open for families each Wednesday from 10am-3pm.
First day will be July 7, with a current extension to December 31.
The current grocery bag item list will remain the same, including a gallon of milk and a rotating hygiene item.
Grocery donations would be best dropped of Tuesday mornings from 7am-12pm.
The operation will be set up like a market, allowing for a slower pace and more choices for families.
New identification cards will be issued to all Phase 3 families.
Pantry items will remain the same
New donation options of bulk produce and perishable items will be available. (details later)

We begin this week with 544 families registered with ‘Groceries for Families’. This is decline of 53 from just last week, which has a lot to do with us removing families from the program who simply aren’t coming regularly. There is no longer a waiting list for the current version. With this week and next week remaining, we communicated to families today a reminder of the timeline. Please pray for those who are leaving the program that they will be able to sustain themselves.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It’s great to be serving together.

Enjoy your warm evening, wherever this email finds you,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Jubilee REACH Communications 6/18/21 Jubilee REACH Communications 6/18/21

Groceries for Families: Week 64 - Day 3

We end week 64 of GFF on a very positive note, with great weather and a smooth-running operation. The morning had chill very early today, but it quickly gave way to a lovely day. The sun was out, and a slight breeze kept up much of the day. Lots of people were in summer clothes. Love it! The morning was typically busy with lots of happy people dropping off groceries, pantry, and hygiene items. Thank you, everyone! Families started with a deep line at the opening and then it went very quiet, before picking up again to a steady pace the rest of the afternoon. It was a very typical Thursday, which is just fine. Two weeks from today will be the last day of Phase 2.

June 17, 2021

Groceries today were provided by Jubilee Friends group, as well as Lighthouse, Victory Court, Highland Covenant, Doxa, Overlake Park Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Sacred Heart Parish & School, Crossroads Bible, and Bellevue Presbyterian churches.

A total of 150 orders came in today and all went out to families, along with 26 carried over from yesterday. Thank you to everyone who donated today.

The AM crew was a mix of returning and new volunteers, not connected to one partner organization. They made quick work of receiving all the incoming deliveries, packing bags of produce, and getting the operation ready for the afternoon. Well done and thank you, crew.

Pastor Gerardo with El Dios Viviente Methodist Church came this afternoon to pick up all the remaining market food we had. He still has many people in his White Center neighborhood needing food, so it is great to share with him. Instead of food remaining here, it can reach a family’s home tonight.

A few stories and updates:

Lily was here to pick up two boxes of sandwiches to take to the homeless in downtown Seattle. This has become her weekly mission. Here’s what she emailed back: “Today was a busy day in the marketplace. I couldn't find parking but I thought I was giving up I found a spot 😄😁😆 People were looking for me already because I came from a different direction 😄😃 they were happy to see different treats on the 🍩 left so fast. People in their park were looking at me and one lady asks me if I was feeding the homeless and I say yes!. On the mission, I drop the rest of the food and Kyle told me there's not left by the end of lunchtime. He is thankful and be happy to give others and blessed 🙌🙏✨💓💖❤”

One of the Asian elderly ladies Thursday regularly is bringing the crew pickled sunchoke, which she grows in her garden. It tastes like pickled beets. She is very, very proud to present it to us. Today, she brought small jars of mashed sunchoke, instead of cut-up pieces. She used to be in the Jubilee ESL classes, so has a deeper connection. She and her husband walk from their nearby home. Those of us who receive the sunchoke has developed a taste for it. It’s pretty good.

A note from a family: “The help we receive from Jubilee means a lot because I save so much on buying essentials which you give us, like diapers, tortillas, veggies, even dog food. My parents moved in with us because they had now where else to go. The milk is very helpful for them. We also use diapers and wipes. Thank you. Not having this help would really impact our family because my brother is the only one who works. He works in painting and his hours are still limited. Please thank everyone who makes this possible.”

Thank you for another great week of ‘Groceries for Families’. We’re down to the final two weeks of the current operation, and things feel like they are moving forward very well. Please continue to pray for these families and the transition coming up. We’re continuing to move forward on faith.

