MATE's Partnerships Continue
July 2021
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Living into Hope
MATE can’t thank you enough for supporting the Housing Ministry with such an awesome response to the 3:1 challenge match. We are hopeful we can double the number of people we help with home repairs this summer over last.
MATE also received a generous grant from Reisert Foundation for a disability-friendly kitchen and flooring in McCleary House. This enables us to serve folks who use a wheelchair.
From July to September, MATE invites you to continue to help us meet the basic human need of shelter with the renovation and outfitting of McCleary House. You can help by adopting an area of the house, making a monetary gift, or donating a needed item from our list to make the house more comfortable. Check out our recently-mailed brochure for information on how you can help or go to our website www.missionattheeastward.org and click on the top McCleary tab. Together, we can provide temporary transitional housing for those in need of a safe warm house!
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Update On Housing Ministry and McCleary House from MATE's Executive Director
At the beginning of May this year, housing ministry started in full force with our new Operations Manager, Dan Flint. Dan did not waste a minute and started the task with passion and enthusiasm.
Evaluations of the applications we received for home repairs were completed and prioritized. Of those applications, Dan, with some help from a volunteer or two, finished 7 projects, including ramps, decks, roof repairs, roof overhands for doors, and replacing a floor. AMAZING!!!
In the meantime he has made contact with all the volunteer work groups who are coming to help us this summer, the first to arrive the second week of July. Materials are being prepared, ordered and delivered to worksites – ready for our volunteers to start their work on roughly another 40 projects, including roof repairs, window replacements, decks, ramps and flooring.
Dan’s the man, but we still need your help. We cannot do this alone, and due to COVID, we are still limited in the number of volunteers who will come this year. If you have a day or two to assist with some of our big roof projects (if roofing is your thing and heights don’t scare you), or if you can swing a hammer, put a floor down, or fix or build a deck, please consider sharing some of your skills with someone who truly needs some help! We would really appreciate it.
McCleary House also needs a lot of attention. We have had an inspection for weatherization by WMCA and received estimates for heating and waterproofing the basement. But that leaves a lot of work to be done, and we can use you.
We are all working together this summer to serve the “least of these” – to provide safe, warm and healthy places to live. Why don’t you join us!!!! Give me a call at (207)491-8404 or send me an email at rev.thea.mate@gmail.com.
Hope to see you soon!!!
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Dan and Thea discuss housing ministry projects
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Work to transform McCleary House
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New Board Member: Joy Dyer
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MATE has been a part of my life for over 55 years. I grew up going to CATE as a camper, then as a counselor, cook, and business manager. I have many happy memories of camp, especially co-directing junior high camp with Dolores Abbott. I served on the MATE Board in years past and currently serve on the housing committee. Like Simone, MATE holds a special place in my heart. Many connections have been made here over the years.
I have worked at CSM Real Estate in Kingfield since 1990. It is especially satisfying to work with first time homebuyers. Their excitement about owning their first home is contagious. How rewarding to be a part of their journey.
I am also a board member at the Franklin County Animal Shelter in Farmington. In the past I have fostered cats and kittens for them. The most important lesson that I learned doing this was I was only the first step in their journey to a better life or home. I am proud to say that I only had one foster failure, an older cat named Max. He was to stay just a few months, but he never left.
I have lived in the area all my life, moving to Kingfield in 1990. My greatest joys are my animals, Champion’s Finnegan, my blue merle Aussie, and my cats, Grace and Mufasa. Grace did pet therapy in the past but is now retired. I am in the process of training Finn to become a certified therapy dog. He will visit area nursing homes and will be a reading dog at our local library. Animals have always been my passion so you could say that “Animals are my game!”
I look forward to working with everyone at MATE. Just imagine, how much we can accomplish together, for the betterment of those that are less fortunate. The possibilities are endless!!
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Champion's Finnegan, aka Finn
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Special Thanks to People Who Share Their Time and Unique Skills!
