HOME Missions
HIGHLAND VALLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
HVUMC was officially named a Partner In Education with Watson Intermediate School which has 424 children in grades 1 through 5 in south Little Rock in November, 2010. Our Angel Tree for the past two Christmas seasons has provided over 125 children at Watson with Christmas presents, clothing, shoes, toys and school supplies. Over $6000 in monetary donations and gifts were provided by our congregation for the 2010 Angel Tree. In addition, an annual back to school uniform drive provided each Watson school child with two uniform shirts and one pair of uniform pants to begin the school year. As part of our mission to assist those in our community in need, hygiene kits have also been provided to the school as well as volunteers to read in classrooms to the childen. Watson's Children's Choir has performed for us in the traditional service and the children have provided art work to our church to show their appreciation.
Members of HVUMC receiving recognition for Partnership with Watson Elementary from the School Board.
INFANT CARE MINISTRY
It is hard to imagine anything more stressful than not being able to provide for one’s baby...yet it happens every day, right here in Central Arkansas. Founded at Highland Valley United Methodist Church as a mission outreach program, the Infant Care Ministry (ICM) provides short-term services to infants whose family cannot afford the basic necessities following their birth. The goal of the ICM is to provide baby supplies needed for the first several weeks when the baby goes home from the hospital. The “care basket” delivered contains Diapers, Baby Wipes, Diaper Ointment, Blankets, Formula, Bibs, Baby Lotion, Baby Bath & Shampoo, Baby Bottles and Newborn Clothing. An infant toy and child’s book are also included.
The ICM receives referrals from a variety of agencies, area hospitals and public county health units for mothers who have been screened by their programs. ICM supplies the basic care basket only once per new mother, so it is important that they are working with a reliable agency to help them find more long-term assistance if needed. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with the ICM, contact the Church Office at 224-6047. You can also help support this ministry program by purchasing a Kroger Gift Card in Gym on Sunday mornings. Each time you shop, Kroger donates 5% of your purchase total to Highland Valley UMC.
Family Promise of Pulaski County
Formerly called the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is a nationwide program working with “Family Promise” to house and feed families who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Highland Valley UMC is one of several churches in the central Arkansas area who have volunteered to host these families four times a year for a week at a time, providing meals and a safe place to sleep. On the week designated for our church to serve as host, three or four families (up to 14 people) arrive at Highland Valley on Sunday evening and have dinner. After dinner, they spend time together or with our church volunteers watching television, doing homework, playing basketball or just relaxing before bed time. Following breakfast each day, the families are picked up by van and return to the Day Center where the children attend school or daycare, parents work or center works assist families in finding work and permanent housing. There are no “special skills” needed to volunteer to help with the ministry – just a kind heart and willingness to serve. Volunteers are needed in three different areas: Evening/Dinner, Overnight/Host, and Morning/Breakfast. To find out more about volunteering in this area, call the church office. Website: familypromise.org.
OUR HOUSE
Our House is an emergency shelter for the homeless and a training center in Little Rock, which also provides free daycare for adults and their families. Located at 302 East Roosevelt Road, Our House Shelter also offers: meals for residents, a warming center at night, clothing or vouchers, referrals, basic life skills classes and personal care items. Each month groups from Highland Valley prepare and serve dinner to the approximately 50 family members staying at Our House. For more information: Phone: 501-374-7383. Website: www.ourhouseshelter.org.
SCOUTING
The Scouting program at Highland Valley provides opportunities and guidance for children and youth to develop physically, mentally, socially, morally and spiritually, building character and fostering good citizenship while having a safe and fun time. The church currently serves as host to several Girl Scout Troops for different age girls. We also sponsor Cub Scout Pack 335 and Boy Scout Troop 335. Website for Boy Scouts: scouting.org. Website for Girl Scouts: girlscouts.org.
