Local and National Mission Partners

2-Cents a Meal

Every day, hunger is a stark reality for millions of men, women, and children in the world. And for just 2-cents a meal, we can make a difference! Plastic containers are placed in McClure Hall on Sundays to collect donations of change. The money collected goes to support the work of ECHO, a Fort Myers-based organization whose mission is to network with community leaders in developing countries to seek hunger solutions for families growing food under difficult conditions.

Café of Life, Bonita Springs, FL

This local ministry seeks to meet basic human needs for the poor and hungry of Bonita Springs. A hearty hot lunch is provided Mondays and Wednesdays at the Bonita Community Center, and on other weekdays in the Bonita Park. Groceries, clothing, blankets, personal items, and some financial assistance are also provided. For more information, visit cafeoflife.org.

Disaster Preparedness & Response Committee

First Presbyterian Church has a standing committee which focuses on evaluating the talent and resources our church can provide in a disaster situation. Following Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005, church leaders recognized the need to define our role in future relief efforts and prepare an effective response in advance.

The Gabriel House, Inc., Ft. Myers, FL

Founded by Ed and Annie Ravish, Gabriel House is a loving Christian home for abandoned, displaced, underprivileged, and medically needy children. The home focuses on children from birth to six years old and especially those with significant medical and developmental needs. Their mission is to provide medical treatment as well as a foundation of support to help each child in their care to reach the highest level of independence and functioning possible.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat builds and rehabilitates homes which are then sold to low-income families. The homes are sold at no profit with 0% interest mortgages to members of the community who have a steady income and are willing themselves to give 500 hours of volunteer work with Habitat. In recent years, First Presbyterian Church provided funds and/or labor for the building of Habitat homes in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.

Immokalee Child Care Center, Immokalee, FL

FPC provides tuition funds to help offset the cost of child care for low-income, migrant families living in the Immokalee community. ICCC offers a safe environment for children while their parents pursue employment and/or schooling in order to provide for their family.

David Meade, Propempo

A former missionary to the Philippines, David offers practical, biblical resources and networking to enable churches to effectively develop their mission and outreach ministries. David helped FPC build its mission vision and strategy by providing resources, direction, and leading seminars with the Mission & Outreach Committee of FPC. He raises his financial support through the faith offerings of the churches he serves.

Meals on Wheels, Bonita Springs, FL

This ministry delivers nourishing meals locally to those who cannot provide meals for themselves. Each weekday morning, volunteer drivers meet at the church to put together their clients’ meals, then visit each home on their list, serving up a daily dose of care with a simple meal. In addition to these faithful volunteers, FPC contributes financially to offset the cost of meals. Over 7,000 meals are delivered annually.

Partnerships of Peace River Presbytery

FPC supports the missions of Peace River Presbytery including Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center, Florida Gulf Coast University Campus Ministry, New Church Development, and the Disaster Relief Fund.

Pregnancy Resource Center, Naples, FL

The Pregnancy Resource Center provides services to hundreds of women each year who face an unintended pregnancy. Resources at the Center include free pregnancy testing, crisis pregnancy support, infant care classes, adoption support, and Bible study and support groups.

Emergency Food for a Day, Bonita Springs, FL

Every week men, women, and families come to the church seeking assistance for various needs. Through this program, coordinated by the Deacons, we seek to meet one of the most basic of human needs — that of daily “bread.” Easily transportable bags containing nutritious, ready-to-eat meals for one person for one day are prepared and distributed as needed. Church members are invited to shop for the items for one bag and/or support the ministry financially.