Press Releases

 November 18, 2024

 One Mission Cambridge Expands 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner 

This year’s 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be bigger than ever. The event, to be held on Monday, November 25 at 1 p.m. at the Cambridge Wesleyan Church at 803 Race Street in Cambridge, hopes to serve 400 people.

By partnering with new partners, the Cambridge Police Department, the Cambridge Wesleyan Church, Carmela’s Cucina, and Garden Church, One Mission Cambridge and its existing partners, Taqueria Floritas and Simmons Center Market, along with the help of the community, hopes to reach even more individuals this holiday season by offering one “sit-down” or one “to-go” meal per person options.

“We are so pleased with all of the new partners, donors, and volunteers who have come together this year to make this event happen. We reached over 300 people last year and hope to reach even more this year. It takes a village, and we are grateful to our Cambridge community for their continued generosity in helping to meet the needs of our most vulnerable community,” states Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge.

Antoine Patton of the Cambridge Police Department, one of the new partners with the event, shares that for the past 10 years, the Cambridge Police Department has been supplying families with Thanksgiving meals to cook.  They wanted to do more, so for the past three years we have been doing a Thanksgiving dinner and each year have fed over 300 community members. He shares, “This year we partnered with One Mission because we realized that by working together, we could make this dinner bigger and better.”

“The Thanksgiving dinner is important to our community because in this day and time unfortunately everyone cannot afford to purchase dinner with the rising cost of food and some of our senior community live off of a fixed income. We at the Cambridge Police Department want to be a blessing to those who are in need.  Also, there are others who would be spending Thanksgiving alone and this is an opportunity for them to have dinner with other members of our community,” he adds.

According to Chris Rojas, owner of Taqueria Floritas in Cambridge, his restaurant will cook 18 to 20 turkeys purchased through Simmons Center Market, as well as prepare the mashed potatoes and gravy. Carmela’s Cucina supplies the side dishes, and local churches donate the desserts. A number of the partners are also supplying volunteers to staff the event. The purchase of food for the meal is made possible by community donations.

“Thanksgiving spirit is about coming together. It’s a chance to say hello to our neighbors and tell them that we see them and we care. It’s also a way to bridge the gap between community members. A warm meal is all it takes,” states Rojas.

For further information about the Thanksgiving meal, visit onemissioncambridge.org.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, or Instagram. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured left to right are partners for this year’s Thanksgiving Community Dinner in Cambridge: Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge; Chris Rojas, owner of Taqueria Floritas; Ricky Simmons, Simmons Center Market; Ann Crocker and Barbara Schneider of the Cambridge Wesleyan Church and One Mission Cambridge; and Antoine Patton of the Cambridge Police Department.

 August 20, 2024

One Mission Cambridge recently announced that Shelly Houlihan has been named Mission Center Manager.

Houlihan moved to the Eastern Shore in 2011 from Michigan with her husband and son after working for 28 years in the healthcare industry as a nursing assistant and licensed nurse. Through her work in individual case management, she developed a passion for assisting patients and advocating for better care, particularly connecting vulnerable populations to available resources. Since leaving the healthcare industry, Houlihan has opened two successful e-commerce businesses.

“Cambridge feels like home and I really wanted to give back to this community. That led me to volunteer at One Mission Cambridge,” she recalls.

“Shelly stepped up from being a valued volunteer to take on this new responsibility of managing our food pantry and resource center. We are thrilled to have her leadership skills and look forward to what she will bring to the Center’s growth,” adds Krista Pettit, Executive Director of One Mission Cambridge.

One Mission Cambridge, formed in 2022, provides quality programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. Due to the increasing numbers, One Mission Cambridge is seeking volunteers to work three different shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

“I am excited to make a direct impact in the lives of my neighbors and use my prior knowledge to better connect clients with resources, encourage healthy habits, and build a stronger Cambridge community!” Houlihan states.

To learn about One Mission Cambridge, visit the website, onemissioncambridge.org. To volunteer, please reach out to Shelly, the new mission center manager, at manager@onemissioncambridge.org or 443-521-5226.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, or Instagram. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured is Shelly Houlihan, new Mission Center Manager at One Mission Cambridge.

