One Mission Cambridge celebrates expansion on Race Street

CAMBRIDGE — At One Mission Cambridge, “together” is an important word.

The nonprofit’s Executive Director Krista Pettit spoke about the impact of working together at a ribbon cutting event on July 17 to celebrate One Mission Cambridge’s expansion at 614 Race Street.

“We couldn’t do it without everyone coming together,” Pettit said about what the nonprofit does every day. “It’s churches coming together, and community groups. It’s businesses, everyone working together and saying, ‘Let’s work together and do something for the community.’”

One Mission Cambridge, a coalition of Christian churches and ministries, has been around for two years. It serves people in need through different programs, including a food pantry, community dinners and counseling services.

In an interview, Pettit talked about the growth of the organization and the need for its expansion into the space next door.

“Last month alone, we helped 377 people,” she said. “So with helping so many people, we needed more space.”

Before the expansion, all of the nonprofit’s services were in one space. Now, the nonprofit has a food pantry separate from its case management area and hangout space. Petit said there are now two rooms where community partners can meet with clients.

At the ribbon-cutting event, which was hosted by the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, various local officials congratulated the nonprofit.

Cambridge City Council Commissioner Jameson Harrington said that there aren’t enough good things a person could say about the organization.

“And we are all benefitting from one of the services they offer right now,” he said, “a place to get out of the heat.”

Dorchester County Council member Ricky Travers talked about how great it is to see the amount of people One Mission Cambridge has served. He said that he always recommends One Mission Cambridge to people who are experiencing hard times.

“I say, ‘You gotta go down to One Mission because they can take care of you all the way,’” he said.

Petit said the ribbon cutting highlighted what One Mission Cambridge is all about.

“It’s all about everyone working together, the community coming together,” she said. “And I feel like it represents what we’re trying to do and what we are doing.”

As One Mission Cambridge Grows, Pettit hopes its volunteer base grows with it.

“Please sign up to volunteer because we cannot run what we do without volunteers,” she told attendees of the event. “And it’s really fun and amazing. You’ll love it because you get to know our community.”

Those interested in volunteering with One Mission Cambridge can call 410-901-3959 or email krista@onemissioncambridge.org.