Food for Thought

Encouragement

This is a good word that can take many forms: reassurance, cheer, support, praise…In today’s environment we need to encourage people all we can.

One great example of this is The New Love Center Café, where 30-60 people receive a home-cooked meal along with socialization. The staff there is in tune with the physical and spiritual needs of each guest.

May we be encouraged to be encouragers? Look for opportunities to lift people with affirming words, including an emphasis on gratitude. With the worsening economic environment, we all need encouragement from one another.

Blessings,

Alice Fox Cline
Board President

 
Making a Difference

 
September Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Food Pantry
881 Clients
124 New Clients
196 Volunteers
616 Volunteer Hours
4,141 lbs of Food Donated

Cafe
853 Meals
Weis Donated 840.07 lbs of Food
Individuals Donated 803.66 lbs of Food
46 Volunteers
206 Volunteer Hours

Calling Volunteers!
We urgently need volunteers to serve in the Café kitchen. Please reach out if you are able to volunteer your time.

Pantry Choice
178 Households Served
395 Individuals Served

Fresh Food Farmacy
258 Individuals Served
89 Households

Elder Share
76 Boxes Distributed

Military Shares
150 Households Impacted

Backpack Program
187 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)
8 Bulldog Baskets (High School Distribution)

PB&J
20 People Picked Up

 
Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

 
Donations Needed

Currently: Small Box of Jello (Any Flavor)
November: Small Can Diced Potatoes, Small Can of Whole Tomatoes

Fill a Bag
More information will be coming in the coming weeks on how you can help those in need this Christmas by filling a bag!

Volunteer Spotlight

We are so grateful to be able to shine light on the hard work our volunteers do each month! Saying thank you can never convey how blessed we are for the work that they do for our clients. This month we want to thank John and Nina Garbrick for all the time and hours they have given to TNLC. You both are truly a joy to work with!

When asked what they like most about volunteering at The New Love Center they said, “We love the people! Every time we come there’s something new to do and it’s always exciting.”

John directs traffic and keeps our parking lot in tip-top shape during distributions. He enjoys helping keep folks safe. He also lends an arm to our clients who have disabilities by getting them to the building safely. There is one client in particular that waits at her car for him to help her into the building every month, knowing he will be there for her. Nina has been trained in registration and is a smiling face with a kind word for all who need our services here at The New Love Center.

Devotion

God’s Vision for the Faith Community

In Leviticus 19:9-10, God called on Israel, His chosen people to provide for all in the community. He accomplished this by commanding the harvesters to leave crops in the fields so others may come and reap food.

This was God’s vision for a community of believers and followers. A faith community that helped to ensure that everyone had food and that no one would go hungry. That vision for us has never changed. This month as you give thanks for all that you have, please remember those who are in need in our community.

Pastor Brian M. Moyer
Pine Creek Charge

Read the rest of our October Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

September is Hunger Action Month!

What does that mean for the folks who we serve every day? Our responsibility is to share with all we interact with the need for food in our area. We serve a portion of Lycoming and Clinton counties. Children’s food insecurity is very prevalent in those counties.

Clinton county has one in four children and Lycoming one in five that are food insecure. What does that mean? They may not have breakfast before going to school or dinner at night. On the weekends they lack food for most meals so the importance of the Backpack Program is real. Students whose family sign up will receive a backpack of food for the weekend.

We are blessed to work with a local church (Phelp’s Chapel) that packs those boxes bi-weekly and delivers them to the schools in JSSD.The partnership with Phelps Chapel, JSSD and The New Love Center is one way you can help meet the needs in our area of these students. There are many studies that show that hungry students have difficulty with learning because they’re hungry! Reach out today and ask how you can be part of that Action Team that wants to feed kiddos.