August 11, 2024

 One Mission Cambridge Needs Volunteers for Expanded Food Pantry 

 One Mission Cambridge recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce for its newly expanded mission center on Race Street in Cambridge. The expanded space will enable the organization to increase its capacity to serve some of Cambridge’s most vulnerable populations. The nonprofit, formed in 2022, provides quality programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services.

Due to the increasing numbers, One Mission Cambridge is seeking volunteers to work three different shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

“We average about 375 people a month who utilize the food pantry and our mission center as a place to receive a snack or lunch and encouraging words. The new space has enabled us to receive more people and to spend more time with them just socializing through visiting with one another or playing games. Volunteers can play an important role in them feeling welcome and supported,” comments Krista Pettit, Executive Director of One Mission Cambridge.

For Toby Refosco of Cambridge, One Mission Cambridge has been a wonderful place to meet new people since she started two years ago. A retiree, she volunteers a few times a month stocking shelves in the food pantry, helping clients shop for food items, and visiting with them and playing board games in the newly expanded space on Race Street.

“I didn’t realize there were so many homeless people who needed help in our town. I have met some extremely nice people who have found themselves in unfortunate circumstances. I haven’t met anyone who wasn’t friendly here,” Refosco shares.

“I think it’s important to help those who are less fortunate and to make them feel welcome and a part of the community.  We don’t want them to feel ostracized for being homeless. You see the challenges they are facing and hope that they do ok and get the services they need. If people volunteered once, they would come back. You meet the most interesting people and learn their stories,” she adds.

On Thursdays, the center offers hot meals, serving about 35 people on that day.

To learn about One Mission Cambridge, visit the website, onemissioncambridge.org. To volunteer, please reach out to Shelly, the new mission center manager, at manager@onemissioncambridge.org or 443-521-5226.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, or Instagram. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured left to right are Krista Pettit, Executive Director of One Mission Cambridge talking with Charlotte Harris, staff of Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes at the center’s recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.

May 15, 2024

One Mission Cambridge Expands to Meet Growing Need

One Mission Cambridge is expanding this spring, increasing its capacity to serve some of Cambridge’s most vulnerable populations. The nonprofit, formed in 2022, provides quality programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services.

“We average about 375 people a month who utilize the food pantry and our mission center as a place to receive a snack or lunch and encouraging words. The new space next door will store the food and folks will shop there.  It will also offer private consultation rooms for clients needing access to resources. Our current space will be set up more like a cafe to accommodate the growing number of people who eat lunch or a snack and receive other case management services from us.  This expansion will also allow us to host more community programs,” comments Krista Pettit, Executive Director of One Mission Cambridge.

On Thursdays, the center offers hot meals, serving between 20 and 25 people on that day. The clients and volunteers on this particular Thursday tell the center’s growth and story best – finding hope in an otherwise discouraging world.

Malana Miya of Cambridge, both a client and a volunteer, finds the center welcoming and friendly.

“I have a lot of respect for this organization because it feeds people but doesn’t judge them. Volunteers create a welcoming environment at the resource center, offering hot meals and the best coffee in Cambridge. It’s the only resource center I have ever found that is like walking into a family’s home. There is trust, hope, and compassion. The spirit of God is here. It’s like they are building a kingdom,” she states.

“They greeted me with love the first time I came here and helped me with my electric bill. They asked me to help one day so I do whatever they need. It gives me purpose. I see friends and make friends here. We needed this in this neighborhood,” adds Donald Jackson of Cambridge, another client and volunteer.

“People of all ages come here and everyone gets along. It is growing every day.”

Donald Jackson values the pantry's approach of allowing clients to shop for their own groceries.

Delois Laws of Cambridge, who was visiting One Mission Cambridge for the first time, shares, “It is nice and warm and courteous here. Food is something we need to nourish the body. It’s like shopping at a store, we don’t get things we don’t use.”

Chris Baltimore of Cambridge, a regular client, now helps unload the food trucks when they make deliveries at the center. He states, “Even though I work, I use the food pantry to help make ends meet. The people here are what make it special.”

Terry Smith of Cambridge has been a volunteer since One Mission Cambridge opened. She enjoys cleaning and giving out food to people who really need it. She adds, “I came to meet friendly people. I love everything they have here.”

Tim Sterrett of Cambridge works part-time in retail. He shops at the food pantry once a month for himself and his mother. He started coming after having surgery for Stage 3 bone cancer.

