The goal of the Missions Board at FCC Stamford is to address critical needs in the areas of housing, food, and health and to reach people in need not only in the community but also on a national and global level. The Board carefully oversees funds that pump life into much needed service organizations.

On the local level, FCC Stamford works with trusted organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to citizens in our community who need a helping hand. The following local organizations are part of our mission outreach:

• Pilgrim Towers. This residential facility provides housing for the elderly, generously built by the churches of the United Church of Christ Fairfield Association.
• Interfaith Council (Council of Churches and Synagogues). The southwestern Connecticut council offers an opportunity for people of different faiths to come together for collaboration and conversation on issues that affect both our community and the world in which we live.
• Stamford Counseling Center. This center provides outreach services for individuals and families who cannot afford the usual cost of psychotherapy and family therapy.
• Domestic Violence Crisis Center. This crisis center serves both mothers and their children.
• Shelter for the Homeless. Because FCC Stamford was instrumental in getting this shelter up and running, it is an organization close to our hearts.
• Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. From this volunteer-run organization, individuals, homeless shelters, and families in need receive necessary meals.
• Laurel House. This facility helps our mentally ill friends and neighbors to better acclimate to life in our community.
• New Covenant House of Hospitality (Soup Kitchen). In conjunction with other local churches, FCC Stamford cooks one meal a month for this deserving place that also supplies meals for children at the Yerwood Center.
• Person-to-Person. This social service provides clothing, furniture, and temporary housing for those in need; it also provides scholarships to deserving students.
• Yerwood Center. This center takes in Stamford inner-city youth who have no place to go after school. Here they are safe and can get help with homework and even a hot meal.
• Malta House for Homeless Pregnant Mothers. This is a home for young girls who want to keep their babies. Here they receive assistance in obtaining their GED and learn job and life-coping skills.

On the national as well as international level, FCC Stamford is proud to partner with deserving institutions that need our help. All of these organizations are thoroughly researched and approved by the Mission Partners of the Connecticut Conference. Our Missions Board currently lends its support to the following:

• Back Bay Missions. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the poorest of the poor in Biloxi, Mississippi, were hit especially hard. FCC Stamford sends volunteers to this area to help them in rebuilding their community.
• Charles Hall Youth Services. This organization works with Native American youth and other young people who are in need.
• Elon Homes for Children. This organization gives safe shelter to and educates young people who are homeless or who cannot stay with their families.
• Emmaus Homes. The mission of this organization is to enhance the quality of life for adults of all beliefs who have cognitive, intellectual, or other developmental disabilities.
• Ryder Memorial Hospital. This very special hospital in Puerto Rico was founded by one of our esteemed church members, Charles Jackson Ryder.
• Upland Retirement Village.
• Union Theological Seminary. We are proud to support this renowned seminary that educates so many of our pastors and clergy.

Throughout the year, FCC Stamford also supports deserving organizations by asking for special offerings. These include Blanket Sunday, One Great Hour of Sharing, Christmas in April, Neighbors in Need, and Veterans of the Cross.
Mission Trips

Mission trips through FCC Stamford are an exciting way to get involved and lend a helping hand. We offer several opportunities to those who want to go beyond our church walls to help those in need.

• Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi
• Youth mission trips
• Independent mission trips (available through the United Church of Christ National Office)
• Habitat for Humanity
• Bike-n-Build
• Homes for the Brave