4 Generations, 50 Birthday Bags, and 1 Beautiful Mission
Dear Family, Friends, and Generous Supporters,
Many busy believers share a deep desire to make a tangible Kingdom impact right here in our community. You want to know that your time is actively changing lives and lifting heavy burdens for families who need it most.
But when you look out at the sheer scale of the crisis in Dallas County, it can stop you right in your tracks.
Did you know that single-parent households are three times more likely to struggle with hunger? According to Healthy North Texas, 30% of households in Dallas County are single-parent homes. That is nearly one-third of our entire community.
The struggle to raise a family as a single parent is hard enough on its own. Right now, hundreds of our neighbors are staring down bare pantries and mounting bills with nowhere left to turn. The financial pressure is silently crushing the hope out of local families, forcing them to make impossible choices between putting food on the table, keeping the electricity on, or fixing a car just to get to work.
When you witness this level of deep, widespread need, it is easy to feel entirely paralyzed. You might wonder if sacrificing just one Saturday a month can even put a dent in such a massive problem.
Your Help Makes a Difference
When you step onto our line, you join an extended family of believers doing the heavy lifting together, proving to these single parents and struggling homes that they are not alone.
Just look at the miraculous, multiplied impact our volunteers achieved this past June:
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Massive Relief: 71 volunteers across 11 organizations moved a staggering 40,689 pounds of food to serve 1,874 individuals (410 families).
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Going the Extra Mile: Extra volunteers from Covenant Church spent their Serve Day completely sorting and organizing our clothes closet.
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Spiritual Nourishment: The Gideons nourished spiritual hunger by distributing 497 Bibles (410 Spanish, 87 English).
Volunteer Spotlight: Henrietta Ellis & Family
Meet Henrietta Ellis!
Following the loss of her husband and a move from Midlothian to Farmers Branch, Henrietta Ellis was looking for a way to fill her time with meaning. While attending Royal Haven Church with her daughter, Raynette, she heard Rick speak about the mission of i58. What began as a way to stay busy quickly transformed into a deep-seated passion for service.
“It has filled an empty hole of time,” Henrietta shares. “It has given me pleasure to serve and meet a lot of people.”
Service is a family affair for the Ellis household. The “Birthday Bag” program—a highlight of i58’s outreach—actually began as a school project by Henrietta’s great-granddaughter, Rachel. These bags ensure that every child registered with i58 can celebrate their special day with a cake pan, mix, icing, candles, and a card.
When Rachel left for college, Henrietta stepped in to keep the tradition alive. Today, she works alongside her daughter, Raynette, who spends hours bargain shopping to ensure they can assemble approximately 50 bags every month!
For Henrietta, the motivation is simple and rooted in faith: “The Bible tells us to help those that can’t help themselves.”
Thank you, Henrietta, for your years of dedication and for making sure every child in our community feels celebrated!
Celebrate Freedom by Giving It
Our next distribution day falls on Saturday, July 11th! We look forward to serving with you!
In Christ,
The Team at i58 Ministry
P.S. Ready to build a lasting legacy with your own family this holiday weekend? Join us for our July 4th distribution day!