Blessings,

Alice Fox Cline
Board President

 
Making a Difference

 
August Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Food Pantry
1,012 Clients
385 New Clients
174 Volunteers
517 Volunteer Hours
4,335 lbs of Food Donated

Cafe
964 Meals
Weis Donated 1,230.03 lbs of Food
Individuals Donated 389.61 lbs of Food
56 Volunteers
255.25 Volunteer Hours

Pantry Choice
363 Individuals Served
221 New Individuals

Fresh Food Farmacy
226 Individuals Served
90 Households

Elder Share
74 Boxes Distributed

Military Shares
141 Households Impacted

Backpack Program
160 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)

PB&J
12 People Picked Up

 
Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

 
Donations Needed

Currently: Pudding Cups (Backpack Program)
October: Small Box of Jello (Any Flavor)
November: Small Can Diced Potatoes, Small Can of Whole Tomatoes

 
Volunteer Spotlight

Linda Bierly (right) and Deb Leonard (left) volunteer at our Fresh Food Farmacy located in TNLC’s Henry Street Annex. They also volunteer at the Jersey Shore Drive Thru Pantry.

When asked what they love about volunteering they said, “Watching clients succeed in the program is very rewarding. Having a client say that their sugar has never been this low is so encouraging! We love meeting new people.” Linda and Deb both work in registration, data entry, stocking shelves, and welcoming our clients. Thank you for all that you do!

 
Devotion

We read in Isaiah 58:10:
if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.

On October 1, The New Love Center will celebrate eight of years of serving food to those in need. We’ve learned many things over the years and adapted to changes that the pandemic forced upon us. But we have also been blessed time after time with donations and volunteers and relationships with our clients that are priceless.

I feel quite honored to have been part of this partnership of committed volunteers who want to make sure no-one goes hungry. So many volunteers have gone out of their way to make sure someone who is struggling gets the resources they need to carry on with their lives. Sometimes it is a listening ear, sometimes food, sometimes a referral to a resource in the area that can be of support to them. We thank you for your donations of food and money.

Thank you for all your support. May your light reflect the light of Christ as we serve.

The Rev. Dr. K. Aucker,
Food Pantry Administrator

Read the rest of our September Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

As we look to the end of August (where did the summer go!) and the beginning of another school year we are reminded more and more of the need for nutritious food. During the past several months TNLC has seen the increased need for food with families young and old having to make the hard choice between groceries, medical needs and utility payments. This is a choice no family should have to make.

Yet TNLC is here to help those in need! Our cafe serves lunch Monday through Friday, providing a nutritious meal for anyone that stops. There is no fee, just wholesome meals served by a dedicated staff that is willing to serve with a kind word and ready smile. Our food distribution occurs three times a month in two different locations. The Backpack program will start up again once school begins. Parents just need to register their child or children through the Jersey Shore School District. Find out more about all the programs that TNLC offers on our website HERE.

In the coming months we will continue to keep the TNLC community informed of how you can be a part of The New Love Center. Whether you give of your time or donate food or funds, those in our community will be so appreciative of every hour and every meal. We are blessed by the generosity of many and the willingness of our volunteers to assist in this essential ministry. Please know that we are here to provide food, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, and above all to share the love of Christ.

Blessings,

Alice Fox Cline
Board President

 
Making a Difference

 
July Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Food Pantry
901 Clients
416 New Clients
187 Volunteers
648 Volunteer Hours
3,166 lbs of Food Donated

Cafe
786 Meals
Weis Donated 1,030.56 lbs of Food
Individuals Donated 509.58 lbs of Food
60 Volunteers
242.25 Volunteer Hours

Pantry Choice
360 Individuals Served
138 New Individuals

Fresh Food Farmacy
245 Individuals Served
95 Households

Elder Share
72 Boxes Distributed

Military Shares
141 Households Impacted

Backpack Program
160 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)

PB&J
15 People Picked Up

 
Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

 
Donations Needed

Currently: Grape Jelly (Food Pantry), Cheerios
September: Pudding Cups (Backpack Program), Cheerios
October: Small Box of Jello (Any Flavor), Cheerios
November: Small Can Diced Potatoes, Small Can of Whole Tomatoes, Cheerios

 
Volunteer Spotlight

Faye Revie has volunteered at The New Love Center for close to seven years. It’s hard to believe, but this year she has celebrated her 99th birthday! When asked what she loves most about volunteering she responded, “I just love being with the girls and the community, they are so good to me!” Thank you, Faye and happy birthday!

