Mission and Outreach Commission
Work of the Mission and Outreach Commission is a very visible way the Holy Cross family demonstrates its dedication to our Lord’s teaching to love and serve Him. This Commission supports our church’s mission statement by providing a compassionate ministry of helping others when need exists.
Our mission statement: To seek Christ in all persons, answering His call to love others and help those in need.
Members of the Mission and Outreach Commission:
1. Screen requests and distribute emergency financial assistance to people in immediate need in Watauga and Avery Counties. We help with power and fuel bills, rent, transportation, medical costs and other needs for a total amount determined by Valle Country Fair proceeds and therefore varies from year to year. If you are in need of assistance, please call Holy Cross at 963-4609, ext. 25 and leave a message. A volunteer will return your call within 24 hours.
2. Provide:
- Alternative Christmas
- Angel Tree to provide Christmas presents for those in need, including adults and children
- Monthly dinners the 1st and 5th Wednesdays at Hospitality House
- Villager (an outreach of respite for parents of foster children)
- Summer Food ministry to provide groceries for local families in need
3. Determine distribution of Valle Country Fair Grant funds to local non-profit organizations. The 2021 grant amount was $33,000.
The 2022 Valle Country Fair took place on Saturday, October 15. The Mission & Outreach Commission at Holy Cross Episcopal Church determines, with the Vestry's approval, the outlay of the proceeds from the Valle Country Fair. Abou two-thirds of Fair proceeds are used for emergency calls to the church for such things as rent, utilities, car repairs, medical expenses, etc. The remaining funds go to local non-profit organizations who apply for our grants.
The 2022 grant amount, based upon proceeds from the Fair, was $25,000 and was awarded to the following recipients:
Children's Council of Watauga County - Builds strong foundations for children's learning and development by strengthening familieis, the early childhood system, and the wider community.
Girls on the Run - Inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
High Country Caregivers - Multi-pronged programs include community education, financial support for health-conscious youth activities and counselling support. They serve grandparents raising their grandchildren in Avery and Watauga Counties.
LIFE House - Strives to meet the ongoing residential needs of adults with autism and related challenges, as well as serving as a community resource for people of different abilities and their families. They provide diverse social and recreational programming, including summer programs, life skills and vocational training, adaptive sports, support groups, and workshops.
Mediation and Restorative Justice Center - Strives to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by unresolved conflict, litigation, and incarceration by providing meditation, alternative sentencing and other restorative processes that increase the respect, peace, productivity, and safety in the communities served.
Mountain Alliance - Provides transformative experiences and support so that all High Country Teens have the opportunity to lead an empowered, adventurous and service-oriented life, regardless of means or background.
Reaching Avery Ministry - An ecumenical ministry devoted to helping low-income people in Avery County to improve their lives. They provide assistance with food, clothing, prescriptions, fuel, household necessities, emergency shelter and other needs as they relate to a person's ability to meet their basic needs, to be gainfully employed, or care for their family.
Spirit Ride - Provides children with a wide array of diagnoses the opportunity to learn, grow, and strive to become their ideal selves through equine-related therapeutic and educational activities.
The Jason Project - Strives to provide healthy and rigorous outdoor excursions and challenges where at-risk youth can be encouraged and inspired to rise above their adversities and ecell mentally, spiritually, and in life.
Watauga Co. Schools Extended Learning Centers - Strives to promote the academic mission of Watauga County Schools while providing the working parents of our community a sanctuary of safety as well as intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being for their children.