LOCAL:
SIOUX CITY, IA
ADVOCATE
The West Side of Sioux City is seen as one of the poorest and most diverse communities in the area. However, many people living right here in Siouxland are not aware of these circumstances or choose to ignore it. Currently, there are many other business and organizations who are either located directly in or very close to this community. Through partnering relationships, our vision is to educate and expose these front-line people on the specific needs of the community in hopes to open their eyes to the community and ultimately provide long-term development.
Liberty Elementary School
Sunnybrook’s partnership with Liberty Elementary in the West Side of Sioux City began back in 2007 when the school was formerly known as Everett Elementary. We initially recognized the need for this community of students and began meeting some of the immediate needs, such as providing backpacks for the students to go to school. The school has been acknowledged as 100% free and reduced…Since then, we have created a more consistent presence with the school by putting on multiple events throughout the year there. Our vision is to create lasting relationships with the students and their families in hopes to provide long-term change in this specific community on the West side of Sioux City.
If you want to join us in being a light and voice amongst Sioux City please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email megang@sunnybrookchurch.org.
If you are interested in getting more involved with any of the local opportunities below (or others you know of) in Sioux City, please fill out the contact form!
Experience Sioux City!AID
Operation Backpack
All students deserve a good education, yet the majority of families who attend Liberty weren’t able to fully equip their students to attend school. Our Operation Backpack program was created to do just that – to equip the students for their upcoming school year by providing a backpack with all necessary school supplies.
Operation Backpack takes place every July, where members and attendees of the church pick up a backpack, purchase the supplies, and return them all packed and ready for the new school year. A couple days prior to the school year, Liberty hosts a “Back to School Night” where students receive their backpack. What seems to be a simple program and act of kindness to us ends up being a huge relief to the families who do not have to worry about the costs of school supplies and not having their child ready for school.
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.
Holiday Meals
The Holidays are usually celebration where families gather around a table of food. For some, it can be more of a burden as not all families can provide these holiday meals and gifts. As a church we want to come together to celebrate with these families and bless them with meals and gifts during the holiday season.
For Thanksgiving, our Student Ministry hosts a night at Liberty to worship, play games, and interact with the families. Each family is then sent home with all food items to cook a full Thanksgiving meal.
For Christmas, the church hosts a special night at the school inviting families into share a meal together. There is time for activities for the children and then an opportunity to pick out their own Christmas gifts.
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.
End of the Year Carnival
Each May at the end of the school year, we spend one night celebrating another successful school year with the students and their families. This event is filled with fun games, food, and services (i.e. haircuts, massages, etc.). It is a joy to celebrate with these families each year!
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.
Immediate Relief
On a case by case basis, we work alongside the school to help provide for families who are facing tough situations by supporting them financially or with physical means.
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.
DEVELOP
Classroom Volunteers
Some teachers simply need extra hands in the classroom to assist the students and help with daily activities. Therefore, individuals from the church congregation volunteer 3-4 hours per week to spend time in a school classroom. This also allows students to get to the know the individual and may open a door for a possible mentoring relationship.
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.
Teacher Support
Teachers are hands on with the students every day of the week and are our main connection to the families. We see value in connecting with these teachers to not only organize events for the school, but to acknowledge the needs of the school and to support the staff as well.
We meet on a quarterly basis throughout the school year with a group of Liberty staff who also attend Sunnybrook Church.
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.
5th Grade
Our goal for 2016 is for the first time to transition the graduating 5th grade class at Liberty Elementary to West Middle School. This transition process will involve getting to know the students and their needs as they adjust to middle school.
Our vision is to have classes outside of the normal school day to minister to these 5th grade students. This vision also involves creating an on-going relationship with the administration at West Middle School. Ultimately, we would see this class of students all the way through their high school graduation day.
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.
Children’s Ministry Program
In Fall of 2016, we envision the kickoff of a weekly night program for the students to attend. Through this program, students will explore God’s Big Story and experience faith, fellowship, and fun.
Our goal is to touch base with these students on a weekly basis in hopes to build long-term relationships while sharing the Gospel with them.
Please contact Megan Grooters at 712-276-5814 or via email ( megang@sunnybrookchurch.org), if you are interested in getting more involved.