 
Devotion

Inclusive Food Ministry

We know that compassion to the food- insecure is more than food distribution. It is a ministry to the whole person – mind, body, spirit.

Our tendency is to think locally and the immediate. But what are the wider issues? Do we pray for proper weather for major crop growers? Do we pray that processors will render safe and reasonably priced goods? Do we pray for governments, politicians and transporters to be honest and upright?

Psalm 72:2-4

2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.

3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.

Ephesians 6:10-13

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Read the rest of our August Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

Did You Know that July Has a Reputation?

The month of July is known for hot days, and we’ve certainly been experiencing this recently! July also got the reputation and nickname “The Staggering Month” and some even knick-named it “The Hungry Month.” July’s reputation for being a tough month came out of the Irish Famine during the 19th century as the food collected during the harvest season had grown thin and pantry shelves had become empty.

For so many of our neighbors today, the support they received during harvest or Christmas was a long time ago and school-year food programs are still many weeks away. July may certainly feel like a “staggering month” with heightened energy costs, trying to stay safe in the heat, and having empty shelves where food should be.

This is why The New Love Center is called to serve and live out our mission “where the love of Christ provides for all.” Join us in serving our neighbors, so that no one is left to face a staggering or hungry month alone.

There are ways that you can be help shelves remain full and bring smiles to our neighbors.

Donate:
Staples like grape jelly, pudding cups or dish detergent are always needed or give a monetary donation by giving online.

Lend a Hand:
TNLC wouldn’t be able to help the community without you and all our volunteers who bless us with the gift of their time and their compassion. Do you have an hour or two to lend a hand? Call the office (570-244-8838) today!

Gift of Prayer:
Can you keep TNLC and our neighbors in prayer this summer?

Alice Fox Cline
Board President

 
Making a Difference

June Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Cafe
897 Meals
Weis Donated 907.62 lbs of Food
Individuals Donated 169.45 lbs of Food
54 Volunteers Donated 218 Hours

Food Pantry
910 Clients
93 New Clients
203 Volunteers Donated 635 Hours
2,723 lbs of Food Donated

Fresh Food Farmacy
212 Individuals Served
95 Households

Military Shares
136 Households Impacted

Elder Share
73 Boxes Distributed

Backpack Program
148 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)

120 Summer Rec Bags

PB&J
20 People Picked Up

Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

Donations Needed

Currently: Dish detergent (NO PODS) for the Café
August: Grape Jelly for the Food Pantry
September: Pudding cups for back packs

 
Spotlight

Looking ahead to August TNLC distributions, we want to highlight the recent work on the TNLC Annex parking lot. Thank you for your support and prayers as we are so excited to be able to provide better accessibility to our clients and volunteers!

 
Devotion

JUST COMPASSION

In Psalm 106 the writer is honest about Israel’s unfaithfulness during and after slavery in Egypt.

Then he wrote:
44 Nevertheless He looked at their distress when He heard their cry;
45 And He remembered His covenant for their sake, and relented according to the greatness of His mercy. 46 He also made them objects of compassion In the presence of all their captors.

Some people believe ministry to the poor is just a matter of compassion, no matter what. God’s purpose is to provide just compassion (compassion and justice) – compassion, yes; but also addressing the unrighteousness causing the poverty!

Is there a way we should be implementing God’s comprehensive plan for life?

Pray
…that God will make our clients “an object of mercy” – beyond what we can do; ….about (and against) the cultural and political policies causing unprecedented need in America……..(and the world).

Read the rest of our July Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

Did you know that World Hunger Day is this month?

