Seeking to create a collaboration of social service providers, First Christian Church of Edwardsville hosted a gathering of 50 providers from their local area for lunch on Nov. 9. The local ministerial alliance has been working closely with the township government to close the gaps in care for those in need. The lunch focused on a common database that would help share resources, deepen understanding of a client’s situation, and secure the handling of a client’s information. In addition to these gatherings, the ministerial alliance and the local township government have been hosting “Lunch and Learns” that provide panel discussions related to topics such as substance abuse, domestic abuse, homelessness - each lead by front line social service agencies.

These gatherings pull together representatives from churches, township & city & county government officials, law enforcement, public and private schools, non-profits, community colleges and universities in our area. As Dr. Brooks welcomed the gathering at lunch, he named “the joy of fellowship that we know we are not alone in our service, the diversity of services gathered to meet the needs of our neighbor, and the passion of those gathered to transform our local community.”

Story and photo courtesy of Lead Minister James Brooks.