UU Principles In Action: The Kearney Center

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The 8 Principles of Unitarian Universalism (UU) challenge us to live better, more just lives and focus us as we begin building the beloved community right here and now, as individual UUs and as the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee (UUCT).  As Bob Deyle so eloquently stated in his February 5th service, “joining together with our brothers and sisters we can build a Beloved Community where poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated and where justice shall roll down like waters”*.

Our Principles include:

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person [Principle 1], which means respect guides us in all of our interactions with anyone.
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations [Principle 3], which requires all to actively engage in ensuring conditions are supportive for all to thrive.

These Principles call on us to do more than sit on the couch and watch PBS.  As Bob challenged us, there are many ways that anyone can take action for social justice.

There are a lot of organizations in the Tallahassee area that are doing great work.  One of them is the Kearney Center, which UUCT has supported for many years.  Some of you have served meals or made donations in the past.  Kearney’s mission is to offer help and hope by creating solutions that provide a path to self-sufficiency to those in poverty.

Kearney’s primary services include temporary emergency shelter, meal services, housing-focused case management, healthcare, diversion, and outreach.  In 2022, the Center moved 105 clients into stable housing and diverted 382 community members from homelessness.

On Sunday, April 2nd, Kearney will be our Share The Plate (STP) partner.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions and get more information when Vicki Butler, Director of Kearney Center Operations, is our STP guest.  They can use volunteers in many areas, as well as donations of money and supplies.  To learn more about their impact, sign up for their newsletter at https://kearneycenter.org/about/join-newsletter/.

*From 8 Principles In Action by Kiakiali Bordner:  https://www.uua.org/worship/words/chalice-lighting/8-principles-action

Larry needed help securing a place to live after temporarily staying with a family member. Despite his disability becoming worse, he was determined to live independently. With the help and care of The Kearney Center, Larry was connected with the help he needed to live on his own again.