“It really helped me out after the surgery as I couldn’t have gone to a grocery store and shopped due to my limitations. One Mission Cambridge helps the neighborhood out. We need more resources for people. If they didn’t have this, people would be struggling,” he comments.

To learn about One Mission Cambridge, visit the website, onemissioncambridge.org, or call 410-901-3959.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, and Instagram, or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption:

Pictured left to right are first-time clients of One Mission Cambridge: Monique Smith, Delois Laws, and Rosemary Wongus.

February 27, 2024

One Mission Cambridge Sponsors Purse Bingo Fundraiser

One Mission Cambridge is sponsoring a Purse Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, March 24 at the Elks Lodge at 5464 Elks Lodge Road in Cambridge. Doors open at noon and bingo starts at 2 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support One Mission Cambridge’s programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services to help its neighbors in need.

According to Lauren Mikelson, fundraiser at One Mission Cambridge, “The event is a fun way to support One Mission Cambridge while getting a chance to win some fabulous designer purses. It’s a great way to get family or friends together to support a good cause. The need for our services is increasing daily. We hope people will buy tickets, come out, and support a good cause,” comments Mikelson.

Tickets for the Purse Bingo cost $30 each. Lunch will be provided by the Elks for an additional fee. For further information or to buy tickets visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Bingo2024 or call Lauren Mikelson at 443-205-9311.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, and Instagram, or call 410-901-3959. For further information about donating to One Mission Cambridge, contact Lauren Mikelson at 443-205-9311 visit onemissioncambridge.org, or follow the organization on Facebook at onemissioncam. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured is the One Mission Cambridge Purse Bingo flyer.

September 19, 2023

One Mission Cambridge Finds Cambridge is Better When Working Together

One Mission Cambridge has been helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women, and children in Cambridge one resident at a time since its opening in June 2022. By consolidating some of the area’s food pantries, One Mission Cambridge offers a food pantry store where people can shop for what they need in a dignified manner. In addition, the center offers community navigation with computers onsite for people to research jobs complete job applications, and look up resources to help them connect to community services. By partnering with many of the community’s other churches, nonprofits, businesses, and government, the organization is bringing hope to the city’s most vulnerable populations.

“Food insecurity is much higher than I think most people know in Dorchester County. The good news is we have a lot of people working hard at that. Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge, has done a really good job of holding this community coalition together around this issue,” comments Bill Christopher, President/CEO of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.

“Working in a coordinated effort, where the government, the nonprofit community, and the business community, come together and work to solve the problem is the answer. None by themselves is going to be able to do so.”

One Mission refers job seekers to the American Job Center, through the Workforce Investment Board at Chesapeake College’s Cambridge Center, which has resources, including computers, available to help job seekers.

Petitt hopes that more churches and businesses will consider partnering with her organization in the future, either through volunteering, providing resources, or partnering on programs and activities that can help Cambridge residents. She comments, “We are so grateful for those who have stepped up and offered their help. In a year, we have been able to accomplish amazing things together for this community, serving 710 different individuals, and supporting 1673 people, including 533 children, 772 adults, and 368 seniors just in the last few months. We could do even more with more of us partnering.”

Mayor Steve Rideout echoes Christopher’s comments, praising Krista on her coalition-building efforts. states, “We need to be focusing more on partnerships and collaboration. You can reach far more if you join together.”

“We have so many people who are above the poverty level receiving government benefits. In Cambridge, 57% of the population meets these criteria compared to 45% in Dorchester County. People are afraid of the government systems, many of whom because the systems don't work or haven't worked for them. They don't trust the systems in place and people just take care of their own families.”

“One Mission Cambridge volunteers and staff are nonjudgmental and are saying, just come. Once people come and realize there are no strings attached, they take what they need and they come back again. That's what I think will change the culture of those who mistrust government or agencies into a culture where people will be more likely to trust. You can't have hope if your basic needs aren't being met – you can't have a belief that you're going to get out of where you are,” he adds. 

“What I think One Mission Cambridge is accomplishing, by offering and not making demands, is helping people to see that there's something different out there for them. One Mission Cambridge is a caring, responsive organization that will help them without any strings attached.”

