LOCAL OUTREACH

Imagine the impact we could have locally if we all gave God our “yes” and allowed him to use our unique gifts, passions, and experiences to serve others. Whether you have lots of time to volunteer each week or only a few hours every once in awhile, consider making the kind of difference that only you can make.

THERE'S A FOSTER CARE CRISIS IN OUR COMMUNITY BUT...

EVERYBODY CAN DO SOMETHING!

• There is a Foster Home GAP in La Crosse County: We need 110 homes but have only 69. That’s a gap of 41 homes!

• In August 2019 there were 160 children in out-of-home care in La Crosse County, up from 119 children this spring.
“Government isn’t the solution. Programs don’t change people. Relationships change people. We can’t provide that. Healthy relationships and healthy community is something the faith community can provide.”
– Jason Witt, La Crosse County Human Services Director

WILL YOU HELP?

FOSTER CARE

To learn more about opening your heart & home to become a foster parent, attend one of these upcoming La Crosse County Foster Care Orientation Sessions*:

Monday, Dec. 2 | 5:30-7:00 PM
Monday, Jan. 6 | 5:30-7:00 PM

*Must be 21 years or older & live in La Crosse County. Registration is required. Contact Rhonda Rude, La Crosse County Human Services at 608.789.4834 or [email protected]

FOSTER PARENTS NIGHT OUT

We understand not everyone is in a place to become a foster parent, but EVERYBODY CAN DO SOMETHING. First Free is hosting a special event on Friday, Jan. 24th to bless foster parents with a date night! Will you help us serve these families by giving parents a night off & having tons of FUN with the kiddos here at First Free?

Multiple volunteer opportunities are available:
• Food prep and serving
• Set up and tear down
• Kid counselors (2:1 kid to volunteer ratio is our goal)
• Prayer Team
• Photographer
• Greeters
• Craft prep prior to event
• Registration support
For questions & to sign up, email the Event Coordinator, Jen Wulf: [email protected]

PRAYER SUPPORT

Join us in praying for the children in Wisconsin currently waiting for adoptive families.

For a list of kids waiting for their forever families, including photos and short bios, visit: WIADOPT.ORG

FIRST FREE ADOPTION FUND

As Christians we are called to care for the orphan. James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

We offer a matching grant for families taking steps to begin the adoption process. If you would like to give to this fund CLICK HERE.

If you would like to learn more about our Adoption Fund please email [email protected]

THE FOOD PANTRY AT FIRST FREE

First Free has a monthly Food Drive on the 3rd weekend of every month. Please drop off food pantry donations to the left of the main entrance or at the Food Pantry door in the church lobby (across from the office).

Need some ideas for how to shop?
WISH LIST
If you would like to join the Food Pantry volunteer team or have questions please contact Carol Onstad.

NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Northside Elementary is located in La Crosse, just 5 miles from First Free Church. We consider it a privilege to partner with this school & other organizations to provide mentors for students who need additional academic and social support and guidance.

If you would like to learn how to become a mentor please contact Pastor Dave Konkol.
A unique shop in the lobby at First Free, where your purchases change lives. Each hand-made item tells a story. Our goal is to support men, women and children worldwide giving them the hope of a future. 100% of the proceeds from sales go directly to support ministries that are rescuing men, women and children from human trafficking.  

To ask about Volunteer Opportunities or if you have questions email [email protected].