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| In the Neighborhood - September 2006 |
admin writes, "Celebrate Our Center's
20th Anniversary!
Visit www.ourcenter.org
to learn more about volunteering
and donating!
"From Humble Beginnings.........."
By John Maher, Volunteer
Twenty years ago, a visionary and innovator, Alan Landes, the pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, organized a series of public meetings to talk about the need for improved basic needs services in the city. These meetings were in reaction to two seemingly catastrophic events that took place in Longmont that would change the community forever. First, the religous organization that managed the emergency food pantry closed its doors. Then, a church that provided the food and clothing to those in need was forced to close its doors due to an increase in demand and budget short falls.
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Landes teamed up with approximately 25 other churches in Longmont to coordinate efforts to reach the city's needy in an effective, efficient manner. As a result of this effort, what was to become known as the OUR Center (Outreach United Resource Center) formed a partnership with Emergency Family Assistance Association of Boulder to provide basic needs.
In 1987, OUR Hospitality Center opened. In less than four months, more than 7,000 individuals and 2,000 households were served by the OUR Center. Later that year, the Center's main offices were relocated to 414 4th Avenue, where case workers were available to assist those needing food, clothing or furniture. In addition, case workers could help with utility bills, rent, medical and transportation needs. Plans were initiated that year to develop a day care center for children of parents working on self-efficiency. And by September of that year, the Hospitality Center was serving hot lunches to anyone wishing a meal free of charge, attendance unconditional.
In 2005, the OUR Center served 63,000 meals in the Hospitality Center, and distributed over 512,000 pounds of emergency groceries to more than 12,000 families, 70% being families with children. Obviously, the commitment to strive for a better community continues today. Providing compassionate support for the city's needy members, whether it is the homeless, working poor, aging, or people with disabilities, this organization will continue to be the beacon that was envisioned years ago. Indeed because of the OUR Center, this community is in fact better. But the job continues.
Article and photos submitted by: Elaine Klotz
OUR Center
303 Atwood Drive
Longmont, CO 80501
(303) 772-5529
www.ourcenter.org
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Posted on Sep 30, 2006 15:53pm.
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