On the wall behind Sandy Weaver’s desk hangs a painting of Jesus Christ washing one of His disciple’s feet on the evening of the Last Supper.
The painting is a fitting reminder of what the organization Weaver works for is all about ? love for our fellow man and humble service to those less fortunate.
Weaver, of Oakland Township, is the new executive director of the North Oakland County affiliate of Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC), which officially opened for business March 26.
‘It’s going real well,? she said. ‘People are very receptive.?
Consisting of 11 denominational and nondenominational churches in the Oxford/Orion area, the local Love INC affiliate was formed last year as a way for churches to help the disadvantaged in their communities by creating a cooperative network that links volunteers with people in need, so no one is ever turned away.
A dedication ceremony for Love INC will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church (140 E. Flint St.).
‘It’s more or less a kickoff ceremony to say we’re officially open,? said Weaver, who noted the public is welcome to attend.
Love INC established its headquarters on the second floor of the Georgetown Professional Building in Lake Orion.
From these modest offices, Love INC can effectively and adequately serve the needy through its ‘clearinghouse,? the nerve center of the entire operation.
The clearinghouse is where Love INC volunteers receive requests for help via telephone, screen them to determine the extent and legitimacy of the need and refer people to whatever local church program, volunteer or community agency can best handle their particular situation.
‘I’ve always thought that if the Christian churches got together, we could take care of the poor in our area,? said Clearinghouse Coordinator Jean Mitchell, of Oxford.
Since opening March 26, Love INC has taken about 30 phone calls from people requesting everything from food and financial aid to furniture and assistance leaving abusive relationships.
‘This one lady left (an abusive situation) with no clothes (packed),? Mitchell said. ‘She had access to a car, but didn’t have any gas or money.?
Weaver noted one day last week, the clearinghouse answered 11 calls.
‘The response has been unbelievable,? she said.
Mitchell said the clearinghouse makes life a lot easier for both the churches/agencies who provide help and the people who need it.
For the churches/agencies, Love INC’s screening process saves them time and effort. It also helps avoid duplication of services, so existing resources can be used more efficiently to help a greater number of people.
By serving as a central contact point, Love INC makes sure the people who need help get it without ‘all the running around? to numerous churches and agencies.
‘We have a list of donors that we can call and see if they can help with the situation,? sit Mitchell said. ‘That alleviates (our clients from) having to do the footwork.?
If someone needs food or help with rent/utilities, Love INC can send them to Oxford/Orion FISH.
If they need furniture, they’re sent to Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Orion, which operates a furniture bank.
If they need someone to help them through a problem like the death of a spouse or child, divorce, depression or financial difficulties, they can be referred to a number of local churches that offer what’s called a Stephen ministry.
A Stephen minister is someone who’s been specially trained to help others and is willing stay with them for ‘as long as it takes.?
‘They meet with them on a weekly basis or more (frequently) if needed,? Weaver said. ‘They’re basically listeners. They try to help them find the resources they need.?
Weaver said right now, Love INC needs someone willing to establish a clothes closet and one to start a transportation service.
‘We definitely have a clothing need,? she said. ‘Transportation is also a huge issue.?
The group could also use some budget counselors to help people better manage their limited incomes and stretch their dollars farther.
‘Budgeting is going to be a big thing,? Weaver said. ‘We need people who can sit down with them and figure out a budget plan to fit their income.?
Beyond meeting material needs and physical comforts, the group is devoted to changing people’s lives by giving them the tools and skills to improve themselves and make better choices in life.
‘We might be able to see some underlying causes of why they keep coming back (for help),? Mitchell said.
‘We want to try to get them out of the hole if we can,? Weaver added.
Love INC needs volunteers to answer the phones during office hours which are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Besides possessing ‘good telephone skills,? Weaver and Mitchell said volunteers should be ‘compassionate? members of the Christian faith ‘who are willing to pray with people? over the phone.
Being a Christian organization, the group believes in sharing, teaching and showing God’s love to all who need their help.
That’s why Mitchell went to work for Love INC after spending two years as a volunteer with FISH, which has no religious affiliation.
‘I see this as a chance to share my faith,? she said.
If you or someone you know needs Love INC’s help or you would like to volunteer call (248) 693-4357.
To donate to Love INC send checks or money orders to P.O. Box 104, Lake Orion, MI 48361.
‘We can always use monetary funds,? Weaver noted.