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, and Instagram, or call 410-901-3959. For further information about donating to One Mission Cambridge, contact Krista Pettit at 443-521-6825. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured is an aerial of the City of Cambridge. One Mission Cambridge has been helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women, and children in Cambridge one resident at a time since its opening in June 2022. (photo courtesy of the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce)

July 21, 2023

One Mission Cambridge Celebrates First Anniversary

One Mission Cambridge recently celebrated its first anniversary with a picnic at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. Over 100 people came to the event which provided food and drink.

According to Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge, the organization served a record number of clients in the last two months. In May and June, One Mission Cambridge Center served 710 different individuals, supporting 1673 people, including 533 children, 772 adults, and 368 seniors.

“After one year, the news has spread about our services. Our location has proved ideal to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. One Mission Cambridge is about the Body of Christ working together – combining resources and people. This past year, our churches have come together in supporting our combined missions of loving God and loving our neighbors.  All Christian Churches are invited to participate in what we are doing,” she states.

To date, One Mission Cambridge provides quality programs, including a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services.

Resident Terry of Cambridge, comments about One Mission Cambridge’s food pantry, “It’s so nice to be able to pick out what you want like the grocery store. I hate to throw away food because often somebody else with kids could use it. I also participated in a Bible Study they have during the day and have also met a lot of new friends at the community dinner. One Mission Cambridge is helping a lot of people.”

Another client of the nonprofit, Brenda of Cambridge, shares, “I am getting less from the grocery store at the end of the month because of inflation and my food stamps don’t get me through anymore. One Mission Cambridge is located in the right spot for the people who need it.”

For other clients, some who own their own homes, using the resources of One Mission Cambridge means being able to make ends meet to be able to stay in their homes. Married couple Ray and Pat of Cambridge are living on limited income due to disabilities. The couple even thought of selling their house to be able to pay their bills.

“This place has been such a blessing to us. We attend the community dinner once a month and shop at the food pantry beforehand where we can shop for our own food items. We even try to give back by giving other clients rides home,” states Ray.

“The older you get, there are not as many resources to help you. We are forever grateful,” adds his wife Pat. 

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. for services. For additional information visit onemissioncambridge.org, Facebook, and Instagram, or call 410-901-3959. For further information about donating to One Mission Cambridge, contact Krista Pettit at 443-521-6825. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Photo: One Mission Cambridge recently celebrated its first anniversary with a picnic at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. .

March 14, 2023

One Mission Cambridge Launches Community Partner Program

One Mission Cambridge has launched a “Community Partner” program with businesses in Dorchester County to help bring its services to more residents in Cambridge.

To date, Riverview Restaurant, Heirloom Athletics, and Aldi in Cambridge have committed to supporting One Mission Cambridge through a variety of offerings. Riverview Restaurant is donating a portion of its restaurant sales on March 30 to benefit the organization, while Aldi of Cambridge, a retail partner, is donating surplus food items to One Mission Cambridge’s Food Pantry.

Heirloom Athletics of Cambridge is collecting food items in May to support One Mission Cambridge’s “Healthy Pantry Meals” program in June. The gym, which is affiliated with CrossFit, is moving toward becoming a Center for Health Care and Healing and the program aligns perfectly with the business’s mission, according to owner Karah Bunde. Food items to be collected are ingredients for June’s healthy meal at One Mission Cambridge. In addition to collecting food items in the month of May at the gym, Heirloom Athletics will collect items at its annual MURPH Memorial Day Weekend CrossFit Workout on May 27 beginning at 9 a.m. A list of needed items will be provided at the gym.

“We were introduced to One Mission Cambridge through one of our members who volunteer there. We have become aware of the important role that One Mission Cambridge plays in our community,” comments Karah Bunde, Owner and Director of Shenanigans at Heirloom Athletics.

“Many people are unaware of the needs we have in this community. Businesses need to ask the question, ‘How can we continue to collaborate to help make the community stronger?’”

One Mission Cambridge, a coalition of Christian churches and ministries that is meeting the physical and spiritual needs of men, women, and children in Cambridge, serves an average of 210 individuals a month at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. The organization offers such quality programs as a food pantry, community navigation, counseling services, and community dinners that are offered on the first Monday of every month. According to Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge, it takes $208,890 a year to fund One Mission Cambridge’s operations and donations are needed to keep the organization moving forward this year. 

