LOCAL OUTREACH
As followers of Christ who live in the Livermore Valley, we look for opportunities to meet the needs of our community and provide venues where people can come and explore who Christ is and what it means to follow Him in our culture. We also actively support several organizations who are reaching out to meet needs in our community.
We support the following organizations:
Follow-up Ministries International, is a specialized “arm” of the Church, who are equipped with special knowledge and training to go where pastors and other Christians may not be able to go – into the juvenile detention centers, state and federal prison yards and solitary cells.
Since 1956, under the leadership of founder and President Glen Morrison, Follow-Up Ministries has been serving the spiritual needs of prisoners where help and nurture are so desperately needed. Trained volunteers serve as spiritual mentors to prisoners providing Bible studies, study materials, prayer breakfasts, discipleship training and after care for released inmates as they adjust to the outside world.
Shepherd’s Gate provides shelter and resources for women and children displaced by abuse, financial hardships, and addictions. They find refuge, nutritious meals, warm beds, and compassionate understanding from their first entry through the doors of Shepherd’s Gate. While in our program, they follow a structured curriculum, which helps ensure the women and children receive the education and preparation to lead self-sufficient, productive lives. There are two campuses – one on Portola Ave. in Livermore, the other in Brentwood.
Cedar Grove has been a financial partner of Shepherd’s Gate for many years, through budget donations. There are many ways for us to be part of this important work for Christ right here in Livermore. Check out the Shepherd’s Gate website for more information – you can even sign up for your eScrip donations to be credited to Shepherd’s Gate right from the website.
Young Life Tri-Valley is active in three of our area high schools and one middle school, making a difference in the lives of students through weekly clubs, “Campaigners” study, service & leadership groups, and summer camp programs.
Our area director, Jeannette Thralls works with a team of many adult volunteers with the vision of giving adolescents the opportunity to meet Jesus Christ and follow him. They are committed to going where the kids are, winning the right to be heard and building relationships through fun, adventurous and life-changing experiences. Jeannette recently wrote to Cedar Grove “Thank you so much for your consistent and faithful support of Young Life year after year. God has touched many kids lives this year, and we could not do this ministry without supportive churches like you.”
For the past twenty two years, The Valley Pregnancy Centre (VPC) has been serving the Tri-Valley area as a Christian organization offering free counseling and compassionate support for women who are experience an unplanned pregnancy. By providing a safe and caring environment, the VPC ministry is to assist women who may not be aware of all their options. As a state-licensed medical facility, they are equipped to offer accurate medical information and support services that allow clients to make informed decisions.
There are also counseling services available for fathers, and follow-up support groups for new mothers. Cedar Grove has taken part in the support of this important ministry to our local community for many years through our budget givings, participation in the Annual Fundraising Dinner and Walk for Life.