So what is Shepherd’s Table (soup kitchen)?
A new foundation, Our Place of Waldorf (http://www.ourplacewaldorf.com), is taking shape in Charles County. Our Place is led by two amazing women (Veronica and Deanna) who have devoted themselves to improving awareness of our local neighbors who are homeless or at-risk and creating a place for them to rest, find basic services, and be fed. Today it provides a single meal once a week through what it calls Shepherd's Table (currently hosted in Good Shepherd's Church on Smallwood Dr). In addition to being a place to rest, to talk, to be served and to eat, they are provided a take-home bag with water, easy to eat foods and usually some toiletries. The positive effect on those who attend is clear and the appreciation expressed by the 40+ adults and children typically served is tremendous.
How is OLHOC involved?
The OLHOC Outreach Committee was touched by the magnitude of the problem, which was "hidden in plain sight" for many of us before. We were most impressed by the dignity extended to our neighbors in need by this new foundation and decided to help Our Place by adopting the 3rd Thursday of each month (in June we are covering the 2nd Thursday). By taking over the planning, food costs, and volunteering for that week we'll be directly helping the poor while also helping Our Place focus their limited resources on further growing their foundation toward meeting its ambitious goals and vision.
How can you help?
First, please volunteer to come and participate in directly at Shepherd's Table on OLHOC's night. We need about 6-9 volunteers present from 3 until 7 (there are two shifts: 3-5 cook/setup and 5-7 serve/clean up). We also need a volunteer to plan. You and your group can do one or both shifts based on your availability. ***This link takes you to our sign-up website: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044FABAD2DAA8-olhc ***. This website allows you to sign up for one or more dates when you are available to volunteer and will remind you automatically as each date approaches. It also allows you to swap/update if needed. You can also just email Steve or Joy Fisher (stephen.e.fisher@gmail.com or jqfisher@gmail.com) and we can sign you up for the dates you select, if you'd prefer.
How else can you help?
Pray, encourage, donate clothes, goods, or money, and offer your time and assistance for Our Place to help their foundation and services grow. You can find contact information to do that directly if you'd like (http://www.ourplacewaldorf.com) or you can contact or donate toward their cause through the OLHC Outreach Committee (Steve or Joy Fisher (stephen.e.fisher@gmail.com or jqfisher@gmail.com can point you in the right direction for donations or offers of help via OLHC). Just reach out and indicate you'd like to help the Our Place outreach and feed or cloth our homeless.
Joy and Steve Fisher
240-339-3474