Though June is often a time of transition from spring to summer, digging out that summer swimsuit, and planning vacations, it’s also a month where many of our neighbors may be more food insecure than the month before. In June, school is out for the summer, and so are some of the food-related programs that sustain families during the school year. Many of our neighbors worry about being able to provide good, nutritious meals for their families during these summer months.

Typically during the summer, The New Love Center sees an increase in the number of parents who seek help to provide fresh food and nutritious meals for their household.

What can you do to make a difference?

Donations are always appreciated!
Whether giving an online donation to TNLC or bringing in needed items like peanut butter, large egg noodles, or powdered dish detergent, the gift you give today can help a family be secure.

Volunteer and bring a friend!
We are so grateful to the volunteers who make the TNLC mission possible. Consider donating your time to help out, and feel good that you made a difference in a family’s life this month.

Keep your neighbors in prayer!
During this month, keep our families who are food insecure in your prayers. Invite your pastor, your neighbors, and your family to do the same.

Alice Fox Cline
Board President

 
Making a Difference

May Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Cafe
827 Meals
Weis Donated 802.98 lbs of Food
Individuals Donated 326.36 lbs of Food
67 Volunteers Donated 292.25 Hours

Food Pantry
974 Clients
154 New Clients
203 Volunteers Donated 635 Hours
4,158 lbs of Food Donated

Fresh Food Farmacy
212 Individuals Served
95 Households

Military Shares
143 Households Impacted

Elder Share
73 Boxes Distributed

Backpack Program
148 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)
592 Total Backpacks

10 “Bulldog Baskets” (High School Distribution)
602 Total Backpacks

PB&J
10 People Picked Up
The next PB&J Day is June 27, 2022

Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

Donations Needed

June
Large Egg Noodles

July
Powdered Cascade Dish Detergent (Please No Pods)

 
Devotion

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” -Galatians 3:26

During the month of June, we give thanks for families and particularly give thanks for the fathers, uncles, and mentors in our lives. Paul’s letter to the Galatians reminds us that we are all united, brought together through Christ, and made children of God through faith.

It doesn’t matter what you look like, where you come from, or who your favorite sports teams are! We are part of the same family, and have an unbreakable bond through Jesus Christ. And because we are one family, we’re called to share that family love with another.

Is there someone you know who could use a reminder that they are loved?

• It’s a great time to send them a note. Pick out a fun card!
• Give them a call and let them know you’ve been thinking about them!
• Get together and have a good meal, and as you’re passing the salt, be sure to spread the love!

Read the rest of our June Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

If we met Jesus, what evidence would we show him that we were truly followers of him? Would we show him our church attendance, the ways we avoided doing bad stuff, or our life’s greatest accomplishments? Those might not be bad items to list if they flowed from a life focused on Jesus and not those items exclusively. However, Jesus has a better list of evidence to show if we are truly his followers that ran counter intuitive to when it was said and runs counter intuitive to us today. In Matthew 25 Jesus says,

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Our world often judges the success of others by the success of what was perhaps accomplished in the public sphere. However, Jesus judges us on how we cared for “the least of these” in this world; often the acts that are behind the scenes and go unnoticed. Jesus even doubles down on his statement when his audience questions when he was truly in need of help.

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Jesus identifies with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned so much so, that when we love “the least of these” it is as though we were loving and embracing Christ himself.

I am thankful to be a part of an organization in which our team members have a heart for “the least of these.” It warms my heart to think about all the volunteers who have served people behind the scenes through The New Love Center. Not to get praise or recognition, but because they love the hungry because they ultimately love Christ.

Brett Newell
Operations Manager

This weekend (and every day) we want to thank all those who have sacrificed to keep those in our country safe. As John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. This Memorial Day, we encourage you to take time to pause and reflect on the more than 1.3 million Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

As always, we also want to thank our dedicated volunteers who donate their valuable time. Each hour makes a true impact in the communities that we serve! From our faithful volunteers who support our ministries to each and every donation…every gift of time, talent, and treasure fed the mission of The New Love Center, where the love of Christ provides for all.