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Thank you, Maria James, Board Member Extraordinaire
The MATE Board wishes to thank former member Maria James for her contributions to the Board, serving from 2019-2021, and for the many wonderful ways she has supported MATE and CATE though the years! Her kind heart and warm spirit and love of mission really has made a difference to our clients and volunteers. She will be greatly missed!
She promised she will still be swinging a hammer on a work site or helping out with youth programming when she is able! We love you, Maria, and give you a huge high five for all you have done for MATE and the community!
With Respect and Deep Gratitude,
The MATE Board
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Creative Design Adds to MATE's Communication Abilities
Over the past few years, MATE has been truly blessed by the many design talents of Paula Olsen of BaileyDonovan Design. Most recently Paula designed the "Transform McCleary House!" brochure, mailed to donors and volunteers to explain MATE's McCleary House project to provide temporary transitional housing. Paula donated both her gift of creative design and the printing costs for the finished brochure. Thanks, Paula! You are wonderful!
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MATE's Enhanced Website is Live
Please check out our website at MissionattheEastward.org. Thanks go to Tina Besser at Image Control, Inc, who perfected the site's design and worked with us to add much-needed information for donors and volunteers. We will continue to update and add content. Tina's guidance and expertise were instrumental in getting the site up and working in a way that greatly contributes to our ability to communicate with the larger MATE community. We are grateful! We literally couldn't have done it without her.
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The Contribution of MATE's Volunteers is Critical to Success.
MATE relies on volunteers. You may not realize it, but the organization does all that it does with only two part-time and one seasonal staff members, a remarkable feat. To support their work, MATE has active experienced Board members, all volunteers, who give many hours to help with grant writing, marketing, the MATE Matters newsletter, donor communications, church and Presbytery outreach, housing ministry support, youth programming, and business management and finances.
Beyond the Board, most of MATE's volunteers come by way of Housing Ministry work teams. In a "non-COVID" summer MATE is blessed to have 300-400 volunteers who renovate and repair houses. And, MATE benefits greatly from the gifts of other talented volunteers who work behind the scenes, stuffing envelopes, helping with plant sales, and otherwise cheering us on. Thank you, All!
If you would like to volunteer your time and talents to support our work, please contact Executive Director Thea Kornelius. MATE has a job for you!
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe, Tennis Legend
"Learn from those you serve how to grow your faith." Larry Cowen, MHM volunteer
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Community news : Fairbanks Yard Sale
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You are invited... NOTE DATE CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER
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If you are working with MATE or in the Farmington area on July 23-24, the Deacons of Fairbanks Union Church invite you to come check out their yard sale that weekend.
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MATE Youth Connection (MYC)
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An update on Camp at The Eastward (CATE) from Presbytery...
CATE Discernment Process
As many of you know, Camp at the Eastward (CATE) has been a ministry of Mission at the Eastward (MATE) for over sixty years. The MATE board expressed a deep appreciation for the vital ministry the camp has provided for young people, but due to a number of factors voted this fall to end the camp ministry. They voted to end the lease with the Presbytery, and this leaves the Presbytery to decide what to do with the land.
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Camp Wilmot Summer Registration
Camp Wilmot is excited to announce that registration is open for Summer of 2021! If you're interested in camp programming through the PNNE, there is still time to attend a Youth Camp for campers ages 8 to 16, July 11-17 and 17-24.
CATE campers who want to attend Camp Wilmot can also contact Thea Kornelius to connect with Camp Wilmot. If financial assistance or transportation is needed for previous CATE campers to attend, please email Thea Kornelius, rev.thea.mate@gmail.com. Assistance is confidential.
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Other 2021 Summer Camp News:
Special thanks to the PNNE/Hartford Community Presbyterian Church for providing MATE with funds for two camp scholarships to Camp Wilmot this summer.
WOOHOO: MATE is providing several scholarships for kids to attend Farmington’s Daze camp to have a wonderful enrichment experience, building resiliency in kids, families and communities.
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Attention All Youth 12 and up!! Check out the New England Glow - Middle and High School Youth Group. This is group committed to providing fun and engaging opportunities for our older youth in New England. They have events that will allow you all over the region to connect with other teens. Check out the website http://www.newenglandglow.org/ and the public New England GLOW Facebook page.
