Grace South Bay exists to…
..GO out to live for a story bigger than ourselves.
We believe that Jesus sets us free FROM sin, self righteousness, and selfishness and he sets us free TO live for others; to love, serve, and help meet their needs. Since he has met all of our needs and will continue to provide for them, we are charged and changed to provide for others.
We long to see Grace as a serving church, which engages with the practical needs of the community and loves the people of San Jose.
How can you be serving your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and fellow South Bay residents?
WHERE TO VOLUNTEER
Looking to plug into compassion efforts near you? A list of suggested nonprofits with volunteering opportunities can be found here: https://bit.ly/2pqyz8V
HELP US LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS
Interested in leading a compassion effort with the church? Have questions or suggestions? Please contact Debby Chang at debby@gracesouthbay.com.
Compassion during Corona
Grace South Bay suggests five compassion opportunities near you:
1) To those who feel called to offer practical assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors:
Silicon Valley Strong is an initiative run by the City of San Jose to compile information about how the community can come together to help:
You can fill out this form to join their volunteer pool to deliver food to the elderly and medically vulnerable:
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/
2) To those who feel called towards protecting our unhoused neighbors:
The City of San Jose is partnering with WeHope to improve the sanitation of homeless encampments and attend to heightened needs of the homeless population.
More information about WeHope can be found here: https://www.wehope.org/
This is their donation page: https://www.wehope.org/
They are in particular need of:
- Hand sanitizer
- Hygiene supplies
- Tide pods
- Socks
- Disposable latex gloves (nitrile 6 mm)
- Masks
- Undergarments
- Ponchos
- Financial donations
- Prayer for our homeless brothers and sisters
3) To those who feel called towards our neighbors struggling with hunger and poverty:
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley food bank has urgent need for volunteers during this time. As the need for food assistance skyrockets, their volunteer pool is dwindling, especially as their regular volunteers are usually older adults. Anyone ages 14 and up can participate. Community groups: this could be a good opportunity to volunteer together!
The calendar of options showing times/locations/spots available can be found here:
https://www.shfb.org/give-
And you can read here about how they are prioritizing the safety of their staff and volunteers as they provide this essential service: https://www.shfb.org/
4) To those who feel called to support those with urgent medical needs:
The Red Cross is reporting a severe shortage of donated blood. They’re encouraging eligible and healthy donors to make an appointment to provide lifesaving blood products to patients.
You can search for a blood drive nearest you with this link:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
5) For those who feel called to support the emotional health of the elderly:
Nursing homes are not allowing most visitors, increasing loneliness and isolation for their senior residents. If you would like to send a greeting card, Susan Harkema has verified that these organizations are accepting cards in the mail. Please use stickers or some alternative to licking to seal the envelopes. Families: this could be a great activity to do with your kids during small group or craft time!
Alan Tuan
℅ Madera Villa
1052 W. Iowa Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 98086
Tina Morrill
℅ Pacific Gardens
2384 Pacific Dr.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
To Patients Who Need a Card
Mission Skilled Nursing
410 N Winchester Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
To Patients Who Need a Card
Skyline Health Care Center
2063 Forest Ave.
San Jose, CA 95128
To Patients Who Need a Card
Amberwood Gardens
1601 Petersen Ave.
San Jose, CA 95129
To Patients Who Need a Card
Villa Fontana
5555 Prospect Rd.
San Jose, CA 95129
To Patients Who Need a Card
Westgate Villa
5425 Mayme Ave.
San Jose, CA 95129
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Debby at debby@gracesouthbay.com or anyone on Grace South Bay’s staff if you have more ideas! Thank you for partnering with us in this season as we strive to show our love for Christ through our love for our neighbors.