“I am continuing to meet with area businesses to form partnerships that can align our efforts to assist our neighbors. We have a generous community that I know will accept this challenge,” she adds.  

For further information about how to become a Community Partner of One Mission Cambridge, contact Krista Pettit at 443-521-6825. The organization is still in need of volunteers and volunteer training is available for a variety of shifts. One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Visit One Mission Cambridge on Facebook or Instagram or their website onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Photo:  Pictured left to right are Krista Pettit, Director of One Mission Cambridge, with Stephanie Woolford from Aldi, one of One Mission Cambridge’s new Community Partners.

February 6, 2023

One Mission Cambridge, a coalition of Christian churches and ministries that is meeting the physical and spiritual needs of men, women, and children in Cambridge, helped 632 individuals from June through December 2022. On average, 210 individuals received help at its mission center monthly in 2022 helping to feed 558 household members which included 198 children, 291 adults, and 69 seniors.

“We are declaring 2023 to be the year of abundance for One Mission Cambridge. Abundant gifts of love will be opened to expose resources and improve lives and greatly impact families to change the trajectory of Cambridge toward peace, reconciliation, and movement out of impoverished situations.”

In the coming year, One Mission Cambridge will continue to provide quality programs of a food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services. The organization, which just completed a strategic plan for 2023 to 2025, has the following goals for the next two years: 

• Expansion of the mission center space to provide a waiting area for fellowship
• Expansion of church and volunteer participation 
• Expansion of the food pantry to offer healthy eating educational programming, displays, and cooking classes 
• Expansion of the counseling program to include Christian Support Groups 
• Creation of a sustainable income source for the center’s operational budget

Community dinners, which started in October 2022, will continue on the first Monday of every month. The average attendance at the dinners is 70 people and growing.

“I think the thing that gives me the most pleasure is the Community Dinners. These dinners are hosted by volunteers from local churches. I love to see everyone who attends have their spirits and their bellies filled! I thank God every day for the opportunities he provides us to serve others,” states Diane Twilley, President of One Mission Cambridge.

“Over the past 15 years, I have found that my passion is for serving those in our community who have so much less than I do. One Mission Cambridge enables me to meet people where they are, build relationships, and share the love of Christ in a very real and meaningful way. It is not about religion or denominations, it is about Christians uniting and doing what we are called to do, and I love this,” adds Ann Crocker, Secretary of One Mission Cambridge.

According to Pettit, it takes $208,890 to fund One Mission Cambridge’s operations and donations are needed to keep the organization moving forward in the coming year. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

The organization is still in need of volunteers and volunteer training is available for a variety of shifts. To date, over 15 churches are now working with One Mission Cambridge. All Christian Churches are invited to participate. Persons and churches interested in participating in the mission center activities can call Krista Pettit, the Director, at 443-521-6825. One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Visit One Mission Cambridge on Facebook or Instagram or their website onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959.

Caption: Pictured left to right at One Mission Cambridge’s Community Dinner are Jim Riley, Shirley Jackson, Ann Crocker, Mary Angela Martin, and Barbara Schneider.

December 5, 2022 

One Mission Cambridge in Cambridge has a heart for service all year round. As we enter into the holiday season, however, the organization is focusing on its volunteers who are at the heart of its mission – showing the love of Jesus to every client who visits its location at 614 Race Street. The range of services offered by One Mission Cambridge are diverse and include food items, counseling, and connection to resources such as health care, financial assistance, and jobs.

“I was looking for places to volunteer when I retired. One Mission Cambridge just seemed like a natural fit for me. I love people and I love doing things for people. That's why I became a teacher because I enjoy helping in that respect,” states volunteer Joanne Rue of Cambridge, a member of Grace United Methodist Church and a retired teacher.

“While I teach the Bible studies and I was involved in small group activities at church, that's giving to people who are more familiar to me. I wanted to reach out and do something to meet a greater need. The community needed a central place for resources. The joy of volunteering here, besides just helping, has been meeting people from other churches, other denominations who have a similar heart.”

Rue credits the safe, peaceful, and welcoming environment with helping build trust with the clients who come. She adds, “I see a lot of familiar faces, so our clients become like close acquaintances, so there's a connection. Many people just stop in to touch base.”

Volunteer Vicki Hayden of Cambridge, also a member of Grace United Methodist Church, and a retired nurse, states, “We are asked to love God and love others – this is an avenue to do God's work. I hope I am making them feel better. It’s very rewarding.”

