CrossRoads is a nonprofit corporation created to establish an interdependent network of individuals and organizations working together to combat poverty and homelessness in our community. Michele Ison is the Executive Director of CrossRoads. She came on Shaped by Faith to bring awareness to CrossRoads and to share her story of how the idea of this ministry began many years ago while she was still in College. Through a tragedy in her life, Michele chose to seek God and to follow His plan.

Michele started CrossRoads in 2006 in a basement of a local Church. A lot has happened since its beginning stages and this Ministry is now located at 1631 Breckenridge Street. You would not believe all the amazing things CrossRoads is doing for the people in our community.

I wanted to make sure you get a good idea of what CrossRoads offers, so I am going to give you all the information in this blog.

Also, there is an easy way to help out CrossRoads during this time of the year. You can purchase a $10 gift card from Mejer Grocery Store and make sure you tell them it is for the 'Give Back' Program to benefit CrossRoads. Meyers is matching the gift card amount and giving it directly to CrossRoads.

CrossRoads offers a variety of programs and services to those who are struggling on low or no incomes. 

CrossRoads to Hope Shelter for Women & Children: On September 1, 2016  they opened Owensboro’s first walk-in overnight shelter for women and children.  The shelter can accommodate 20 people and is open every night from 6:00 pm to 8:30 am.  Guests are provided dinner, a warm bed, light breakfast and positive human interaction.  Since opening they have sheltered 47 women and 14 children.

Food Pantry:  Provides emergency food assistance to nearly 3000 people each month through a partnership with TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), a federal program that provides food to low income Americans in need of short-term hunger relief. They serve those who do not meet income guidelines through a food pantry stocked with donated food provided by OHS’s National Honor Society, Owensboro residents, the Meijer Simply Give program, food drives by local businesses, and the NALC/USPS Food Drive.

Senior Food Program:  Provides emergency food to 676 low or no income seniors per month through a partnership with CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program), a unique federal/state and public/private effort. The USDA purchases nutrient-rich food to meet the specific nutritional requirements of this vulnerable segment of our population. One agency in each county is chosen as the distributer of CSFP. CrossRoads has been the Daviess County agency since 2006.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: CrossRoads is the Daviess County distributer of farmers’ market vouchers to low or no income senior citizens. Each May, through a partnership with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we receive 100 to 350 voucher booklets valued at $28 for use at any Kentucky Proud farmers’ market.

Weekend BackPack Program: Through a partnership with the Tri-state Food Bank, CrossRoadshas provided weekend food to hungry children since 2008. Volunteers assemble and deliver food bags to the school each week. The school family resource center identifies children who face food insecurity and distributes the food on Fridays.

Neighbor2Neighbor (N2N): N2N invites Owensboro residents to seek free assistance from their neighbors and to join Volunteer project teams to provide needed assistance. Our website has a regularly updated database of projects. After signing up as a member, a person has the ability to post a project for someone who needs help or volunteer to help with a project.

RSVP Program: CrossRoads partners with Audubon Area Community Services as a site for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP provides opportunities for people age 55 and over with a variety of life experiences, to volunteer in the community. These volunteers serve on a regular basis, using their talent and ability to meet critical needs.

CrossRoads is moving forward

Community Day CenterHomeless men, women, or children will have the opportunity to be sheltered from noon until 5:00 pm seven days a week. A light lunch will be provided.  Shower and laundry facilities will be available. They will be given the opportunity to connect with community resources designed to help lead them from poverty and homelessness. Bus passes will be available so they may have transportation to area soup kitchens for dinner.

Soup Kitchen: Once the kitchen is completed they will begin serving a community meal on Monday evenings. They will use food provided through donations and TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program).

Diabetic Food Pantry: They are in the beginning phase of establishing Owensboro’s first food pantry for low-income diabetics. Currently now serving more than 240 diabetics each month.

Community GardenIn the spring of 2016 CrossRoads broke ground on their community garden. The garden will be a place for shelter guests to unwind in the evening.  They will also use the produce for their food pantry clients.

CrossRoads is in need of Volunteers!!! You can connect with Michele and find out how you can help. Check out their Facebook Page CrossRoads Inc.

 

 

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