Mission Statement:
To serve as a bridge in the service gaps of our community, as they
relate to financial emergencies, hunger, education and medical care.
Vision Statement:
To connect the churches of Chesapeake City through our Christian
responsibility of "caring for our neighbor". This is to be done
through a range of services including but not limited to financial
aid, a food pantry and youth related programs. To continually seek
to improve those services we currently provide and to grow both as
an organization and in the ministry field as community needs are
identified.
An Abbreviated History of the Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association
Over 29 years ago, several churches from various denominations in Chesapeake City came together recognizing there were community needs, which could not or were not being met through conventional social service programs. Church members began providing minimal financial aid and food boxes from their personal funds and pantries. As the needs grew, the churches formed The CCEA.
The Bag of Hope Program continues to flourish, though not without a difficult transition as we lost the dedicated services of Ms. Ella Luff in 2009. Ms. Ella had to step down as Director due to continuing health issues. Jean Ritter lead one of the groups and served as Program Director until her passing at which time Kay Redding has served as Director. We are able to continue providing financial aid in the form of annual dues to The Maryland Food Bank, which in turn enables 30 families to participate in acquiring quality food.
The Emergency Funds Program has grown in service numbers and the standard of operation. An average of 100 families per year have been helped from 2005 through 2009. Financial aid is provided for rent, utilities, medical expenses (seniors only) and an occasional emergency home repair. Without this aid families would face eviction or service shut-off on utilities. Application for services is required and verification from service provider is necessary to secure aid. It has been necessary to reduce the amount of aid we are able to provide, as donations have slowed in this very difficult economy.
The Food Pantry has provided service to an average of 200 families a year. Reactivated in 2004 and going strong since 2005, this ministry provides about 1 week of non-perishable food items for a family of 4. Included, when available are daily care products and gift cards to purchase perishable food items from local grocery stores such as Food Lion, Acme and Redner Markets. Clients are required to sign a “waiver” in order to secure service.
The Founder's Scholarship Fund was instituted in 2008 in memory of one of our founding members. The scholarship provides $500 in financial aid to qualified adults returning to Cecil College to secure either a degree or certification. Cecil College awards this scholarship based on the merits of the applicants compared to the criteria established by The CCEA.
In 2000, The CCEA identified a need to provide a safe, after-school program for middle school children, who were considered “latch-key”. Many returned from school to empty homes, because parents worked later shifts. The Generation Station was born from this identified need. This program has been recognized and awarded for its program. It is the only Christian based program receiving funding from Cecil Partnership and The United Way, in addition to small grants and donations from businesses, private organizations and private donors. Children are provided a safe harbor with homework aid, tutoring, self-esteem programs, positive social interaction and light meals by a dedicated staff and group of volunteers. We serve an average of 20 students per day, Monday through Thursday (October through May).
In 2010 a storage unit was
don
Vacation Bible School is our ministry to the children of Chesapeake City. This one week program runs in July of each year and is hosted through one of our member churches. Through a range of music, crafts, games and stories children are introduced to Jesus and Christian values. The program is free to the participants, with a dinner meal provided each night and a family night for closing. We have averaged 75 children per night during this wonderful ministry!
General Funds are
needed to keep us
operational (electric, fuel oil, phone, insurance, security, grounds
maintenance etc.).