ACHIEVEMENTS

Crossover will Observe 15th Anniversary in 2006

Crossover was organized in 1991 by a committee comprised of representatives from Court Street United Methodist, St. Paul's Episcopal and First Presbyterian Church in downtown Flint. Mission-minded parishioners were attempting to help the poor and homeless by giving out food, clothing and household furnishings from the churches. They then decided to join together to achieve their outreach goals more efficiently and effectively by opening one centrally located facility. The churches pledged volunteers and some financial support to the venture to get it started.

The project has met with extraordinary success and is a classic example of what can be accomplished through collaboration. During the first full year of operation, Crossover served 5,282 individuals. During the past year 25,559 people received help with emergency food, clothing, winter coats, bedding, house wares and programs for disadvantaged children. This phenomenal growth is the result of a highly motivated Board of Directors, dedicated staff and volunteers, and many supporters of this Ministry.

Crossover Awarded Grants

Crossover is the recipient this year of grants in the amount of $1,500 from the Mary Good Trust and $5,000 from the Rosalynn Chapel Fund, both administered by the Missions Work Area at Court St. United Methodist Church. We are most grateful for this support of this ministry that is helping the poorest of the poor in our community.

Record Numbers Receiving Food, Clothing at Crossover

Crossover expects to distribute more than 100,000 pounds of food this year, the most ever. Director Brenda Woods said, "we are feeding about 65 people per day compared to 60 people per day last year. Times are still tough and it shows through the numbers." Through July this year, 6,980 people received food, compared to 5,800 last year. The number of needy persons receiving clothing totaled 2,280 through July this year, compared to 2,080 last year. The dramatic increase is due in part to cuts in state assistance to the poor. "Flint has been hit hard," Woods said, "but Flint area people have been very generous in donating clothing, food and money to help us keep up with the needs. We are trying to address a critical problem."

Crossover's Christmas Appeal Exceeds Goal

Gifts to the Downtown Outreach Ministry annual Christmas campaign totaling $25,383 was an increase of 10% over the previous year.  Crossover thanks the many donors who gave so generously to help carry on the work of this ministry in our community.   Eighty-five percent of every dollar contributed is used to fulfill Crossover's mission.  Only fifteen percent is required for overhead and operating expenses, which is well below the thirty-five percent recommended guideline.