Have a great weekend,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Jubilee REACH Communications 6/18/21 Jubilee REACH Communications 6/18/21

Groceries for Families: Week 64 - Day 2

Today was such a lovely day – one of those days we all tolerate the winter to finally reach the PNW. It looks like summer is coming, beginning tomorrow. Bring it on! The operation of GFF today was very smooth on a very busy Wednesday. The morning was very busy from about 7:30am right until 12:00pm, with a steady flow of incoming deliveries of groceries, hygiene, and pantry items. Thank you, everyone! Families lined up across the line as we opened and kept up a steady pace all afternoon. The final 45 minutes was exceptionally busy. We ran out of much of the fresh produce items, actually, but not until the very, very end. All is well.

June 16, 2021

Groceries today were provided by the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Bellevue, and the Jubilee Friends group, as well as St. Louise, Bellevue Presbyterian, Crossroads Bible, Calvary Chapel Eastside, Bellevue Christian Reformed, Newport Covenant, 24-Seven and Indian Fellowship churches. A total of 207 orders came in today and all went out to families, along with 13 carried over from yesterday. Busy day! Thank you to everyone who donated.

The AM crew came from Bellevue Presbyterian Church today and was a mix of returning veterans and new volunteers. They worked hard all morning to receive all the incoming deliveries and pack bags of produce. They set the afternoon up for success. Thank you, and well done, crew!

All the Jubilee REACH Site Coaches had an end-of-school-year-luncheon today, so the entire PM crew during the GFF operation was staffed with volunteers today, for the first time. Only Denisse and Ashley, who work in the administrative area, were the staff. It was fun and felt different. It went very well, as they are all experienced volunteers.

We’re starting to see more and more fresh produce show up at Jubilee from local gardens. A large bundle of rosemary filled the air with its strong fragrance today. Many greens are already being harvested. If you know anyone who has a garden and needs a place to get it to people in need, please send them to Jubilee.

We’ll be partnering with ICHS (International Community Health Services) next week to provide a vaccine clinic during each GFF operation. They are located about 1.5 miles directly north of Jubilee on 140th. We’re taking a simple poll of families this week, to see who may be interested. So far, about 30-40 people each day have been interested. ICHS will be on the grass all three days next week with J&J and Pfizer vaccines. If you know anyone who wants a vaccine, send them to Jubilee those afternoons. All are open to the public.

A few stories and updates:

Bertha and her family have been in the program for at least a year. Since last fall, she has been volunteering each Friday to help with the market area. She’s become one of the crew. In Phase 3, her family will not be continuing, so her time with us is coming to an end. Today, it seemed to be hitting her very hard. As she joined us for orientation, she was visibly emotional. Denisse translated that she was feeling very sad and wanted to say a few words. She simply said that she loves us all. She prayed for us in Spanish today (she doesn’t speak English). We’ve been so blessed to be so close with her for so long. We’ll miss her for sure. A picture of her and Trenton is on the right.

Maria brought us a shrimp pasta dish for lunch tomorrow. Yum! She is such a good cook and continues to love the crew through her cooking. Angelina was here today and said she’d bring lunch next week. Anticipation is so great!

A Russian woman has been in our program for at least a year and usually comes right at the end on Wednesday. We’ve not profiled her in this email before. She shared some details of her life with us today. She’s only in her 40’s but had a fierce battle with brain cancer, which nearly killed her. She suffers still from pain, memory loss, and function of some limbs. She’s lost the use of her right arm, so had to learn to write left-handed. She walks with a limp. Her memory is very poor. Her hair remains thin. Yet, she is optimistic and positive about life. She picks up food for her own family and an elderly family who lives near her. She brings joy to this program, and it’s good to know more about her life.

A note from a family: “My wife had some operations recently, in the past year, so that's made it challenging. She works sometimes but not always. I've had a more challenging time working because I worked at a Microsoft Cafe, and with people working from home, there's less and less need for people who do my job. Between the hardships created by the pandemic and struggling to make ends meet, it’s been great to know help from Jubilee is available. We appreciate everything that is provided for our family. Everyone is friendly and nice and seems so willing to help. Please thank everyone for us.”

If you missed the details about Phase 3 of GFF, look back to yesterday’s blog summary. For sure, the countdown to this change has started. The site coaches who help on Tuesday won’t be returning for the final two Tuesdays. So, we said goodbye to them yesterday for this operation. Other site coaches are taking time off, so won’t be serving in the operation further. It will be sad to see some things changing. Yet, we are anticipating Phase 3 with excitement and renewed energy to stay connected to some families. Please continue to pray for this transition.

Thanks for a smooth Wednesday. The operation is humming along nicely and the transition to Phase 3 is on schedule. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and sustained energy behind this community program. We are in it together.

