Abundant Health Grants awarded to five congregations in Colorado and Wyoming

Story submitted by Janet Mulroy
Mission Engagement and Resource Strategist
Mountain Sky Conference

The Mountain Sky Conference has awarded Abundant Health Grants to five congregations totaling $5,200.00.  The grant applications were funded through contributions from the 2019 Bridge of Love offerings, 2019 Tug of Love, and the Children’s Health & Welfare Initiative.  The grant requests reflect innovative local church initiatives to address the needs in the neighborhoods and communities where they are located and partnerships that build lasting relationships. 

Fort Collins, CO FUMC was awarded $900 to expand and improve the Faith Community Nursing (FCN) ministry.  

"We will use this grant to get our FCN Ministry "up and running" with new equipment and scholarship funds to train more nurses.”

Gillette, WY FUMC was awarded $500 to provide free, locally grown, organic produce to at-risk youth as part of their hydroponic ministry program, in partnership with Youth Emergency Services.

“By providing free fresh produce we can encourage healthy eating, as well as build relationships with these young people."

Redlands, CO UMC was awarded $900 to provide training and equipment for an Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). This bolsters existing community-fundraising and provides training for two Boy Scout troops and staff. 

“Engaging the community to help us raise funds will make the AED more noticeable, and training Boy Scout troops will teach them skills that will follow them through their lives.”

St. Luke’s UMC, Highlands Ranch, CO was awarded $900 for two community programs that support individuals and families suffering from addictions: “FREE” a Spiritual Community and “Stigma” a sobriety program. 

"The health of our community requires the attention of all of its members working together in service for God."

Windsor, CO FUMC was awarded $2,000 to address the teen suicide rate in the region, by training 30 people through the Teen Mental Health First Aid program.

“We need to train key community members to serve as resources for those contemplating suicide. The more people we can educate, the greater the likelihood we can help someone in need.”

 
Watch for more funding opportunities to address Suicide Prevention at the local church level. 

More can be found about United Methodist Church Abundant Health Grants on their website, https://umcabundanthealth.org/.