Advocates for Battered Women
Advocates for Battered Women, Inc. (ABW), an organization to serve battered women and their children, was started in 1976 by a group of citizens concerned about how domestic violence was affecting their community. The Safehouse shelter was started through funding from the Crisis Center of Arkansas, Legal Aid Bureau of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Women's Rights, and the Presbyterian Urban Council. Since the opening of the shelter in 1978, thousands of women and children have had the opportunity for choice, a choice to have a life without violence. For help or more information, you may e-mail acadv18@arkansas.net or call 501.376.3219. Website: users.aristotle.net/~abw/abw2.htm.
ARKANSAS INGATHERING
Each year, Highland Valley participates in the Ingathering by collecting supplies to make various kits (health kits, school kits, etc.). For a complete list of supplies included in each kit, go to arumc.org.
ARKANSAS RICE DEPOT
Nearly one out of every six Arkansans lives in poverty. No area of the state is without need as poverty and hunger is a problem throughout all 75 counties. To meet this statewide need, the Arkansas Rice Depot has spent more than 22 years developing a presence across Arkansas. This ecumenical entity helps feed needy families by providing free food to about 300 hunger and homeless agencies across the state of Arkansas. The United Methodist Church is the largest denominational supporter to this agency.
In addition to the local food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens & schools that participate in their network, the Arkansas Rice Depot provides 10 regional food drops so food pantries outside of central Arkansas won’t have to make the long drive into Little Rock to access this food donation network. The Arkansas Rice Depot reaches out to those Arkansans in need through a variety of programs included Food for Kids, Food for Seniors and Disaster Relief. For more information: Phone 501-565-8855, Website: ricedepot.org.
CAMP ALDERSGATE
Camp Aldersgate located in western Little Rock, ministers to the needs of individuals and families from all economic, social and racial backgrounds, especially those who are isolated, lonely or have handicapping conditions. Camp Aldersgate provides summer camps and weekend respite camps for children with disabilities, after-school programming for at-risk youth, weekly activities for senior citizens, a weekly free medical clinic, family support programs, and summer mission work opportunities for youth and adults. Camp Aldersgate is located at 2000 Aldersgate Road in Little Rock. For more information: Phone 501-228-1444 Website: campaldersgate.net.
CAMP TANAKO
Situated on the banks of Lake Catherine between Hot Springs and Malvern, this camp and outdoor conference center offers year-round camping opportunities, training, fellowship and inspiration for children, youth and adults. Funds from the Methodist Church are a major source of support for the program and maintenance of the camp. Website: ww.camptanako.org.
HEIFER PROJECT INTERNATIONAL
The Heifer Project International supplies animals and training in their care to hungry families around the world as a way to feed themselves and become self-reliant. This unique mission strives to “pass on the gift” as people share their animals’ offspring with those in other countries—along with their knowledge, resources, and skills—an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe. This simple idea of giving families a source of food rather than short-term relief caught on and has continued for almost 60 years. Today, millions of families in 128 countries have been given the gifts of self-reliance and hope. For more information: Phone: 800-422-0474, Website: heifer.org.
UMC CONFERENCE BENEVOLENCES
What makes giving in the United Methodist Church different from other denominations is that it is in a Connectional System. Our church is a “connectional,” as opposed to “congregational,” or an “independent” church. What that means is that United Methodists are connected in many important ways – in mission, in vision, in service, in projects, in giving and in ministry. Through apportionment giving, we support retired ministers, educate clergy, provide programs to strengthen the local church, provide shelter and food for those in need, help build schools and provide medical aid for those in other countries, build new churches, and share in many other worthwhile causes and events that reach beyond ourselves. Through our giving at Highland Valley, we are able to accomplish tremendous things both locally and worldwide.
UMC WESLEY FOUNDATION
The Methodist Church supports the work and ministry of the Wesley Foundations on the campuses of the University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Southern Arkansas University, Henderson State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and the University of Central Arkansas. The goal of the Wesley Foundation on each campus is to gain a better understanding of the Bible, grow spiritually, and form friendships centered in Christ. At the heart of the Wesley Foundation are small Groups led by students and staff. These groups provide students the support and encouragement they need to live out their faith in college. If you know of a student attending a college that has a Wesley Foundation on campus, you can forward their name to the Director by going to the website for the specific college and using the e-mail address given on the Wesley Foundation page.
