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SOUTHEASTERN ECUMENICAL MINISTRY
SPRING, 2004
THE SEM FOOD PANTRY - OUR #1 MISSION
The need is more than anyone could imagine. It has grown by leaps and bounds in the
past several years. We’re talking about the need for food and other assistance such as
prescrip- tions, transportation, and utilities. Recent changes to welfare rules and
regulations, and the upswing in the unemployment rolls have created a demand for food
and other essent- ials that substantially outstrips the demands just a few years ago.
The good news is that the SEM Food Pantry has had the food and money resources and
volunteers to handle the increased demand. Led by our tireless octogenarian, Mrs. Irma
Flickner, and her band of 34 volunteers, the Food Pantry has almost doubled the output in
the past few years and now serves approx- imately 600 needy people monthly with food
and cash for utilities, transportation, medicine, and prescriptions, and several other
related cash needs. During the past few months, cash outlays have been $1,800-$2,000
each month. We have become one of the area’s larger food pantry operations.
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The Food Pantry was established in 1982, when the Rev. Michael Brandy, Pastor of the
Mt. Washington Baptist Church and a member of the SEM Pastoral Staff, asked that
SEM establish a central facility to serve the needy of the area, and one that could serve
the referrals made by the SEM community churches. This centralized service has helped
eliminate fraud and unnecessary duplication of records, storage space and services.
If you are a contributor to the SEM Food Pantry, we want you to
know that almost every cent you contribute is used for our clients.
The staff is 100% volunteer, and the Mt. Washington Presbyterian
Church permits the Pantry to operate from the Presbyterian Mission
House, located next to the church on Beechmont Avenue. The Food
Pantry continues to grow and serve the emergency needs of our SEM commu- nity. We invite you to become a part of this fine mission
endeavor, contributing your time and money.
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HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF THE SEM FOOD PANTRY MISSION EFFORT?
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CONTRIBUTE CASH… The Food Pantry can seldom meet all of the cash
needs of its clients. Individuals may contribute by writing a
check to the SEM Food Pantry, 6474 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati,
OH 45230. We are an IRS tax-exempt organization. Contributions
are fully deductible.
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CONTRIBUTE FOOD… Several of our SEM churches have established
monthly food collections for the Food Pantry, and they bring
their contributions on a regular basis. Call the Food Pantry
at 231-1412 if you would like more information about other
ways you can contribute.
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2004 LEGISLATIVE BOARD OFFICERS
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| Chair - Robert T. Bridges |
Calvin Presbyterian Church |
| Vice-Chair - Charlie Sollberger |
A. Hills Christian Church |
| Treasurer - Gerry Halvorsen |
Guardian Angels Church |
| Secretary - Ruth Richey |
Guardian Angels Church |
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The SEM Office is located in the Presbyterian Mission House.
Our mailing address is:
6474 Beechmont Avenue,
Cincinnati, OH 45230
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