“I feel like God blessed me that I can retire and do things like this. The people are so wonderful. It's wonderful to be able to pray with them. Most all of them are receptive to that, but we're not going to force anything on anyone.”

Clients mainly come to One Mission Cambridge for its food pantry, but there are occasional needs for connections to other resources.

“If they come in hungry, we can fix meals for our clients,” Hayden adds.

Volunteer Miala Harper, a new resident of Cambridge and previously of Harford County, who started in October and volunteers every other week, states that she saw One Mission Cambridge on Facebook and thought it was interesting what they do. She comments, “This gives back to people in need. I know what it's like to have needs. My mom and dad occasionally needed help. So, I think it's very important that everybody at some point in their life volunteers. This is a good way to give back. It gives you insight into how blessed you are.”

“People leave here happy. They have the security that they can get out of bed and have another meal waiting for them.”

“It’s needed here. Resources like food, mental health services, and housing are scarce. I am happy to see them being offered. I am also seeing the difference it makes. It’s good that One Mission Cambridge is in town and walkable for people. Most of the other food pantries in Cambridge are on the outskirts of town,” she adds.

“We are so fortunate to have such giving volunteers. We can’t thank our volunteers, financial supporters, and churches enough for helping to meet the needs of an average of 245 people a month and for keeping food on the pantry shelves,” states Krista Pettit, leader of One Mission Cambridge’s efforts.

Rue adds, “Most of the people are coming in for food, but every once in a while somebody will come in who needs a listening ear. It's more than just handing them a bag.”

The organization is still in need of volunteers and volunteer training is available for a variety of shifts. To date, over 15 churches are now working with One Mission Cambridge. All Christian Churches are invited to participate. Individuals and organizations can support One Mission Cambridge through its Showing the Love Program for as little as $10 a month on the organization’s website onemissioncambridge.org.

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The next Community Dinner will be held on December 5 at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. Visit One Mission Cambridge on Facebook at OneMissionCam or Instagram or their website at onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured left to right are One Mission Cambridge volunteers Miala Harper of Cambridge, Joanne Rue of Cambridge, and Vicki Hayden of Cambridge. All three are donating their time to help brighten the lives of clients seeking services at One Mission Cambridge’s location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge.

November 10, 2022

When you stop by One Mission Cambridge at 614 Race Street in Cambridge on any given day, you will meet a variety of people seeking food, resource referral, or just a listening ear. The range of services the organization offers is diverse and includes food items, counseling, and connection to resources such as health care, financial assistance, and jobs.

“Our goal is to show everyone who comes through the door love – just as Jesus loved us,” states Krista Pettit, leader of One Mission Cambridge’s efforts. Pettit credits volunteers, financial supporters, and churches for helping to meet the needs of an average of 227 people a month and keeping food on the pantry shelves.

The organization, which opened in June, has proved ideal to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. By consolidating some of the area’s food pantries, One Mission Cambridge offers a food pantry store where people can shop for what they need in a dignified manner. In addition, the center offers community navigation with computers onsite for people to research jobs and complete job applications, and look up resources to help them connect to community services.

Talking with clients served by One Mission Cambridge, it is evidenced that love abounds in the welcoming storefront.

Client Christopher, who is legally blind, visited the food pantry at One Mission Cambridge for the second time stating, “I have never wanted to burden anyone. I never had a full-time job. I have just pieced things together over the years and have been able to do it.”

“It is nice to be able to choose food items here myself because I get what I want and what I need. I feel loved.”

Client Carolyn of Cambridge came to One Mission Cambridge when she couldn’t afford to purchase much-needed eyeglasses.  She knows people who volunteer at One Mission Cambridge. The organization connected her to affordable eyeglasses

“A lot of us need help. If I don't need help, I am not going to ask for it. I used to go to food banks, but they gave me too much food and I wasted it. Here, I can pick food items that I need,” she comments.

“It shows that people care about us. Everybody is treated just the same here.”

The building includes a storefront on Race Street and a large communal space in the rear of the building which offers monthly Community Dinners.

Client Darin of Cambridge ended up homeless in another county but was unable to find resources there.

“The Community Dinner by One Mission Cambridge offers great fellowship and great people. They have blessed me.”

