02/08/2021
Perry County Cluster of the Susquehanna Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
702 E. Sunbury St
Millerstown, PA 17062
NEWS FLASH: Change is happening!!! Please read for news regarding:
Perry County Food Bank and Join Hands Ministry.
Dear Friends and Supporters:
Many years ago, the clergy of the United Methodist Churches in Perry County created Join Hands Ministry. Later at the request of the Perry County Commissioners, this same group began to operate the Perry County Food Bank. Over the years confusion has persisted regarding who actually operates the Food Bank. The food bank is not a program run by The County of Perry. However, it does work collaboratively with the County Commissioners.
Unfortunately, the needs of the people of Perry County continued to grow which forced the expansion of the food bank program. This growth was not foreseen by the founders.
It has become increasingly obvious to the clergy tasked as the Board of Directors for Join Hands/Perry County Food Bank that it was time to separate the programs into two separate entities and boards. This would allow each agency to grow appropriately and for pastors to focus on leading the churches to which they are appointed. This separation has been a long process involving coordination with government agencies and numerous legalities. We are hopefully nearing the end of that process.
When the process is complete Join Hands Ministry, and the Perry County Food Bank will separate into two entities. Each will continue the services they are currently providing.
As of January 29, 2021, a major step in this separation took place. The Perry County Food Bank began operating independently of Join Hands Ministry and will change its' name to Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank Inc. The food bank will continue to meet the food needs of people in Perry County at its current location of 300A S Carlisle St New Bloomfield, PA 17068.
The name change is being done in part to help eliminate confusion. We and the County Commissioners, hope that people understand this vital service is not part of or operated by The County of Perry. It is a non-profit that resides in a County owned building but is not run by nor solely funded by the County.
Join Hands Ministry will continue to operate from its current location of 51 S Church St, New Bloomfield, PA 17068 and will continue serving people in need as they have done for years. Their name will not be changing.
We hope this restructuring will allow each program to better serve people in need in Perry County.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Perry County Board of Commissioners for their support and guidance. Finally, we want to express our great appreciation and deep gratitude to all of the donors, supporters, funders, friends and volunteers of both Join Hands Ministry and Perry County Food Bank. We would never be where we are today without your historical and continued support.
Respectfully,
Reverend Frederick Rudy
President Board of Directors
CC Mary Ann Brownawell
Executive Director
Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank Inc.
Michael J Burns
Executive Director
Join Hands Ministry