Blessings to you all,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Jubilee REACH Communications 6/18/21 Jubilee REACH Communications 6/18/21

Groceries for Families: Week 64 - Day 1

June 15, 2021

We begin week 64 of ‘Groceries for Families’ with, what feels like, some wind in our sails. Decisions have been made about Phase 3, giving way to a lot of clarity. Communication is getting out in all areas, which is always helpful. It feels like we are in a good place together. We seem to have avoided the heavy rains of the past couple of days. Today was very pleasant all day, with gusts of wind and bursts of sunshine, and plenty warm to enjoy being outside. The morning was a busy parking lot of happy people dropping off all sorts of donations. Thank you, everyone! Families started with a long line at the opening, which gave way to a slow but steady pace all afternoon. It was a typical Tuesday, which feels just fine.

Groceries today were provided by the Bellevue Kiwanis Club, Rotary Bellevue Sunrise Club, and the Jubilee Friends group, as well as Bellevue Christian Reformed, St. Madeleine Sophie, Creekside Covenant, Covenant Presbyterian, Westminster Chapel, East Shore Unitarian, Crossroads Bible, Bellevue Presbyterian, and Cornerstone Fellowship churches.

A total of 161 orders came in today and all but 18 went out to families today. The remaining will go out first thing tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who donated today.

The AM crew of volunteers was a mix of veteran volunteers of the shift. They knew what to do and did it well. They worked hard and had a lot of fun together. Thank you, crew!

We want to thank the stores which donate food weekly and the volunteers who bring it to Jubilee. Kathy & Dale bring food from Safeway Thrasher’s Corner. Gil and Mike bring food from QFC Crossroads. Fred brings food from Whole Foods Bellevue. Fred brings food from Trader Joe’s Overlake. Duanne and Bob bring food from Safeway Overlake, via Renewal Food Bank. Mike and Gil bring food from a Local Distributor. Today, Patti brought some food from the Issaquah Food Bank. Thank you, everyone!

Senior lunches were delivered to 31 people in the community today. A very tasty homemade chili, along with many goodies, were packed up in a lovely bag for each person. Barb, Gina and Theresa took them around the city in the late morning. Thank you, ladies!

A few stories and updates:

Shahin volunteered with the crew yesterday morning, which seems to be an enjoyable time for her. She shared that she’ll be ordering the headstone for her husband’s grave on Wednesday this week. While difficult, it seems to be a positive thing for her to be doing. She’s very happy to finally be able to order this important marker. A volunteer, who has been walking alongside her since the fall, will be with her. Please continue to pray for her and her daughter.

A note from a family: “Your Groceries Program was a big support for our family during this hard time. I have 4 kids, and when schools were closed , I lost my job. And, your program was very helpful; Jubilee Reach help with food, hygiene items, help to pay our Energy bills. We are Muslim and it is so kind that there is always food for us even though we do not eat meat. Thank you for taking extra care of us.”

A note from a family: “My kids celebrated Halloween, Christmas , Easter , Mother’s Day and many another holidays with you over the past year. It’s not just the food, but all the people who work there became friends for us. Thanks a lot 🙏 My sister is also living with us now so we help them with the stuff we are able to get from Jubilee, too. Everything you give us has been so very helpful. Thank you.”

The details of Phase 3 have been emailed out to all the administrators for all the partner churches and organizations. Much like with the families, we’ve asked them to take some time to discern how Phase 3 may fit. Please continue to pray, as the level of support becomes more clear. We’re so grateful to everyone who has remained behind ‘Groceries for Families’.

Here are some points for everyone to know about Phase 3:

162 families have now come to talk to us about continuing; all of them will be registered to Phase 3
- Of these, 135 live in Bellevue, 13 live in Redmond and the rest are in the surrounding cities
- The largest family size is 8 (3 total) and the smallest is 1 (3 total); the average size remains about 4.5 people.
We’ll be checking in with all families every two months to see how they are doing.
34 families are on the waiting list; these are families which came after June 7 to say they need help after July 1; we’ll be making decisions in the coming weeks about this group
The operation will be open for families each Wednesday from 10am-3pm.
The first day will be July 7, with a current extension to December 31.
The current grocery bag item list will remain the same, including a gallon of milk and a rotating hygiene item.
Grocery donations would be best dropped on Tuesday mornings from 7am-12pm.
The operation will be set up like a market, allowing for a slower pace and more choices for families.
New identification cards will be issued to all Phase 3 families.
Pantry items will remain the same
New donation options of bulk produce and perishable items will be available. (details later)

We begin this week with 597 families in the current ‘Groceries for Families program. There are two more weeks, beyond this week, for the current phase before we begin phase 3. Families seem to be in good spirits, including those we chat with who will not be continuing. There is definitely a consistent expression of gratitude from all.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. A lot of pieces are moving right now. It’s great to be serving together.