“I was on the street for a few weeks when I got to Cambridge before I found One Mission Cambridge. They gave me all kinds of resources and information about everything from shelters to food pantries to clothing. They've been such a blessing. God’s got them on a heck of a mission.”

One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The next Community Dinner will be held on December 5 at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. Visit One Mission Cambridge on Facebook at OneMissionCam or Instagram or their website at onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured is a stocked food pantry at One Mission Cambridge. The organization is working hard to keep food on the pantry shelves to keep up with current demand.

September 15, 2022

Since opening its doors in June, One Mission Cambridge has assisted 362 residents at its mission center at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. Each month since then, the number of people assisted has grown significantly.

“To meet the growing needs among residents and to offer fellowship to our neighbors, on the first Monday of each month, starting October 3, we will offer community dinners in the space in the rear of our building,” comments Krista Pettit, leader of One Mission Cambridge’s efforts.

“Seating for the dinners will be at 4 p.m. and the dinner will include a meal and a program offering people the opportunity to fellowship and share information.”

Pettit credits volunteers and the support of area churches in helping to meet the needs of 197 people in August alone. These households included 280 adults, 66 seniors, and 175 children. Among those served were 90 disabled citizens, 16 individuals experiencing homelessness, 75 unemployed citizens, and 12 veterans.

One Mission Cambridge’s location has proved ideal to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. The building includes a storefront on Race Street with a large communal space in the rear of the building. By consolidating some of the area’s food pantries, One Mission Cambridge can offer a food pantry store where people can shop for what they need in a dignified manner. In addition, the center offers community navigation with computers onsite for people to research jobs and complete job applications and look up resources to help them connect to community services.

“Whether you need food items, to get a replacement Social Security card or photo ID, or just need a friendly face to talk to, the center is open for walk-in services,” Pettit adds.

The organization is still in need of volunteers and volunteer training is available for a variety of shifts. To date, over 15 churches are now working with One Mission Cambridge. All Christian Churches are invited to participate.

Because the community dinner is full for October 3, One Mission Cambridge is adding the names of interested persons to a waiting list by calling 410-901-3959. One Mission Cambridge is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Visit One Mission Cambridge on Facebook or Instagram or their website onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Caption: Pictured are One Mission Cambridge volunteers, left to right, Dorcas Moore and Laurie Cowin in the mission center’s pantry area.

Since its opening on June 6, 2022, One Mission Cambridge has served over 140 people in need. The first week alone, the coalition of Christian churches and ministries called to meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women and children in the Cambridge area, served over 90 people and had to order 3,000 pounds of extra food to meet the needs of the community.  The organization will host an open house on July 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at its location at 614 Race Street in Cambridge. The open house is open to everyone in the community to learn about the mission center and celebrate it.

One Mission Cambridge’s location has proved ideal to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. The building includes a storefront on Race Street with a large communal space in the rear of the building. By consolidating some of the area’s food pantries, One Mission Cambridge can offer a food pantry store where people can shop for what they need in a dignified manner. In addition, the center offers community navigation with computers onsite for people to research jobs and complete job applications and look up resources to help them connect to community services. Whether you need food items, to get a replacement Social Security card or photo ID, or just need a friendly face to talk to, the center is open for walk-in services.

“When you are in a crisis, you are overwhelmed with navigating the process to get on the other side of it. We are the stopgap – stepping into the process and providing support,” comments Krista Pettit, leader of One Mission Cambridge’s efforts.

In the back of the storefront, there is a private meeting room to offer Christian counseling and support groups. Further back, a large community space is available to host community dinners for about 120 people. These dinners hope to start in the fall on the first Monday of each month and will include a sit-down dinner, along with a Bible reading and discussion, as well as music and art enrichment.

One Mission Cambridge is about the Body of Christ working together – combining resources and people. The organization’s name “One Mission” comes from all the churches having the same mission: to love God and to love their neighbors.  All Christian Churches are invited to participate in this exciting organization. The organization was born in the summer of 2021 when a volunteer subcommittee brought people from the community together and interviewed nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and community members who utilize various agencies to determine the unmet needs in the community and what services could be provided. The survey revealed that people in the community have a heart for others, there are a lot of great organizations helping people, and there needs to be a place for people to talk, listen and provide guidance on getting help and encouragement.

