At the heart of Kingston’s Chalmers United Church is a quietly transformative initiative: four ongoing outreach programs supported by a grant from the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area in Fall 2024.
These programs ensure vulnerable residents have access to essentials: food, toiletries, and clothing, while linking them with life-changing support services.
For Carol Sleeth, Chalmers’ dedicated office administrator, leading the program is about meeting people where they are, without judgment or rigid rules. “We don’t have set parameters for where our help starts and stops. Everybody’s situation is different, and we offer specific help for each person’s particular needs whenever possible,” she explains.
Since receiving grant funding, Chalmers has been able to:
- annually provide grocery cards for over 1,000 visits to the Tuesday Community Outreach Program;
- more fulsomely stock the Blessing Box daily, a 24/7 pantry;
- assemble 200 Warm Feet for the Street packs, consisting of hats, mitts, socks, toiletries and treats to be distributed when cold weather hits;
- update and translate the Where to Turn Brochure containing useful local resources.
The hallmarks of these programs are compassion, flexibility, and deep community connection. Carol is quick to credit all the volunteers and church support for the success of the programs, along with the power of partnerships, whether with local organizations or donors, who all pitch in to weave a stronger safety net for Kingston’s vulnerable. Along with the dedicated core group of volunteers who work year-round, part of the program’s success is the partnership with Queen’s University students. Their energy brings fresh perspectives and extra hands. “The students are wonderful, as are all the volunteers. They work together to sort donations and connect recipients with housing and mental health services, treating everyone with respect while building connections.”
Another wonderful observation is the progression of several long-term relationships with recipients who initially used the programs and now regularly give back, sharing their invaluable lived experiences with others. Their gratitude speaks volumes about the difference caring can make.
“We’re so grateful for the trust and support this grant gave us,” Carol reflects. “It’s augmented our programs and enabled us able to better help people who need it most.”