A special note of thanks to Williams Company for serving us. With a growing need to serve more clients and to store more food we needed to expand our shelves. For Williams Company’s service project they chose to serve The New Love Center which was perfect timing for our shelf needs.

Making a Difference

 
April Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Cafe
827 Meals
Weis Donated 819.67 lbs of Food
Individuals Donated 309.61 lbs of Food
67 Volunteers Donated 290.50 Hours

Food Pantry
834 Clients
70 New Clients
207 Volunteers Donated 565 Hours
3,364 lbs of Food Donated

Fresh Food Farmacy
211 Individuals Served
90 Households

Military Shares
140 Households Impacted

Elder Share
82 Boxes Distributed

Backpack Program
148 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)
592 Total Backpacks
10 “Bulldog Baskets (High School Distribution)
602 Total Backpacks

PB&J
14 People Picked Up

Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

Donations Needed

May
Pudding Cups

June
Large Egg Noodles

July
Powdered Cascade Dish Detergent (Please No Pods)

 
Spotlight

Ken Bowers

For the Month of May we would like to highlight Ken Bowers who leads our Backpack program. Ken has been filling backpacks with food for kids in our community for over six years. When he started serving with the backpack program we were serving close to 35 students and the program is now up to 140 students. Ken plans the food items, helps store, pack, and deliver the backpacks to schools in our community; along with several other servant leaders.

When asked why he serves Ken replied: “We see the need in our community and we want to help.” Ken, thank you for the ways that you have made our impact in the community possible!

Read the rest of our May Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

Several times in the Gospels Jesus is described as “having compassion on them” when he sees the multitudes or crowds. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matt 14:14) This verse comes right before Jesus feeds the 5,000. What strikes me about this passage is that Jesus had compassion for people from seeing their physical needs and looked to provide for those needs. We know that Jesus’s main mission was to preach about the good news of the Kingdom of God and to spiritually save us, but we sometimes forget that Jesus cares for every part of a person, including one’s physical needs.

My hope and prayer is that we would be a people that embodies the heart of Jesus and we would grow in our compassion for the multitudes in our community.

Brett Newell
Operations Manager

Thank you to all our volunteers who donate their valuable time. Each hour makes a true impact in the communities that we serve! From our faithful volunteers who support our ministries to each and every donation…every gift of time, talent, and treasure fed the mission of The New Love Center, where the love of Christ provides for all.

A special note of thanks to our friends at West Pharmaceutical Company in Jersey Shore. The amazing employees collected over 2,500 pounds of food to donate to The New Love Center!

“We all donated a little bit here and there. It’s a big thing that we’re passionate about — all of us. We push family at our company. We want to make sure we’re sharing that with local communities and people in need.”

– Ron Long, West Pharmaceutical Company Maintenance Manager

Making a Difference

 
March Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Cafe
778 Meals
Weis Donated 954.65 lbs of Food
Individual Donated 157.29 lbs of Food
53 Volunteers Donated 241.75 Hours

Food Pantry
773 Clients
109 New Clients
191 Volunteers Donated 607 Hours
3,638 lbs of Food Donated

Fresh Food Farmacy
209 Individuals Served
91 Households

Military Shares
138 Households Impacted
Next distribution will be on April 21, 2022

Elder Share
94 Boxes Distributed

Backpack Program
146 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)
584 Total Backpacks
10 “Bulldog Baskets (High School Distribution)
594 Total Backpacks

PB&J
9 People Picked Up
Next PB&J Day is April 25, 2022

Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

Donations Needed

April
Average size cans tomato products, diced tomatoes, unflavored tomato sauce, or whole canned tomatores for the Café

May
Pudding cups for back pack program

 
Spotlight

Christine Barner

For our volunteer spotlight this month we want to highlight Christine Barner. Christine is one of our coordinators with The New Love Center and has been a part of our team since the very beginning. Christine plays a major role in organizing our distribution at our St. John location which includes coordinating volunteers, planning out the food needed, and so much more. She has devoted a great deal of her time to The New Love Center and when asked why she does this, her reply was “I do this work unto God and I do it to help people.”