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An Update on Jikani in South Africa
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Home Carer's Course
From MATE's annual report: In 2000, MATE’s programming become international in scope with the creation of the South-African Partnership (SAP) with a relationship established with the Amathole Presbytery in South Africa. The focus of this project morphed into a home gardening ministry in the Tyhume valley. SAP was closed by MATE in 2019 but now exists under the Presbytery of Northern New England (PCUSA).
Two years ago, Jikani offered a Home Carer Course to 14 ladies here in Hogsback. The course was led by a community nursing sister over a period of 6 weeks. The course material included both theoretical and practical classes.
After intense lecturing, demonstrations and real-life acting out of various scenarios, the candidates entered an exam consisting of both the theory and practice. Twelve of the 14 candidates completed the course and passed. This was a proud day of huge celebrations and jubilations.
Since that time several of these ladies have been helping with the aged and frail both in their own rural villages, as well as here in Hogsback.
Meet Ms Rose-Beauty Nzwanana: She has nursed three patients in the last two years here in Hogsback:
- A 94 year old lady who struggled with dementia
- A 68 year old gentleman with Parkinson's
- A 68 year old gentleman with end stage colon cancer.
Being in the midst of a third wave of COVID, all the required protection gear is required.
Below is a picture of Rosie in her protective gear, ready to shave her patient and then read to him. Apart from her patient skills, she is a committed Christian and always spreads hope and love.
Thank you, for being part of this Community Project in your prayers and financial assistance. It is greatly valued.
Wishing you a lovely summer season, while we enjoy crispy weather in the southern hemisphere.
Norma Fivaz
Chair: Jikani Board
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Jikani Contact Information
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Main road, Hogsback 5721.
Tel: 045 962 1001.
126-277NPO . PBO No. 930056685
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With sadness MATE notes the passing of Winnie Maneli from South Africa
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MATE extends our condolences to the family, friends and community of Winnie Maneli who passed away on July 4, 2021. She was a leader in her community and church, especially for the home gardening project. May she rest in peace.
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From Babbie Cameron, MATE/SA Partnership leader for the beginning years: The living legacy of Winnie Maneli, leader of the South African partnership with MATE
I expected her to live forever such was her fortitude and perseverance. The news of Winnie’s death on July 4, 2021 came as a shock and a comfort knowing that she had crossed over to eternal life with the God she loved and served so faithfully all of her eighty-seven years on earth. Winnie Maneli in my estimation was every bit the great soul that was Nelson Mandela. Her life played out at the local level rather than on a national/ international stage, but their characters and work for justice for their people were very similar.
A full tribute to Winnie Maneli is on the website.
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MATE's Giving Partners - 2021
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For all of your support and contributions, we are blessed! Thank you, All, for your generous gifts!
Mission Partner Grantors
Anonymous donors through the Maine Community Foundation
United Way of the Tri-Valley Area/Leap Explosion Fund, ME
The Ruth Carnwith Trust
Synod of the Northeast, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Reisert Foundation
Mission Partner Churches
First Presbyterian Church of Springfield NJ
The Dover Church, UCC, MA
First Presbyterian Church of Dutch Neck, NJ
New Portland Community Church, ME
Fairbanks Union Church, ME
Church of the Covenant, Boston MA
First Congregational Church of North Anson, ME
Hildale Park Presbyterian Church, NJ
Marturia Presbyterian Church, NH
Leeds Community Church, ME
Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, PA
Topsham United Presbyterian Church, VT
Bedford Presbyterian Church, NH
First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey, NJ
Hartford Community Presbyterian Church, ME
Mission Partner Community Members
David Mackey, NH
The Olsen Family, NH
Julie Palmason, NH
Tucker Library Interiors, NH
United Way of the Tri-Valley Area community partner
Tina Besser, Image Control Inc.
Frank and Marion Hauck, NH
The Hagy/Dobbins/Pease/Brachle Families
To all who contributed a donation in honor of Dan Flint’s retirement, MATE says, Thank you!
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