About Us - Early Beginnings and Mission
As We Gather Ministries is a non-profit organization founded in 2015 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Robert Paul Demyanovich, Fred Bowden, and Neal Harris, who are members of the Royal Oak United Methodist Church. The organization's mission is to provide support and services for the lost, homeless, and forgotten community members.
In 1995, Royal Oak First United Methodist Church introduced a bag lunch program that Robert Paul Demyanovich and a group of dedicated members and volunteers recommended.
For over 30 years, our Lunch Program has been the cornerstone mission of Royal Oak First. We provide food to people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in our community. We offer a hot lunch and a bagged lunch from 10:30-11:30 am Monday-Friday, year-round. We also have a clothing & toiletries closet and an Essentials Pantry. Today at Royal Oak First, this has developed into the Outreach on 7th Lunch Program. Over these 30 years, 500,000 meals have been served within Royal Oak First.
Then, in 2015, we asked, “Are we feeding our guests' souls?” That is when we started As We Gather Ministries. We offered a monthly weekday service at 11 a.m. within the church, allowing individuals to come together and receive spiritual guidance and support. The services quickly gained popularity, and in 2016, the organization expanded to offering weekly services to serve their community's needs better.
Here are a few YouTube examples:
April 30th 2015 - https://youtu.be/HlwEIKGjnvE?si=VX7Uf8gi1Z2I5u2g
December 31, 2015 - https://youtu.be/0KBe-xbq1CA
June 30th 2016 - https://youtu.be/lxir5WXbRiA
July 28th, 2017 - https://youtu.be/PODV5Ki24jM?si=xtOubq8bG73wVQ04
Over the years, As We Gather Ministries has continued to grow and expand its services. It has partnered with other local organizations and businesses to provide additional resources, such as clothing drives, job assistance programs, and meal services.
In 2018, Rev. Robert Paul Demyanovich was appointed to Cass City United Methodist Church. As a Local Licensed Pastor, recognizing the need for a Free Food Pantry in the community, Rev. Demyanovich partnered with As We Gather Ministries to establish and operate this Free Food pantry.
Through this partnership, As We Gather Ministries expanded its reach and impact beyond Royal Oak, working with Rev. Demyanovich and the Cass City UMC to provide essential food assistance to needy individuals and families. The Free Food Pantry became a vital resource for the community, helping to reduce food insecurity and support those facing challenging times.
Also, in 2018, Rev. Fred Bowden was appointed to Charity United Methodist Church in Flint, then Ford Memorial UMC in Detroit. In February 2022, Pastor Fred suffered injuries from an automobile accident and was unable to continue these duties. However, Pastor Fred continues to preach and pray to lost souls through As We Gather Ministries throughout Detroit, especially around Eight Mile Road.
May 2021, - https://youtu.be/rfxZeoLKt_A?si=aLMU0kOg2bVyza3O
Through this partnership, As We Gather Ministries expanded its reach and impact beyond Royal Oak, working with Rev. Demyanovich, the Cass City UMC, and Rev. Fred Bowden in Flint and Detroit to provide essential food assistance to individuals and families in need. These Free Food Pantries have become a vital resource for these communities, helping to reduce food insecurity and support those facing challenging times.
In 2020, As We Gather Ministries took a significant step forward by filing for non-profit status as a 509(a)(2) organization. This designation allows the organization to operate as a tax-exempt entity and receive tax-deductible donor donations.
By obtaining non-profit status, As We Gather Ministries solidified its commitment to serving the community and supporting those in need in a more sustainable and structured manner. This status provides the organization with financial benefits and enhances its credibility and standing within the community and among potential partners and donors.
With its newfound non-profit status, As We Gather Ministries can continue to expand its reach, grow its services, and make an even greater impact on the lives of individuals facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other challenges. This milestone marks an important chapter in the organization's history. It paves the way for future growth and success in fulfilling its mission of serving the marginalized and forgotten members of the community.
The collaboration between As We Gather Ministries, United Methodist Churches, and other like-minded businesses exemplifies the power of community partnership and the importance of coming together to address the needs of the most vulnerable. Through these joint efforts, they can provide a valuable service that makes a positive difference in the lives of many individuals in Michigan and beyond. This partnership serves as a shining example of the impact that can be achieved when organizations work together toward a common goal of serving and supporting their community.
Since its inception in 2015, As We Gather Ministries has strengthened3 its impact and reach through strategic partnerships with various organizations. In 2017, the organization partnered with Michigan Church News, a publication dedicated to sharing news and information about churches and ministries in the state. This collaboration helped to raise awareness about As We Gather Ministries and its mission, reaching a wider audience and garnering support for its initiatives.
Another key partnership for As We Gather Ministries is with Rainbow Bridge Ministries, an organization that provides support and resources to the homeless and marginalized communities. By working together, the two organizations can leverage their respective strengths and resources to better support those in need, offering a more comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, As We Gather Ministries has established partnerships with Michigan Food Bank and other food assistance organizations to enhance its impact in providing essential resources such as food and meals to those facing food insecurity. These collaborations have enabled the organization to broaden its reach and increase the support and services it can offer to individuals and families in need.
Funding for As We Gather Ministries primarily comes from grants and donations from local businesses and individuals throughout Michigan. These sources of funding are crucial in supporting the organization's programs and services and helping tax-exempt strengthened positively impact the lives of those which more sustainably and structured to support those in need and better sustain its operations and outreach efforts.
Funds and organizations grant important financial support for specific projects and initiatives within As We Gather Ministries. These grants may be used for operational expenses, program development, staff salaries, and other needs that help the organization fulfill its mission of serving the homeless and marginalized communities.
Individual donations from local businesses and community members are also instrumental in supporting the work of As We Gather Ministries. These donations enable the organization to continue providing essential resources and assistance to those in need, including meals, clothing, shelter, and other services that help improve the quality of life for individuals facing challenges such as homelessness and food insecurity.
By relying on grants and individual donations, As We Gather Ministries can maintain its vital services and expand its reach to serve more individuals and families throughout Michigan. The generosity and support of donors and partners play a significant role in the organization's ability to make a positive impact in the lives of those who are most vulnerable and in need of assistance.
By building and maintaining these partnerships with like-minded organizations, As We Gather Ministries has been able to amplify its efforts, expand its services, and make a more significant difference in the lives of the marginalized and forgotten members of the community. These partnerships have played a crucial role in the organization's growth and success in fulfilling its mission of serving and supporting those in need.
Through their dedication and commitment to serving the community's most vulnerable members, As We Gather Ministries has become a pillar of support and hope for many individuals in need. Their work has had a lasting impact on the community and has helped to bring positive change and transformation to the lives of those they serve.
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4 (NIV) Amen.
Our Mission is to:
- Provide a service that is independent, impartial, confidential, and free at the point of delivery
- Provide the advice people need for the problems they face
- Improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives
Our Vision is to:
Provide access to the highest quality advice and support services that people need, via the channel they choose, regardless of where they live.
We value diversity, promote equality, and challenge discrimination.
Supporting Our Community
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Our Strategy
1. Improve patient experience and help to deliver truly patient-centered care
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2. Develop the careers and enhance the wellbeing of Trust staff
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3. Enable innovation in health and care within the Trust and the wider health system
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