Enjoy your evening, wherever this email finds you,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Jubilee REACH Communications 6/14/21 Jubilee REACH Communications 6/14/21

Groceries for Families: Week 63 - Day 3

Week 63 finishes with a very nice Thursday, including a smooth operation and very nice weather. The morning was actually a little chilly, noticeable by cold hands as the temperature seemed to drop in the late morning. By the afternoon, it was steadily warmer with a slight breeze. The morning was a steady in-flow of happy people dropping off groceries and pantry items. Thank you, everyone. The afternoon was equally busy with families lining up early and keeping a slow but steady pace up to the end. People seemed to be in good moods all day. Overall, it was a great day here.

June 10, 2021

Groceries today were provided by Lighthouse, Victory Court, Highland Covenant, Doxa, Overlake Park Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Sacred Heart Parish & School, Crossroads Bible, and Bellevue Presbyterian churches, as well as the Rotary Bellevue Sunrise Club and the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 174 orders came in today and all went out to families. Thank you to everyone who donated.

The AM crew was a group of volunteers from different places, all of them returning veterans of the shift. They made it seem easy to handle all the incoming deliveries and pack bags of produce. The afternoon was well set up by this team. Thank you, crew!

Instead of the USDA box, a picture of the produce bag families now receive is on the right. All items are purchased with donated cash to GFF. Included are one dozen eggs, garlic, jalapeno pepper, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, green pepper, carrots, and bananas. It is a pretty picture of color. In the market, there are also apples, onions, and potatoes. Families get a nice selection of fresh produce.

Lily came this morning to pick up two boxes of sandwiches to take to the homeless downtown. Actually, instead of traditional sandwiches, we were able to give her burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and other normally hot foods. We weren’t sure how they would be received, but she reported back people loved them. She sees many of the same people, so they were happy to have something new. These items come donated by a local distributor.

A few stories and updates:

Shahin sent a picture of her husband’s grave and gave permission to share it with you all. This Sunday is his birthday, so she has taken extra care to add some beauty to the area. It makes her happy, in a time of continued sadness. Please continue to pray for her. She feels very, very alone. She’ll be back to volunteer on Monday.

Sasha was back today. We described in this email a few weeks ago how he is living in his car right now to afford school at Bellevue College. His car was stolen on the campus, forcing him to use much of his savings to buy another one. He has since become engaged in the student representation at the school and is on a path to be on the Student Advisory Board, which will work directly with interim President Gary Locke. He wants to advocate for safer conditions around the campus for everyone. He’s quite an impressive guy

A note from a family: “The things our family gets at Jubilee have helped a lot, especially when I needed it most. That’s why, when I get a chance, I try to send a thank you note. It is a blessing because it means a lot to me to receive this help. Honestly, everything we receive is helpful because everything is so good. I wish I could pay you for this help. I know I can’t but God will. Thank you.”

A note from a family: “Dear Jubilee. The support we receive from you has been such a great help because I don’t work. With my husband and son, we are barely making it to pay rent. Having this food is such a big help to our family. We don’t have to worry because everything you give us is so helpful. Not having your help would set our family back so much. So, thank you, from all of us.”

Plans for Phase 3 of ‘Groceries for Families’ are coming together. At the end of the operation today, volunteers cleaned up all of the areas, leaving just the tables. We were able to set the space in a brand new way, which we think will flow well with Phase 3. We walk through it a few times, just as a family would. It felt very good. The pieces are coming together. Thank you for your patience while this takes shape. Using all of the feedback from families, it feels like Phase 3 is building itself. More details coming.

Thank you for another great week of ‘Groceries for Families’. Changes are coming in July, and everything feels like it is flowing in the right direction. Please continue to pray for these families and this operation. Please pray for any families which may need continued help, which hasn’t come forward yet. That is the biggest worry.

Have a great weekend,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Groceries for Families began in March 2020 to serve families financially affected by the pandemic. Over 25 organizations and churches have partnered with Jubilee REACH to provide families with groceries, hygiene items, and supplies.

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