Seeds of Hope
The Seeds of Hope Compassion Fund began in 2004 with a Christmas collection for the poor. In the first four years, members of The Vineyard of North Grand Rapids contributed more than $100,000 to serve the needs of the poor in Kent County and beyond. The money hasn't come from corporate donations or government grants, but from ordinary individuals and families who are taking seriously Jesus' mission to bring "good news to the poor."
Seeds of Hope is one part of our mission to "live Jesus' life together." Together, we are making a difference, plant true seeds of hope in hundreds of lives. Assisting with basic needs and providing solutions to poverty, the Seeds of Hope offering provides funding for several life-changing ministries:
- Assistance Grants, comprising 60-80% of our budget, these grants provide emergency financial assistance for families in crisis through evictions, shutoff notices, foreclosures, repossessions of vehicles or medical emergencies. Individuals/families in crisis receive personal financial coaching through our financial ministry and small group leaders
- New Focus Financial Freedom class, a 12-week financial management class that starts with the basics: finding income, keeping a checkbook, controlling expenses and getting out of debt
- Monthly Food Pantry, offering three months of "no strings attached" food assistance and ongoing support to families in the assistance grant program
- Single Mom's Servefest, a semi-annual event offering good and services for single moms: haircare/salon services, auto maintenance, household/children's supplies, clothing bank & food bank
- Mom's Night Out, a monthly recreation event for single moms providing free childcare and a chef-prepared meal
- Grants to outside organizations, each year we give 10-15% to assist with needs outside our community (Asian Tsunami relief, Gulf Coast relief projects, Indonesian orphanage support)
Would you like to join us in caring for the poor and creating solutions that make a difference? Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the The Vineyard Church, a registered 501(c)3 organization.