To date, over 15 churches are working with One Mission Cambridge. Krista Pettit, who began working on the project as a volunteer with Grace United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, recognized the need in the community when talking with other churches. The organization wants to partner with everyone providing services in the Cambridge area, including area food pantries, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and churches who, according to Krista, are doing tremendous work in the community. Volunteers are also needed and interested persons can attend the open house to inquire, contact Pettit directly, or sign up via the website at onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959.

One Mission Cambridge will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 1 to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. These hours were selected as times when other organizations aren't open and to allow people who work to utilize the services.

Visit One Mission Cambridge on Facebook or Instagram or their website onemissioncambridge.org or call 410-901-3959. Donations can be made to One Mission Cambridge, P.O. Box 815, Cambridge, MD 21613.

One Mission Cambridge is a coalition of Christian Churches and ministries called to provide hope through Jesus Christ by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of men, women, and children in Cambridge.  

One Mission Cambridge is a new initiative in Dorchester County that serves those living in poverty through programs at a mission center.  This mission center is located at 614 Race Street.  Area churches serving together to provide for those in need operate the mission center.  This location will provide a food pantry, community navigation services, community dinners, and counseling programs. This mission center is scheduled to open June 6, 2022.  

In order to provide food in a consistent manner and spend more time with clients, the plan is to consolidate some of the food pantries into one location, which is the mission center.  This center is available every week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1-6pm and the second Saturday 9am-12pm).  This food pantry will be set up like a store so people can choose the food they need and desire, thus preventing food waste.  This store model eliminates the confusion of where to go for food and establishes a consistent, efficient, and dignified manner of distributing food.  This food site will focus on healthy choices, and the pantry will provide educational materials, recipe cards, and classes to encourage good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.  

One Mission Cambridge will expand services in the fall to provide community dinners the first Monday of the month from 4-6pm with plans to extend the dinners at other locations throughout the Cambridge area.  The goal is that there will be a community dinner every night of the week in different neighborhoods.  The community dinners not only provide an abundance of food, but they also give an opportunity to connect with others.  The community dinners provide food to those who are experiencing food insecurity and offer support for those who are lonely.   

Along with distributing food at the mission center, trained volunteers and staff will spend time listening to clients and connecting them to services.  Community navigation will ensure clients are connected to all of the programs that can improve their lives.  The time spent with clients will also help develop relationships and trust within the community, which is another way to improve the physical and mental health of community members.  

Another component of One Mission Cambridge is Christian counseling services, which include individual counseling as well as support groups.  The need for counseling services was identified through a community assessment.  The need that was expressed most frequently during these community conversations was mental health services to individuals and families.   

All Christian Churches are invited to participate in One Mission Cambridge.  There are meetings every month to make decisions about the mission center.  There are many opportunities to volunteer for church and community members, too!  To become involved, please contact Krista Pettit:  krista@onemissioncambridge.org,  443-521-6825.  A Facebook page and website (onemissioncambridge.org)  are coming soon with updated information. 

When you walk in the door, the building’s historic brick walls peak through colorful murals featuring billowy clouds and blue sky, immediately giving guests the feeling of hope.

Many churches of different denominations in and around Cambridge have banded together to create a new initiative called One Mission Cambridge – a coalition of Christian churches and ministries called to meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women and children in the Cambridge area. The organization’s name “One Mission” comes from all the churches having the same mission: to love God and to love their neighbors. All Christian Churches are invited to participate in this exciting organization.

The organization’s new home at 614 Race Street in Cambridge is the ideal location to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. The building includes a storefront on Race Street with a large communal space in the rear of the building. The idea is to consolidate some of the area’s food pantries and to offer a food pantry store where people can shop for what they need in a dignified manner.

In addition, the center will offer community navigation with computers onsite for people to research jobs and complete job applications and look up resources to help them connect to community services. In the back of the storefront there is a private meeting room to offer Christian counseling and support groups. Further back, a large community space is available to host community dinners for about 120 people. These dinners hope to start in the fall on the first Monday of each month and will include a sit-down dinner, along with a Bible reading and discussion, as well as music and art enrichment.

One Mission Cambridge is about the Body of Christ working together – combining resources and people. Where church members come together with members of the community discipleship can happen...

Continue reading at http://attractionmag.com/2022/05/24/one-mission-cambridge/