Christine, we thank you for all that you do and making our impact in the community possible!

 
Devotional

How do you experience Easter joy?

Well, first…what words come to mind when you hear the word “joy”?

Ross Gay writes in Book of Delights that joy is “somehow terror and delight sitting next to each other, their feet dangling off the side of a bridge very high up.” (Ross Gay, Book of Delights, pg. 45) Perhaps this joy exists in the midst of both terror and delight—a link to what is lost and what is found. It connects us to the fragile, tender moments we share and also somehow this joy is able to reach into the terror, the holes that have been created in our lives by loss and pain, and somehow find a place to dwell. Actually, these holes…the sorrows in our life…that when we join them together, join your sorrow to mine and our sorrow to another’s, that somehow this bond…this compassion…this community…creates places for joy to dwell.

Perhaps in this way, joy is like the resurrection itself. In the midst of death and gloom where we only expect dark—somehow God’s presence is there. Joy lives in the glue that binds the Good Friday story of death and the Easter Sunday good news of life. It’s in joy’s song where we hear the promise that death does not have the final say. New life is promised through our Savior Jesus Christ.

The resurrection story tells us that it is in the darkest, most hope-deprived places where God’s presence and power show up, and these places are transformed into light-filled, hope-filled, life-filled places of joy.

God is inviting you to live and experience joy—joy through grace, joy through the gift this day can bring, joy found in giving thanks, joy shared in community.

Share joy. Talk about a joy you have. Point to this joy—for in it, you may be seeing the face of God.

Read the rest of our April Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

It is a joy for me to take a bird’s eye view and observe the different skills and abilities that people have and utilize with The New Love Center. It reminds me of what the Apostle Peter encouraged us to do. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Peter doesn’t say “if you think you are gifted enough,” then you can serve. He says, “whatever gift you have received,” use it to serve others. The reality is God has gifted us all with various types of gifts and we are all called to use them to serve. Here at The New Love Center, I get to see people use their administrative skills, creative abilities, interpersonal skills, minds for organization, and the ability to do physical work. We Glorify God when we use our gifts in the ways He desires us to and in return we are blessed because as Jesus said, “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Brett Newell
Operations Manager

We want to sincerely thank all who offer their time and resources that make such an impact in the communities that TNLC serves. From our faithful volunteers who support our ministries to each and every donation…every gift of time, talent, and treasure fed the mission of The New Love Center, where the love of Christ provides for all!

Making a Difference

 
February Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Cafe
578 Meals
Weis Donated 1,057.24 lbs of Food
Individual Donated 353.43 lbs of Food
38 Volunteers Donated 168.25 Hours

Food Pantry
647 Clients
61 New Clients
160 Volunteers Donated 508 Hours
4,591 lbs of Food Donated

Fresh Food Farmacy
214 Individuals Served
93 Households

Military Shares
146 Households Impacted
Next distribution will be on March 17, 2022

Elder Share
83 Boxes Distributed

Backpack Program
147 Students (Elementary and Middle Schools)
5 “Bulldog Baskets (High School Distribution)
589 Total Backpacks

PB&J
20 People Picked Up
Next PB&J Day is March 28, 2022

Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

 
Donations Needed

March
Box of jello any flavor

April
Average size cans tomato products, diced tomatoes, unflavored tomato sauce, or whole canned tomatores for the Café

May
Pudding cups for back pack program

 
Spotlight

Future Business Leaders of America

For our spotlight for this month we want to highlight our friends from Jersey Shore High School. A group of students from the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) have blessed The New Love Center in ways that have surpassed expectations. They set a goal to fill a bus with food items and to raise 10,000 in monetary donations. The students were able to fill two buses and raise over 30,000 in monetary donations. Recently they did a presentation for our board members, describing how they accomplished all of this and at the end of the presentation they showed us that they were able to raise an additional 1,000 in monetary donations.

