Dear Friends,
Life is much like a garden. The most beautiful garden reaches its full potential and thrives because it continues to receive the proper nourishment and care. God creates and provides all that is needed: rich soil and seeds, sunshine and rain – the ingredients for growth and fulfillment.
The Café of Life is like a garden. With God’s help, the staff, Board and Operation Committee members provide the seeds that develop into programs that benefit the poor and needy people of our community. The volunteers are the gardeners who provide their time and energy to plant the seeds and cultivate what they produce with love and care. The donors continue to provide the equipment that we need so that more seeds can be added along with the tools to have a healthy harvest.
Our harvest is bountiful. No one need go to bed hungry at night due to receiving a hot nutritious meal and fresh produce and canned goods from our take-home pantry. Weekends are supplemented with a complete chicken dinner to prepare for the family at home. The outreach and migrant communities and needy Seniors also receive this bounty.
To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. Everyone has within himself the qualities and attributes of God including the capacity of limitless growth. We hope to provide the nourishment to support each person’s growth and development so as to express more of their divine potential.
At the Café we not only assist people with overcoming life challenges, but are supporting them in finding their talents through classes for children in music, crafts, swimming, healthy eating and bible school. Women receive empowerment as they support each other while developing skills in
sewing, cooking, planting gardens, and literacy with a goal of becoming contributing members in their families and the community.
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. Just as new growth in springtime brings new life, new growth at the Café brings new hope, empowerment and friendships that bloom. We strive for the day when no one lacks for basic resources and when dignity, justice and opportunity are a reality for all. God’s good is in every aspect of our lives. We greet new situations with confidence and are open to the blessings that await.
“He has not left himself without a witness in doing good – giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy”
Acts 14:17
Thank you for being a part of our garden,
Marietta Bala, Chairperson
Board of Directors, Café of Life