Restoring dignity: It takes a village & a church ministry
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Ordinarily “It takes a village” might seem like a tired, worn-out phrase but not at the Living Faith Methodist Church on Grove Street.
The congregation’s Critical Needs Ministry has been compassionately helping those in need for 30 years and they show no sign of being “tired.”
Church member Louise Dumas said: “It’s important for the church to identify the needs of the community where the church is so the church can develop ministries that address the various needs of the community. This is what happens at Living Faith United Methodist Church in Putnam. The church’s Critical Needs Ministry was established over 30 years ago to address the lack of household items individuals and families moving from homeless or domestic violence shelters experienced when they were able to find housing for themselves and their families. 
Pastor Ross Johnson said those leaving a shelter might have nothing but some clothing in a black trash bag. Finding a place and then furnishings and all the touches that make it “home” might seem insurmountable.
But the church’s Critical Needs Ministry jumps right in, turning an empty apartment into a home with everything from furniture to linens to household items and more. The church collects everything it can and stores it in barn space donated to the church.
Community member Sheila Partlow said: “As a community member, I volunteered to help organize the barn because I believe in supporting local efforts that directly assist our neighbors in times of need; ensuring resources are accessible and efficiently managed for those with critical needs. Simultaneously, as a church member, I see this as a practical way to live out our shared values of service and stewardship, directly contributing to a ministry that embodies compassion in action. Organizing the furniture and household items ensures that donations are put to their best use, maximizing our ability to provide dignity and stability to families facing hardship.”
Dumas said: “The expression ‘it takes a village’ applies to Living Faith United Methodist Church Critical Needs Ministry. It takes the people who would rather see their used household items be of use to someone else rather than ending up being disposed of at their town’s next bulky waste collection. It takes volunteers from the church to collect those items, make sure they are in good condition, making repairs as necessary, and laundering all the towels and bedding so the people receiving these items feel cared for and valued. All the donated items have to be organized, stored until needed, and delivered. A lot of people in the church willingly donate their time and services in order to make the Critical Needs Ministry the gift to the community it was designed to be. 
She added: “I choose to be part of this ministry because it is a much needed ministry in our area, and it is something I can do to help others in our community. I may not be able to pick up and deliver furniture, but I can launder towels and bedding, packaging them into complete sets to fit every bed size, from crib to king. It takes a village…”

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