We love all of our partnerships and appreciate all of our volunteers that contribute to make what we do at The New Love Center possible. However, there is something really special about getting to witness youth work hard and model to the rest of the community that making a difference is not limited to one’s age. Jersey Shore High School, and especially the leaders of the “Stuff the Bus” initiative, we thank you for continuing to make what we do at The New Love Center possible!

 
Devotional

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

This advice comes after the writer declares his fearless confidence in God, need for safety in “the day of trouble”, God’s companionship in rejection, and threats from foes. These words should have personal meaning in Ukraine right now! And anywhere where there is persecution or natural disaster. What about North America? Have the effects of Putin’s war had any affect here? The Lord is shaking this world. It has happened before and it will happen again “in spades”!

The writer of Hebrews has a perspective for us:

12:25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, [much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns us from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

Read the rest of our March Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Food for Thought

It can be easy to make assumptions and judgments of others’ situations. Working at The New Love Center has given me more opportunities to question assumptions being made about others. Recently, I had the opportunity to serve someone who was in need of emergency food. As I was loading food into their vehicle I couldn’t help but notice that they had a very nice car. In this situation it can be easy for anyone to slip into making assumptions and judgements about one’s situation. I had to remind myself that I do not know their situation. As I connected with this person they explained to me that they had recently had an accident and suffered a pretty bad concussion and had not been able to work. Receiving food from The New Love Center was one way to decrease the burden of being out of work for this person. For me it was a reminder that food insecurity does not look that same from person to person.

Brett Newell
Operations Manager

We want to sincerely thank all who offer their time and resources that make such an impact in the communities that TNLC serves. From our faithful volunteers who support our ministries to each and every donation…every gift of time, talent, and treasure fed the mission of The New Love Center, where the love of Christ provides for all!

Making a Difference

 
January Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Cafe
546 Meals
Weis Donated 1,343.77 lbs of Food
Individual Donated 253.33 lbs of Food
40 Volunteers Donated 167 Hours

Food Pantry
677 Clients
30 New Clients
142 Volunteers Donated 772 Hours
5,483 lbs of Food Donated

Fresh Food Farmacy
157 Individuals Served
69 Households

Military Shares
127 Households Impacted

Elder Share
66 Boxes Distributed

Backpack Program
538 Total Backpacks (Elementary and Middle Schools)
152 Total Backpacks (High School Distribution)

PB&J
20 People Picked Up

Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

 
Spotlight

Charles McCracken

We want to thank and highlight one of the members of The New Love Center team, Charles McCracken.

Charles is one of our part time employees, but with the amount of time he volunteers he could be considered full time. Charles has been an invaluable asset to the work at our Henry St. location and the work at our Pantry in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. At our Henry St. location, Charles helps with unloading food for our Fresh Food Farmacy program and our monthly distributions. At St. John, he helps keep thousands of pounds of food organized and helps pack boxes for our distributions.

His greatest strength is his “Go-Get” attitude when challenges arise. With Charles’ help The New Love Center is able to run much smoother.

Read the rest of our February Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.

Welcome!

Brett Newell
Operations Manager

We are excited to welcome aboard Brett Newell as our new Operations Manager. Each month Brett will offer “Food For Thought”, outlining the impact our programs have, sharing events, thanking our partners, and shining a spotlight on our fantastic volunteers!

Food for Thought

When getting to understand the scope and reach of The New Love Center I was initially confused as to how we were impacting hundreds of households in the community each month with only a handful of employees. That’s when I learned that the backbone of The New Love Center is it’s volunteer teams. We only get to impact these households because we have hundreds of volunteers who offer their time, talent, and treasure. However, the heart of our ministry is only empowered by the chief cornerstone himself, Jesus Christ. Which is why I am truly blessed to work alongside a team of leaders who put Jesus Christ first above all else and in turn we get to provide the love of Christ in our community.

