Project URGE, Inc.

Contact ProjectURGE 585.223.8340

Starting

Planning for Project URGE began in late summer and continued through November of  2001. The first formal meeting was held in March 2002. A majority of those attending the first meeting are still involved today.

Mission

Connecting and uniting urban, suburban and rural churches, organizations, and individuals to work together in breaking down barriers of poverty, race, and despair in the name of Jesus Christ.

Our intention was to bring the Christian community together, not just in speech, but also in action and in truth (1 John 3:17,18). One church often doesn't know what other churches are doing. Many suburban churches have little or no connection to the urban environment. Through our extensive experience with volunteering in urban ministry, it became clear that a more comprehensive and collaborative approach was needed if real change was to occur. Class and race have divided the church, like society, which is an affront to God. Quietly we have pursued connection and collaboration among all members of the Christian community since March of 2002.

We host approximately six general meetings per year, which serve to keep people informed, connected and are often the catalyst for further discussion and ministry planning. Relationship building takes place when people can connect faces with organizations which leads to more opportunities for ministering together. These forums are key for driving change and collaboration in ministry. Additionally, we have two social events a year, our annual dinner and a July picnic. We strongly encourage partnerships among urban and suburban Christians.

Project URGE Teams

Bread Run Team:  Volunteers who deliver donated bread and baked goods to homeless shelters and soup kitchens in Rochester on Saturday mornings.  Please contact Linda Conklin at (585) 261-3504 if you would like to help on this team.

Concert of Praise: This is an annual event in which performing artists from all area churches and organizations are encouraged to share their talents.  Please contact Project URGE at prourge@aol.com if you would like to be part of planning for or performing in this year's concert. 

Jacob's Ladder Team: Volunteers who provide "handy-man" services to non-profit organizations/churches in order to renovate, refurbish and/or maintain their facilities.  The team generally works one or two Saturday mornings per month from 8 AM - Noon.  Please contact Project URGE at prourge@aol.com if you would like to volunteer with the Jacob's Ladder team.

MINO [Mothers in Need of Others]: A ministry dedicated to supporting single mothers with prayer and encouragement as well as through collecting and redistributing gently-used children's clothing, furniture, appliances and other household items. Please contact Maria Wehrle at (585) 348-8596 to get involved.

Prayer Team: Volunteers who commit to meet with others to pray for specific needs, ministry efforts and the healing of the City of Rochester.  Please contact Eva Daughtery at (585) 746-1351 to get involved.

Presentation & Tour:  This is an annual fall event in which Project URGE-associated organizations and ministries are showcased to the public in order to increase the awareness of potential volunteers and supporters to the multiple opportunities that exist for getting involved in serving those less fortunate. Please see the "Events" link on the website for more details.  

Saturday Sonshine Program: Adult volunteers plan for and then take urban youth (ages 6-16) on a variety of field trips to museums, farms, parks and other places in order to provide educational, edifying and entertaining experiences for youth.  The program generally runs two Saturdays per month during the school year. Please contact Garry Manuel at (585) 223-8340 to get involved.

Volunteer Coordination:  People are needed to help coordinate volunteer opportunities for school & church groups to non-profit organizations/churches in the Rochester area. This includes matching volunteers with appropriate service sites, facilitating communication among the people involved, and overseeing the process. To get involved, please contact Garry Manuel at (585) 223-8340.

Project URGE Structure

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