The Society of St. Stephen is an outreach ministry initially established in 2003. It is named for an early Christian disciple who spearheaded efforts of the struggling new church to take care of the temporal needs of its poorer members. Our motto, "A Helping Hand Up, Not a Hand Out," serves as a guide for this ministry. The following year TUMC acquired a modular building to house the ministry and to provide storage for food and other donations.  In 2005 a TUMC task force was formed to determine direction and to acquire funding for a sustaining ministry.

The work of Society of St. Stephen is two-fold: First, there is the Food Pantry, from which food is distributed M/W/F. Second, Helping Hand Up enables clients to transition back to the work force and/or out of undesirable living conditions. Through various resources, we have helped clients find employment, pay necessary bills prior to receiving a first paycheck, or pay for transportation back home or to another support system. While the Society of St. Stephen ministry can serve members of the Trinity congregation, over 99% of the clients come to us from the Las Vegas community at large.

Our organization provides individuals and families just enough assistance to facilitate "a helping hand" up from abysmal poverty. The clients, however, are not given carte blanche; rather, they receive "just enough," which most often consists of non-perishable groceries for three days, a referral for employment and/or other services, and sometimes a month's rental payment. Back-to-work programs are a high priority for Society of St. Stephen. Restoring hope for individuals through gainful employment is essential for restoration of an improved quality of life. The ultimate goal at St. Stephen is to offer an interview process whereby individuals are given opportunities to explore possibilities and plot courses of action in order to reclaim their independence from public assistance.

When volunteers are available the food pantry is open:

Society of St. Stephen Ministering to Community
by Mary Lovelady

Trinity Church members are ministering directly to the Las Vegas community through Society of St. Stephen. During the months of January and February 2008, 348 marginally poor clients were given enough groceries for three days, and 202 lunches were distributed to homeless individuals. While the number of clients who have housing but need emergency help for food and other services has been increasing over the past year, the number of homeless persons served remains relatively stable. The Food Pantry experienced a 25% increase in marginally poor clients the second half of 2007.

Some of the best success stories of Society of St. Stephen involve those who came to us homeless but now have found a job and have managed to rent a room or apartment. Recently, "Ben" who had visited the Food Pantry for homeless lunches off and on for two years, was able to request a few groceries instead. He was employed and had a residence; he only needed a little extra food to get by that month. We rejoice for him and for the many others who have been helped through this ministry.

On Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Food Pantry is manned by Paul Brooks, Art Hoselton, and Harry Royer. Kathy Beall, Linda Patton, Edie Pickens, Jay Terrell, and Roger Ulman ensure the pantry is staffed on Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Maxine Hoselton, Leora Potter, Bill Sergeant, and Lily Ulandy distribute food on Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kathy Beall continues to coordinate all St. Stephen grocery shopping and would appreciate the assistance of additional shoppers. A shopping list would be provided, and expenditures would be reimbursed.

Gary McCallister offers support to all clients referred by Food Pantry volunteers to the Helping Hand Up program. Gary is well acquainted with various social services available throughout the Las Vegas valley. He assists clients in the development of an action plan, refers to appropriate services, and occasionally recommends emergency financial help from Society of St. Stephen. During the first two months of 2008, Helping Hand Up provided $633 in assistance for clients.

Beginning in March 2008 the Worship Team organized a way for all Trinity members to contribute to Pastor's Discretionary/Helping Hand Up without a financial burden. Offering tables/bags have been placed by each church exit door, and those who can are asked to contribute one dollar each week. Helping Hand Up assistance can pay for that one prescription, that one automobile tire, that one power bill separating a St. Stephen client from slipping into homelessness or moving upward through employment.

Society of St. Stephen has been very blessed with partnerships with other ministries and area businesses. Daybreak United Methodist Fellowship donated $93 to St. Stephen from one of their February fundraisers. The Trinity Church School PTO and the International Order of Rainbow Girls #9 each conducted food drives during the 2007 holidays. The first week of every month, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill at Charleston and Decatur continues to contribute 15% of entrees purchased with a St. Stephen flier. Not long ago, the Centennial High School NJROTC conducted a large food drive, and the group also has been assisting with removal of food cartons and cardboard from the pantry. While Trinity member Harry Nelson donated several huge boxes of toys for clients' children, the Assistance League of Las Vegas continues to provide soft, cuddly teddy bears. It is exciting to engage community resources in lessening the pain of those struggling within that community.