A Season of Possibility

Dear Friends,

As a new school year approaches, we at Everstand (formerly United Methodist Home for Children) are inviting you to help us launch a season of possibility—for young people who need it most.

With some school supply categories rising more than 20% in cost since the pandemic, for the students we serve, many of whom face significant financial hurdles, this growing burden can make back-to-school season feel overwhelming.

Your support can be the difference between a student simply returning to school and truly thriving. With your generosity, we can provide the tools, support, and stability that pave the way for lifelong success. All donations make an impact—for example:

• $25 could help to offset the cost of essential school supplies, ensuring every student has the basics to start the year with confidence.
• $50 could sponsor one individualized tutoring session, building a strong academic foundation for a struggling learner.
• $100 could provide access to engaging enrichment opportunities like art, culinary, or horticulture programming.
• $250 could supply multiple students with backpacks fully stocked with appropriate grade-level materials.
• $500 could underwrite calming kits or sensory tools to support students coping with trauma or anxiety.

You have the power to ensure that the youth in our programs start this school year ready to succeed—inside the classroom and beyond. You can visit www.everstand.org/backtoschool to make a fast, secure contribution today. No matter the size of your gift, it will create a lasting impact on a young person’s life. If you prefer to support our youth by purchasing supplies directly, please use the link provided to access our Amazon wish list. https://a.co/3OcNDH6

Thank you for being part of the Everstand family. Your support makes all the difference—and we’re so grateful to have you with us as we begin a new school year full of hope and promise.

Warmly,

Laurie Anne “LA” Spagnola, MSW
President & CEO, Everstand

Mission Central Thanks the Churches of The Susquehanna Conference!

 Alexis Pigott, Mission Central Director of Development & Communications

From all of us at Mission Central, thank you to the churches of the Susquehanna Conference for being part of our mission! When we called, you answered! Throughout 2024, your generosity enabled us to provide relief and hope to those who needed it most. 

Mission Central has been a cornerstone of disaster relief in 2024, coordinating recovery efforts with our partners and churches to provide immediate aid and help communities rebuild. Our disaster response efforts remain one of our most impactful, as we were able to support over 100,205 individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During a year when weather-related disasters were particularly devastating, we distributed all of the Flood Buckets in our warehouse (over 6,000). Supporters far and wide are helping us replenish our inventory so that we can meet the needs of upcoming disaster victims and continue to send resources to those already affected.

This year, we also hosted our first Gala fundraiser since 2019, our largest event of the year. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all those who contributed. The evening was filled with inspiring speeches and powerful stories that highlighted Mission Central’s impact. Our live auction energized the room, with attendees bidding generously to support our programs and disaster relief efforts. The silent auction was equally successful, with all items being bid on, thanks to the enthusiasm of our donors and guests. Held at Central Penn College, the event was attended by over 130 supporters dedicated to “Connecting God’s Resources with Human Need.” Thank you for believing in our mission! 

As we reflect on the success of our Gala and the support we’ve received throughout 2024, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation for the future. We remain committed to being a source of support for those in need, and with your help, we will continue to make a meaningful impact.

Our Medical Program continues to be one of our most vital services, providing urgent medical equipment to those in need. As demand for this program grows, we are adjusting our medical program operational hours to ensure efficiency. Beginning in January 2025, Medical Program supplies will only be available for pickup on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and must be scheduled in advance.

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to serving those in greatest need and sharing God’s love to inspire action and support communities around the world. Learn more and discover ways to give at www.missioncentral.org. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025 and beyond. 

Thank you! 

www.missioncentral.org

Mission Central

Thank you, Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church!

We are incredibly grateful for your support. We appreciate your financial donations, material donations and ongoing commitment to volunteering at Mission Central. 

We are incredibly grateful for our faithful volunteers, whether you are here every week or once in a while or work remotely, you are making a huge difference. We are incredibly thankful for our donors—material and financial. The in-kind goods from corporations and manufacturers allows us to partner to connect God’s resources with human need. The material donations allow us to improve the lives of others. Our financial donors allow our warehouse to run smoothly and assist in paying down our mortgage. We are so grateful to have churches, businesses, foundation, organizations, individuals and others contributing in this way.

Thank you to the partners who work with us, in-house and not, to ensure that the goods we receive are distributed to those in need. You allow us to expand our reach. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. You are helping us to drive this critical mission of “connecting God’s resources with human need.” Thank you for making a difference! Please continue to support Mission Central in any (and every!) way that you can.  

As we move forward, here are some ways you can get involved:

• Volunteer – just email us at volunteer@missioncentral.org to get involved!
• Join our Mission Fare, September 28 at Buhrig’s Gathering Place – for details, go to www.missioncentral.org.
• Bid in our October online auction – follow Facebook for additional details.
• Collect kits and kit supplies – they go a long way in helping others. Right now, we are collecting school supplies (rulers, pens, pencils and paper) as well as laundry detergent and deodorant.
• Give financially – every dollar assists someone in need.

Thank you for your support!