UUCT has established itself as a supporter of our community by helping those among us who promote justice, equity, and compassion. We now welcome eight local organizations to this coming fiscal year’s Share the Plate program. They all epitomize what ordinary people can do to improve our world.

1. Big Bend After ReEntry Coalition:  This is a group of leaders from community, social service, government, education and faith-based organizations who advocate for currently and formerly incarcerated people. The organization aims to reduce recidivism by assisting returning offenders with information and connections. They present classes in anger management, employment and financial services, and assist with accessing identification documents, housing, education, employment, and substance abuse intervention. https://bigbendreentry.org/ 

2. Grace Mission: This is an outreach mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida that supplies a safe place of support for the homeless and disadvantaged in Frenchtown and downtown Tallahassee. Grace Mission provides hot meals, bagged lunches, clothing, laundry facilities, showers, hygiene bags, vaccinations, health testing, mental and emotional support. The mission also serves as a Health Department vaccination site, offers HIV testing, and health campaigns. They partner with other churches, area schools and colleges, local businesses and agencies to improve lives. http://gracemission.net/what-we-do/who-we-partner-with/ 

3. Humanists of Tallahassee: This group of volunteers serves the basic practical needs of the marginalized in this community. Every Sunday, they collaborate with Food Not Bombs to feed over 50 unhoused community members and provide hygiene products and monthly bus passes. They maintain a free pantry for the children in the poorest zip code in the state. Humanists of Tallahassee helps fund the local branch of the International Rescue committee, which aids asylum seekers settling in Tallahassee. https://www.humaniststlh.com/ 

4. Manna on Meridian: This is a food distribution center that was created by several nearby churches, including UUCT, to provide for locals who are food insecure.  Food is supplied by Second Harvest of Big Bend, local grocery stores, donations, and the Manna garden. Basic clothing is also distributed. Manna serves 350 families per month, and last year served 5290 households. An impressive number of UUCT members volunteer monthly with Manna. https://www.facebook.com/people/Manna-on-Meridian/100087135126205/ 

5. Good News Outreach: This faith-based organization is dedicated to relieving physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual isolation for those in the community. Local churches, Leon County schools, Second Harvest of Big Bend and several local service agencies partner to provide services in four areas: Food Outreach, Senior Services, Reentry from Prison, and Affordable Transitional Housing. https://www.goodnewsoutreach.org/ 

6. Rethink Energy Florida: This group works to educate, engage, and empower Floridians to achieve a just transition to clean energy for a healthier, more sustainable environment. They educate youth in practical environmental and energy issues and hold an energy camp and an energy design competition. They partner with groups across Florida on climate action, aid local governments with grant writing and research assistance and help lower income residents reduce their energy burdens and prepare for Solar Energy Equity Deployment through their SEED project. https://www.rethinkenergyflorida.org/ 

7. Tallahassee Food Network: This group works to grow community-based food systems that provide healthy, affordable food for all. They bring together volunteers of all ages and areas to work in their Dent Street garden. They educate youth and community members in plant growth and storage, and teach community members how to navigate government systems. Produce from their garden feeds 30 families monthly. They also provide practical necessities for immigrant families and distribute school backpacks. https://www.tallahasseefoodnetwork.com/ 

8. Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC): The group serves the Big Bend area by addressing various social justice issues and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. TCAC promotes community-based safety initiatives including holding law enforcement accountable. They conduct educational and outreach programs to raise awareness of social justice issues and empower community members to act. They have advocated on behalf of police crime victims, stopping the $60 million police station, and instituted a LGBTQ conversion therapy ban. https://www.tallycac.com/ 

We invite you to support these worthy organizations and their hard-working volunteers through your generous donation each Sunday service.