Social Service/Outreach

Mission/Goals/Charter

The Outreach Committee was founded over 15 years ago with the support of the late Rev. Ed Atkinson and various members of First Parish. The committee was funded by a donation of $25,000 made to First Parish by the production company of "Witches of Eastwick" for the use of the Meeting House in the movie. The principal was invested into a trust to be used by Outreach. Each year the investment income is used to fund various projects.

Since its inception the Outreach Committee has transitioned from a social justice organization to a social action organization. Its focus today is one of support for various local, national, and international charitable organizations in need of monetary assistance. With targeted actions or charities set by the Committee for the congregation as a whole, individuals then make independent choices about their direct involvement in any number of the philanthropic interests.

Our Mission:

• To encourage each member of First Parish to find some way to make a difference in the larger community, and support others in their effort.
• To emphasize direct involvement and hands-on participation in a selected number of projects each year.
• To serve as a clearinghouse for information about social service programs to meet specific needs.
• To stand ready to provide emergency assistance to meet specific needs.

Contact Information

Mark Alves , chair (781-383-2886, mark.a.alves@verizon.net)

Accomplishments/Projects

Homeshare Apartment:

In 1989, the Outreach Committee, using monies from its reserve fund, created a two-room apartment on the second floor of the Parish House as a temporary shelter for a family in need of transitional housing..

Members of the Outreach Committee work in close cooperation with South Shore Friends of the Homeless (SSFH) to select candidates and provide support for the apartment's residents. SSFH connects the residents with social service agencies and helps them find permanent housing.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Donations of non-perishable food items, canned goods and paper products are always welcome, and can be dropped off at the church office anytime. Contact: church office 383-1100

Common Hope (Godchild Project):

Common Hope is a group of people dedicated to giving help and hope to desperately poor Guatemalans. We empower them to permanently lift themselves out of poverty, while maintaining their dignity and independence.

Contact: Kay Mixon 383-6693

Christmas Concert (Holiday Appeal):

For the past 25 years this annual concert has raised money for charities such as Rosie's Place, UNICEF, Wellspring, and Habitat for Humanity. To date, these gifts have totaled over $45,000. The concert features a holiday program performed by the Unicorn Singers, directed by Margo Euler.

Angel Tree:

Each year First Parish partners with South Shore Friends of the Homeless to provide gifts to families during the holidays. Anyhwere from 30 to 40 names are chosesn by First Parish members and friends and purchased for. 

Local/Regional Charitable Appeals:

Over the years First Parish Outreach has assisted local/regional organizations with funds to support their goals/mission. Wellspring Multi-Service Center of Hull, Rosies Place and Women's Lunch Place of Boston, Falther Bill's Place of Quincy are but just a few. As well, yearly appeals to support Cohasset and Scituate food pantries provide needed staples at various times throughout the year.

Unitarian Universalist Connections:

U.U. Urban Ministry: First Parish is one of almost 60 Greater Bosont UU Societies, joined togetehr to encourage and promote the religious, economic, and social well-being of the innercity poor of Boston. The organization also serves to educate people about the complex issues of poverty.

U.U. Service Committee: Whether working for children's rights in the USA, women's rights oversees or civil and political rights around the world, the UUSC is guided by the principle that all people deserve to live in dignity with justice. The UUSC is an independent organization, receiving no government funding or general support from the UUA.