A Community Outreach is a moment of fellowship where friendships are built, stories, struggles and hopes are shared and trust solidified. Volunteers and the inExcelsis team work together to provide great care, outpouring love and respect to our guests. It is a place where the wall of “US and THEM” is intentionally torn down to create
"... God's love doesn't seek value, it creates value. It is not because we have value that we are loved, but because we are loved that we have value. Our value is a gift, not an achievement."
- William Sloane Coffin
Community Outreach
A demonstration of Love and Compassion.
a joyful environment for people to engage in genuine conversation with one another. Volunteers and the inExcelsis team are encouraged to be in the posture of RECEIVING from the guests as well which could be their stories, their names, a hug or a big smile of appreciation.
We provide a variety of services to assist our friends in their paths to self sufficiency efficiently.
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Bible Exploration
- Group and individual Counseling
- Case Management (Birth Certificate, Identification, Social Security etc)
- House Advocacy
- FREE Clothing and personal products shopping
- Crafts and other Valuable workshops.
- Community building Games
When?
We have our community outreach event every first 03 Saturdays of the month at the inExcelsis Community Outreach Center (One Family Church-Shaw Campus) from 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m, and at selected encampment or shelter the last Saturday of the month.
There are several volunteer opportunities to make a practical impact on people’s lives. We are more like a family than a team where every voice counts, every opinion is valued and love each other with grace and patient compassion.
Here are a few ways you can get involved and make a direct impact NOW:
- Join the team of volunteers today by signing up HERE , or by reaching out to Nicole Mattingly,
- Sponsor a meal or make a monetary donation HERE
- Take 3 minutes to pray for inExcelsis, the team and the clients.
- Subscribe to our Newsletter
New
Free Therapy Sessions
inExcelsis partnered with CarePoint Christian Counseling to provide a full range of counseling services to our unhoused friends twice a month at the inExcelsis Outreach Center at a flat rate paid by inExcelsis. This partnership marks a huge milestone as we continuously thrive to provide a better holistic assistance to our unhoused friends.
Street Sanctuary
A response to the spiritual thirst.
Every Sunday from 10:45 a.m - 12:00 p.m, is held Street Sanctuary at the Little Sisters' shelter.
Street Sanctuary is an unconventional, Jesus Christ centered worship service designed to purposely create a sacred space where Hearts are poured out, Feelings are expressed, Sins are confessed to wash and carry away the hurt, the pain, and the guilt without any judgements.
It is also a place where it is okay to be a sinner seeking for a fresh start with Jesus Christ and safe to grow together as a community.
Chairs are arranged in a circle so everyone can see each other, a coffee table with thermoses or carafes of coffee and hot water, cups, sugar, creamer, stirrers and napkins is also set up. Then the service starts with the following articulations:
- Sharing: the conductor goes around the circle so everyone has a chance to say their name before they answer to question like “What is one thingyou have done throughout the week you feel proud of, thankful for or happy about?”
- Music: the conducting team provides printed lyrics of the songs more familiar and compatible with the topic of the day.
- Prayer: speaker may arrange for someone to pray before the message or may pray herself/himself.
- Message: a short message or testimony that has application to situation of the residents. Recently, we have been experimenting sharing the message in form of skits, courtesy of Molly U. a Missionary in India currently on sabbatical in St. Louis. This method encourages more participation.
- Communion: a light lunch for about 20-30 people is provided at the end of every session. Maybe fast food box lunches, brown bag lunches, pizzas or homemade pulled pork, hotdogs or salad are always greatly appreciated.
"My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." James 5:19-20 . NRSV
There are several ways to participate or support this program to further its mission of helping people build a healthy relationship with God. We plan on expanding this program to two other locations that have requested for it and eventually hit the streets.
- Join the team of conductors by reaching out to Sandy Kennedy,
- Sponsor a meal or making a monetary donation HERE
- Provide 40 to 50 cups of coffee
- Take 7 minutes to pray for inExcelsis, the team and the clients.
Winter Safe Haven
Winter Safe Haven
This program is activated when temperatures get frigid (below 25°F), providing nights in motels rooms for unhoused individuals, unhoused families and unsheltered veterans left in between the cracks.
Mobile Hygiene Initiative
Imagine…a Mobile Sanitation program to help our unhoused brethren to RECONNECT WITH THEIR DIGNITYTHROUGH A SIMPLE SHOWER…
InExcelsis’ mobile shower operation “Dignity On Wheels” is a much-needed service for the unhoused population in St. Louis. The project will improve the health and well-being of unhoused individuals, restore their sense of dignity, hope and self-respect, and provide them with access to essential resources.
With the support of the community, inExcelsis’ mobile shower initiative can become a sustainable and impactful project that will benefit the unhoused population in the greater St. Louis for years to come.
To provide a safe, hygienic, and dignified showering experience to unhoused individuals across the City. And promote better health outcomes for unhoused individuals through access to basic hygiene facilities.
To restore a sense of dignity and self-respect to the unhoused population in St. Louis. Provide other essential services, such as health screenings, referrals to other community resources, and hygiene education.
To share the Gospel of restoration and salvation, thus make disciples. Raise awareness about the issue of homelessness in St. Louis and the need for basic hygiene facilities.
Partnership
Our team has worked diligently to develop a comprehensive plan for the Mobile Shower Project, taking into account logistical, operational, and outreach aspects. We believe that this project aligns with the global church’s mission to alleviate the suffering of people and create a more inclusive and compassionate community.
We would like to discuss potential collaboration opportunities and seek your valuable insights and guidance on how to best implement this initiative in a manner that benefits the community optimally.
Direct Support
We are truly honored to have you on this new journey of impact and life transformation through the Mobile Shower Operation.
By donating to our Wishlist, you’re not only providing towels, soap, toiletries, and more; you’re giving the gift of hope, respect, and human connection. Your support fosters a sense of belonging, reminding our community members that they are not alone. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey!
Volunteer With Us
At inExcelsis, our programs and services benefit immensely from the dedication of volunteers. Your contributions are indispensable in providing comprehensive support for our unhoused friends and guests. From direct care to fundraising and community engagement, your involvement is pivotal. inExcelsis stands as a testament to the transformative impact volunteers bring to a community program.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the forthcoming commitment of your time and energy to inExcelsis and your community. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate and build meaningful relationships.
As you may likely be aware, a significant number of unhoused individuals in our city lack access to basic hygiene facilities, including showers. This can lead to serious health issues, a lack of self-esteem, and a reduced quality of life. To help address this issue, we are pursuing this dream of ours to have a Mobile Sanitation Program that provides access to private, hygienic and dignified bathing experience to the unhoused individuals in our City.
The mobile shower operation consists of a trailer equipped with four private shower units, each containing a shower, toilet, and sink. The trailer will be towed by a truck and will be parked at different locations throughout the city to serve the unhoused population where they are. The trailer is also equipped with a water heater and a generator to provide hot water and electricity to the facilities
In addition to the showers, the mobile shower initiative will also provide other essential services, such as health screenings, referrals to other community resources, prayers and Gospel sharing, and hygiene education.