Mission

Linking Heart & Hand: Our Mission Program

Mission Committee

  • Sandy Barrow
  • Vivian German
  • Raymond King
  • Barbara Overton
  • Joanne Ruzow – Women’s Circles
  • Michele Ready – A Greater Gift (Serrv Shop)
  • Ellen Anderson – Food Pantry
  • Amy Bogardus – Special Offerings
  • Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus
  • Isabelle Hill-Smith – Mission Convener
  • Come Join our Committee!!

Touching Miami With Love

Pen Pal Group: Matching an adult with a child from TML and writing letters back and forth about books we all read. Contact: Amy Bogardus 305-668-9700 / Touching Miami With Love

Living Wage Group

Works with a coalition of community activists to help broadcast the multiple social justice issues of not paying the workforce of Florida a living wage. Contact: Raymond King – 305-606-5755

Peacemaking Group

This group is focused on issues of peace in the Middle East. The group supports and has started Tikkun Miami working for ways to bring peace to the world. Contact: Becky Gibbs 305-669-9982 or Isabelle Hill 305-630-2973.

Food Pantry

Collects canned goods to have available for distribution. Contact: Ellen Anderson 305-279-3170

A Greater Gift

Sells arts and crafts made by artisans in developing countries that receive a fair wage for their work. Contact: Michelle Ready 305-661-4498 or Annie Peterson 305-279-9508. (Formerly known as “Serrv.”) www.AGreaterGift.org.

YES Institute (Project YES): A not for profit organization that provides education on gender and orientation to the community, and is an accredited CEU provider to mental health professionals and medical professionals. Contact: (305)-663-7195. Read more.

Riviera Child Care Center Inc.

Established in April of 1980 the childcare center is known as one of the best in Dade County. Volunteers Needed. Contact: Vivian German 305-662-2493. The Child Care Center

Covenant Network/More Light Presbyterians

Working for full inclusion of gay, lesbian and transgender persons in the full life of the church. Contact Laurie Kraus – 305-666-8586. Covenant Network / More Light Presbyterians.

Thelma Gibson House

Social outreach in Coconut Grove and South Miami. Here is just a bit of what they do…

  • AIDS Outreach and Testing for adults over 55
  • Health Navigation for the Elderly… helping the elderly get appropriate medical treatment, as well as logistical help
  • Clothing Bank… seeking ‘professional clothing’ for men and women as well as children’s clothing
  • Support Group for Middle School Girls one afternoon each week, as well as a once a month Saturday outing with the girls HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis Testing twice a month
  • Two days a week, they offer Community and Psychiatric nursing.
  • How We Can Be Involved at Thelma Gibson House: Thelma Gibson House needs toiletries ie soap , shampoo, razors, hand cream etc.
  • Over 80 hygiene kits were put together on Sunday, October 29, 2006. The kits will be given out to the homeless in the Miami area

Other Opportunities Needing Volunteers

  • Take charge of the once a month Saturday outing with these middle school aged girls and take them to a museum or the library or the Fair with the idea that the adults around them will build relationships
  • Do art projects twice a month during a weekday afternoon from 4:30 – 6:00 with the middle school aged girls as a self-esteem building exercise.
  • Offer 2 hours a week of clerical/administrative help in their office.
  • Donate toiletries, clothing, and furniture

Heifer Project International

Heifer Project is a program where knowledge and animals are given to families in need around the world. These animals, and the knowledge of how to care for them, allow hungry families a new way to feed themselves and at the same time become self-reliant. Also among their programs is the teaching of sustainable farming techniques, to help others help themselves. More: www.Heifer.org

PCUSA Disaster Assistance

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance enables congregations and mission partners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to witness the healing love of Christ through caring for communities adversely affected by crisis and catastrophic events.

Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus participated in services and psychological work following the fire that destroyed St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Park Hill district of Queens, N.Y. on October 28-30, 2006.

More: Pcusa.org/pda.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

Every Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Riviera Church Library.

Alzheimers Care Giver Support Group:

Third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Riviera Church Library.