The Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association was formed over 20 years ago.  In the original formation, five churches of various denominations in Chesapeake City came together to address issues of aid both financial and supportive for residents residing in/around Chesapeake City.  Of particular concern was financial aide to help with rents, mortgage payments and/or utilities to prevent evictions, foreclosures and shut offs.  Though similar services were available in Elkton, transportation was not always available to those in need.

 

Today, the Ecumenical Association continues providing aid, while expanding the base of services now offered.  Emergency Funding remains in place though aid has been expanded to include payments for medicine, transportation to medical appointments, lodging for one to three nights for homeless/abused/abandoned persons. 

 

We also maintain and operate a Food Pantry.  Through the Pantry, which is located in space at Trinity UMC Church, a person in need may obtain about 1 week of non-perishable food items and personal care items when such are available on our shelves.  When funds permit, a voucher for perishable food items is also included; this may be used at Acme.  In 2005 the pantry provided for over 200 families from South Elkton to as far as Perryville, Warwick and Cecilton.  In 2006 over 153 families came through our doors and in the first quarter of 2007 35 families received food and goods.

 

All of the above services are operated by a core of dedicated volunteers and through the continued support of churches, civic organizations, corporate donors and our member churches.

 

About seven (7) years ago, the Ecumenical Association identified the need for safe, after school care for “at-risk” or “latch key” children.  The target group was then middle and high school children.  The program has since been modified to middle school children.  The program, though faith based, has no faith or practicing faith requirements for participation.

 

Partnering with Bohemia Manor Middle School, we offer an after school program from 3:00-5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.  The program includes transportation both from the school to our site; and, from our site to the individual homes at the end of day.  Though some students are picked up, most use this service on a regular basis.

 

In its inception, the Board thought the program would have a better attendance and be available to more students, if it were ‘FREE’.  This remains the case today, as many of the children come from limited income homes.

 

Anita Collings is our current Director, completing her second year.  All staffing is part-time and volunteers are utilized as much as possible.  In addition to offering a small computer lab (donations from private groups) and home work aid, we partner with The Health Department and offer programs relating to the dangers of smoking and aid with quitting; an abstinence program; arts & crafts and this year Girls & Boys Scouts.

 

It must be understood that our children are some of the most difficult and our goal is to reach and encourage each student.  These students are not only “at risk” at home, they are usually learning or behavioral problems in school.  By offering a nurturing environment, nutritious snacks and/or light meals and a mix of after school programs, we hope to reduce the drop out rate of such children.

 

Our funding sources for The Generation Station include Cecil Partnership, The United Way, our member churches, corporate sponsors, civic groups and private supporters.  The State has set an achievement goal of 45 students per day, which would require a minimum of 5 paid staff and a core of volunteers.  Additionally, to attain these numbers we would need another van for shuttling. 

 

Our larger concern is the issue of location and present space.  The Generation Station presently leases the site at Rte. 213 South and Randalia Road in Chesapeake City.  The current rental rate exceeds $2200.00 per month, plus operational utilities and all maintenance and upkeep with the exception of repairs to the roof or the foundation.  The site cannot support 45 students on a daily basis.  And the expense of operation cannot support the hiring of additional staff to handle more students.  We currently average 20-25 students per day.  While searching to secure a larger yet more affordable site, our time is running out to renewal.

 

In 2006 The Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association partnered with The Rotating Shelter for the Homeless.  In November 2006, we utilized The Generation Station during the Thanksgiving holiday week, and hosted the Shelter.  Our member churches provided the staffing and 3 meals per day.

 

The Ecumenical Association long-range goal would be to secure a site which:

 

The continued operation of The Generation Station

Relocation of the Food Pantry

Expansion of services to include perhaps a Senior Center, counseling services, a day labor/employer job bank, parenting classes and basic financial training—these needs currently having been identified in the  community.

 

In an effort to increase our current funding, The Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association hosted its’ first fund-raiser in 3 years.  On January 20^th, 2007 we held an Art Show/Sale with Progressive Meal.  Nearly every aspect of the evening was donated, and our net funds raised totaled just over $10,000.00.  We again partnered with The Rotating Shelter Program by providing a donation of $1000.00.

 

We thank you for the opportunity to share information about our organization and the services that we seek to provide to the community of Chesapeake City and the surrounding area.  Financial reports for The Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association (2006) and The Generation Station (2006) are available upon request.

 

Deborah M. Alexander-Forsythe, President

Alison Windle, Vice President

Robert McKee, Treasurer

Eileen Viars, Acting Secretary

 

Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association (CCEA)