CAMBRIDGE - Entering its third year of faith-based community service operations at 614 Race Street, One Mission Cambridge has expanded into the building next door.
On July 17, One Mission Founder and Executive Director Krista Pettit and board members welcomed local officials and community partners to the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony.
Due to the extremely high heat index, the ceremonial opening took place indoors, at the gateway passage linking the original site with its new annex.
City Councilman Jameson Harrington, who represents Ward 3 where One Mission is located, pointed out that even on this occasion, the Center was again providing a vital cooling space to the community.
“Every day that we’re open, kids stop in regularly for a drink of water or a snack, and people of all ages come inside to spend time away from the heat,” outgoing Manager Susan Lamont said.
While there, many report being welcomed as neighbors to take refuge from the elements, receive outreach assistance and information, and partake of the self-service shopping style food pantry available at One Mission.
Dorchester County Councilman Ricky Travers, whose family has owned and operated Simmons Center Market several doors down from One Mission, expressed gratitude for the group’s presence in the community.
“Almost every day, people come into the Market saying, ‘I need help’ and asking for a bite to eat. I can help them out with an occasional sub, but we’re so glad that One Mission is right here helping people on a regular basis get the help they need, and look forward to continuing to work with them,” Travers said.
Dorchester County Council Vice President Mike Detmer also expressed thanks for the work One Mission does.
“They’re here offering a real helping hand and hope to the people struggling in this community, and we support you,” Detmer said.
Pettit said the expansion had been in the works for about nine months, assisted by a crowdfunding campaign.
Announcing the move in a May 15 press release, Pettit explained why a larger area was sought to provide the comprehensive programs offered including food pantry, community navigation, community dinners, and counseling services.
“We average about 375 people a month who utilize the food pantry and our mission center as a place to receive a snack or lunch and encouraging words. (On Thursdays, the Center serves hot meals, serving between 20 and 25 on that day.) The new space next door is where food will be stored, and folks will be able to shop. It will also offer private consultation rooms for clients needing access to resources.
"Our current space will be set up more like a cafe to accommodate the growing number of people who eat lunch or a snack and receive other case management services from us. This expansion will also allow us to host more community programs,” Pettit said.
Chamber Executive Director/CEO Bill Christopher recalled the first time Pettit had come into the Chamber office to explain her idea of bringing together area church congregations in a group effort to start a downtown Mission, bringing help and hope to the large numbers of community people struggling to survive and make ends meet.
Admitting his initial skepticism about successfully forging a coalition of churches combining their efforts, Christopher commended Pettit and the community for making it happen successfully.
In thanking everyone, Pettit gave credit to the many who had joined together.
“All of us, from all different kinds of faith communities, have worked together to do something for the community,” she said. “We are all about loving our neighbors—doing unto other people as we would have them do unto us.”
She added that this view was shared by the many volunteers who contributed time and energy.
“We cannot run without our volunteers,” she said, urging those interested to stop in or visit the website to sign up.
Individuals as well as businesses and organizations volunteering as a group are welcome to assist with Food Pantry tasks, including helping clients "shop" the shelves with one-on-one assistance as needed, performing simple paperwork, restocking shelves, and tidying the lounge area, according to the website .
Described as “simple, short shifts are perfect for people of all age” they are also an opportunity for community members to "come build valuable connections with your neighbors and make a direct impact in your community,” the website stated.
Volunteers are also needed for the group’s monthly community dinners held the first Monday of each month and fundraising events.
For information, call One Mission Cambridge at 410-901-3959, email info@onemissioncambridge.org, visit onemissioncambridge.org or follow One Mission Cambridge on Facebook and Instagram .
Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 1495, Cambridge, MD 21613 and also via google pay and apple pay.
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