In 2003, we initiated the Bread of Healing Empowerment Ministry (BOHEM) and we currently serve more than 300 individuals weekly through the BOHEM food pantry, Wednesday meal program, a men’s group addressing substance abuse and other social support issues, a women’s substance abuse group, spiritual support, employment referral and support, and health education. Community programs also include youth programming and tutoring, an Adult Center program for seniors, a new Men’s Program, and outreach events for the neighborhood. Through these programs we see and hear the stories of men, women and families every day.
Cross also partnered to create the Bread of Healing Clinic which provides free medical care for persons without health insurance. The Clinic, which is now separately incorporated, is a regular placement site for volunteers from the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Cross and the Clinic each value the opportunity to provide young persons with a learning experience which will provide a valuable opportunity to develop skills but will also instill a sense of mission to persons in need in our community.
Under the direction of the Senior Pastor/Bread of Healing Staff, we’re looking for a dynamic organizer to help build a powerful millennial movement for food justice including community organizing, urban agriculture/gardening and practices and strategies for healthy and environmentally conscious sustainable living.
• A commitment to economic justice, anti-racism, student power and contributing to the real food movement as well as to developing the leadership of others
• Strong self-motivation, a “hunger” for campaign success and an eagerness to be challenged
• Strong public speaking and group facilitation skills
• Excellent ability to build strong working relationships
• Comfort working remotely and managing priorities independently, in an evolving, fast-paced, and multi-tasking environment
• Ability to use or adapt to web-based technology, e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox
• Creates content for social media and other platforms Implementation
• Promoting local foods and food producers at farmers markets and local stores
• Organizing a series of DIY Food Workshops to teach cooking and gardening skills in the community
• Raising awareness of food and farming issues and opportunities in the community
• Supporting church and community gardens through training and fundraising
• Participating in the city and state-wide food policy initiatives/policies to magnify our voice on state-wide food and farming policy. Organizing
• Build the leadership and capacity church members and the community to make positive food system change
• Collaborate and build relationships with church members, community groups, organizations and local government on policy and system change to create an equitable, healthy food system