What I am looking forward to most in the future of The New Love Center is “Pantry Choice” for our clients. Instead of clients being handed a box of food with items that they may or may not need/want, they now will have the opportunity to walk through our pantry and pick the foods that they need. I am excited about this intiative as I believe it will empower our clients, and give them more independence and dignity when choosing their food.

We started Pantry Choice for the first time at the Annex (263 Henry St, Jersey Shore) on January 6th and we will continue to offer it at the Annex for future distributions. Our team and myself are looking forward to seeing how our clients’ respond to Pantry Choice and how we can grow this program.

Brett Newell
Operations Manager

We want to sincerely thank all who offer their time and resources that make such an impact in the communities that TNLC serves! Our faithful volunteers, the many students who helped out during distribution, and the end of year gifts that you gave all fed the mission of The New Love Center, where the love of Christ provides for all.

We want to give a special thanks to our partners, and specifically offer our gratitude this month to the partnerships we share with FBLA, Terrapin, C&N Bank!

 
Making a Difference

December Program Impact

To learn more about each of our programs, including days and hours, click HERE.

Cafe
701 Meals
411.7 lbs of Food
47 Volunteers Donated 181.5 Hours

Food Pantry
961 Clients
124 New Clients
178 Volunteers Donated 689 Hours

Fresh Food Farmacy
232 Clients
97 Households
8 Distribution Days

Military Shares
160 Households Impacted

Elder Share
89 Boxes Distributed

Backpack Program
420 Students Participating

Please come in and see what we do, with a first hand look at how you can make a difference, and get your questions answered.

To set up a time to visit, call the office at 570-244-8838 or click HERE.

Volunteer Spotlight
Ann Green

Volunteers are the heart of our ministry and we would not be able to have the impact without them!

This month we want to thank and highlight all that our Fresh Food Farmacy Coordinator, Ann Green, has done as a member of The New Love Center team. She has been a volunteer for many, many years, but we are excited to have her join the TNLC staff. Ann has taken lead on our new Fresh Food Farmacy program and her impact has already been felt! This program is a partnership between TNLC and Geisinger where qualified people who have diabetes, have the opportunity to pick out healthy food items. Ann started leading this program three months ago with 30 clients. Partnering with Geisinger, she has brought the program up to 50 clients with the goal to soon bring it up to 60. She has also trained and developed a volunteer team to manage the increase in client numbers. When asked what she loves most about working in Fresh Food Farmacy, her reply was:

“I like the people and helping them. When you are here you definitely get to help people. Just listening to the success stories of the program will make your day. That’s what I love about doing Fresh Food Farmacy.”

Our Work Together

We are grateful to the many hands that helped to bless our community in 2021, especially during the Christmas season. On December 17th, Denise Remillard and Madra Clay of the Department of Community and Economic Development, toured The New Love Center. They were able to witness the many volunteers helping out, the number of members in the community being impacted, and see first hand the great work of TNLC!

Devotional

“We love because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:19

The new year brings new hope and new resolutions. How are your resolutions going? Sometimes we resolve to eat less dessert or exercise more times per week. Our resolutions often center around us wanting to look better or feel better, and that’s all well and good, but what if our resolutions center around how we as a community can be better.

What if we can resolve to love more? Imagine what our community might look like if we take this resolution to love more to heart?

We read in the first letter from John, that we love because God first loved us. This love that is God forgives us, fills us, and guides us. And when we share this love, we don’t run out…this love continues to open us up, continues to drive us, and continues to inspire us!

Blessings on this new year. May God bless you, and may we in turn be a blessing to the world God so loves.

Read the rest of our January Donor Impact Report by clicking HERE. You can find archives of the reports and other newsletters HERE.