UMC SPECIAL SUNDAYS
One Great Hour of Sharing
Lent is the season of repentance, self-examination, and awareness of the hurts of the peoples of the world. One Great Hour of Sharing calls the Church to share the goodness of life with those who hurt.” (Par. 264.2, The Book of Discipline 2004)
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
World Communion Sunday calls the Church to be the catholic inclusive church. (Par. 264.3, The Book of Discipline 2004)
UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY
United Methodist Student Day calls the Church to support students as they prepare for life in united faith with knowledge.” (Par. 264.4, The Book of Discipline 2004)
UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF (UMCOR)
UMCOR, the not-for-profit international humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church, is active in many parts of the world bringing hope, providing relief from hunger and disasters, and teaching peace. When the Tsunami Disaster struck, UMCOR was one of the first on the scene providing relief. Highland Valley UMC donated almost $6,000 to UMCOR of which 100% went directly to Tsunami relief efforts. Together, United Methodist Churches nationwide donated over $32 Million following this disaster.
There are three ways you can volunteer to assist with UMCOR's work. Disaster response volunteers help in the recovery efforts following a disaster in the US.UMCOR Sager Brown volunteers go to Baldwin, Louisiana, to help with the work of sorting and shipping relief supplies to locations in the US and around the world. Volunteers can also go overseas with UMVIM to support the work of UMCOR field offices through the UMCOR Non Governmental Organization. For more information: phone 800-554-8583. There is also a wealth of information on their website: gbgm-umc.org/umcor.
UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
The United Methodist Children’s Home has been serving families and children for more than 100 years. Located at 2002 S. Fillmore Street in Little Rock, the home began as a movement to create an orphanage in the Methodist Church Little Rock Conference in 1897. In 1907, the denomination’s three annual conferences in Arkansas assumed the home’s financial obligations. The children at the orphanage attended Highland Methodist Church and Lee Elementary School. During the Depression in the 1930s, the women of the churches were dedicated to supporting the children’s needs, likely with clothing, entertainment, and other needs.
Initially created as an orphanage, now renamed Methodist Family Health, the home has expanded its services to provide a continuum of care for children and families with problems such as family conflict, school difficulties, family illness and financial or drug/alcohol problems—an emergency shelter, therapeutic foster care, therapeutic pre-school day treatment, residential homes, psychiatric residential treatment centers, a counseling clinic, and the Methodist Behavioral Hospital. For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact 501-661-0720.
UNITED METHODIST BEHAVIORAL HOSPITAL
United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc. was established in 1899 to address the need for care of orphaned and dependent children. In the decades that followed, the agency grew into a comprehensive residential treatment facility. In September of 2000, United Methodist Children’s Home founded a subsidiary corporation the United Methodist Behavioral Hospital, Inc. in Maumelle. Together these two corporations joined to form Methodist Family Health, a management company to operate the full continuum of care established by United Methodist Children’s Home. In addition, they formed a new not-for-profit corporation as Methodist Health Foundation to be the fundraising and development arm of the Children’s Home and Hospital. Website: www.umbh.org.
YOUTH EMERGENCY SHELTER
The Youth Emergency Shelter is a program to assist runaway and homeless children and is run by the Centers for Youth and Families. CYF began in 1884 and is the oldest continuously operating not-for-profit in Arkansas. First established in 1884 as the Children’s Aid Society, it became the Little Rock Orphans Home in 1907, the Elizabeth Mitchell Memorial Home in 1947 and, finally, the Centers for Youth and Families in 1987. Today, the Centers’ services concentrate on providing help for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed youth and providing prevention services to at-risk youth.
The Youth Emergency Shelter provides immediate temporary shelter to youth in crisis age 8 to age 17. The shelter provides a stable environment as well as safety and compassionate support for youth who are in state custody or are considered homeless or runaways. Website: youthandfamilies.org.
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