recollections

AGAPE was a splash of color at
SmartStart
expanding services the Bloomsburg Renaissance Fair
SmartStart provides education referrals
and training assistance to individuals who
need specific information at pivotal points
in their lives. AGAPE’s most recent training
events were the Super Shopper and Don’t
Sweat It workshops.
StoreMore
•Household Items – Towel sets, Sheet sets,
Pillows (NEW), and Trash bags
•Food – Cereal, Ramen noodles, Peanut
Butter, Jelly, Pasta, Boxed Dinners
•Wicker baskets in good condition and new
items for our Palooza Silent Auction
**Furniture pickups may also be scheduled
Raise the Region
AGAPE received over $8,000 during this
fundraising event on March 12, 2013. A big
thank you goes out to all who participated
in this event for the benefit of our
community, and we especially thank all
who contributed to AGAPE.
Choose the Columbia
County Food Pantry
Option
The Columbia County Food Pantry is
available through Columbia County
Human Services. For more information
about how you can receive help, call Jill
Schoepflin (CCHS) at 387-6501.
19 East 7th Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
recollections
says AGAPE volunteers have huge hearts.
Weekly Calendar
AA Meetings:
Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
AL ANON Meetings:
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Under a bright blue sky, AGAPE volunteers painted faces, ran a washer-toss game, sold shirts and towels,
and distributed information at the 2013 Renaissance Fair. A steady stream of people stopped at the stand
which was located near the courthouse to ask questions and share their support for the work AGAPE does
in the community.
A BIG THANK YOU
To Giant Food Stores and Sheetz for their
continuing weekly donations of food for
our outreach program.
DailyBread
Fresh/Frozen meats in bulk (for Thursday
meals)
Furniture Drop-Off Schedule**
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bloomsburg,
PA 17815
Permit No. 19
On July 27 he will be getting married, and
we extend Congratulations and Best Wishes
to Skip and his bride, Cindy.
Feedback from our attendees indicated that
they would like to see more educational
resources offered by AGAPE. The most
popular requests for program expansion
included: Healthy and Affordable Eating/
Cooking, Basic Budgeting & Financial
Management, Stress Management, and
Marriage & Relationship Advice. If you or
someone you know would like to volunteer
the time to help others, please help us
to share both knowledge and wisdom by
contacting AGAPE.
Current Needs
Volume 3 . Issue 1 . May 2013
Led by Jeff Shaffer, the Chamber’s Business
& Education Coordinator, the group visited
AGAPE in January to help get food ready
for needy families. They also assisted at
Renaissance Jamboree.
The group, shown above with the local
chapter of Special Olympics, include:
Adam Feudale, Teanna Shutt, Cody Olson,
Alex Cove from Southern Columbia; Catrina
Coppola, Jason Laubach, Kieran McDonald
from Benton; Koby Schmidt, Mareaha
Harvey, Colton Appleman, Shelby Beaver
from Columbia-Montour Area Vo-Tech.
Board of Directors:
President: Pastor Susan Knorr
Vice-President: Vicky Burnside
Secretary: Peggy Kopitsky
Valerie Evert
Kathy Lowe
Frank Gehrig
Bruce McMichael, Jr.
Ginger Hock
Pastor Greg Molter
David Kovach
Louise Naus
Pastor David Rosenberger
Scrip gift cards
always available
If you need a gift card any time during the
year, you can also help AGAPE. When you
order your gift cards through AGAPE, you
will receive the full
value of your request,
and the company of
the gift card gives a
certain percentage
back to AGAPE. Close to 100 stores and
restaurants are participating in this unique
offer. To order your gift cards, just stop in
the AGAPE Center.
Volunteer Opportunities:
•Graphic Artist
•Marketing Coordinator
•Fundraising Coordinator
•Special Events Coordinator
•Caseworker
•Mission Central Coordinator
•Standby Electricians, Plumbers and
Carpenters for small home projects
•Mentors Coordinator
AGAPE INFORMATION
Monday – Tuesday – Friday
Open: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday
Open: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Donate On-Line using PayPal
on our Website at: www.
agapelovefromabove.org
Student Building Leaders
show their support
High school juniors involved in Building
Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley (BLSV),
a program of the Central PA Chamber of
Commerce, chose AGAPE as the non-profit
to receive their support this year.
AGAPE Staff:
Executive Director: Eileen Chapman
Treasurer: Sylvia Richer
Case Manager: Karen Heaps
Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara White
Joseph’s Storehouse Coordinators:
Amber Lee and Matt Korol
Office Coordinator: Donna Houser
IT Coordinator: Michael DeMarco
Extended Services:
DailyBread Meal Coordinator:
Mary Ridgeway
Addictions Coordinator: Betty Brown
PR Coordinator: Kathy Lowe
Marketing Coordinator: Vacant
Disaster Relief Coordinator:
Victoria Wilcox
Grant Coordinator and Cloth Diaper
Program Coordinator: Megan Fernsler
Webmaster: Victor Northern
Phone: 570-317-2210
FAX: 570-317-2213
Email: info@agapelovefromabove.org
Web: www.agapelovefromabove.org
NA and NAR ANON Meetings:
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
DailyBread Meal for Community:
Thursdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Skip Miller’s pickup truck in its usual spot outside AGAPE. Skip has volunteered his time, talents, and
generous heart to work with several AGAPE projects including the storage expansion project.
Volunteer of the Quarter
AGAPE volunteer is driven
to make a difference
S
Celebrate Recovery Gathering:
Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Calendar
of Events 2013
May
kip Miller, a licensed contractor, has
worked in the construction business
most of his life. But over the years Skip
found time to pursue other careers as
well. They include, bounty hunting for 20
years, owning several car lots, and owning
five Native American stores located from
Reading, Pennsylvania to Virginia. He
moved to the Bloomsburg area in 2001.
out of work and living on peanut butter.
Through his sister, he met Pastor David
Rosenberger, and he and his church reached
out to Skip. One day Pastor David brought
Skip to AGAPE. On that particular day there
was furniture to be delivered, but no truck
was available. Skip did have a pickup truck,
and immediately offered it. He has been an
AGAPE volunteer ever since!
•
When the recession hit, Skip found himself
During the Lee Flood Skip oversaw the
major portion of the reconstruction done
through AGAPE. As a licensed contractor,
he gave advice, helped with estimates and
helped identify dangerous situations for
volunteers. There were many 18 hour days
during that time.
•
Skip Miller stops for a photo before making a
final cut on a joist spacer for the second floor storage
project.
His contracting business has picked up
again, but he continues to volunteer at
AGAPE. He is helping with the storage
expansion project as well as anything else
that needs to be done. He believes strongly
in AGAPE. It’s family to him. He enjoys
what he does and the people with whom he
works.
He can’t think of anything he would rather
be doing than volunteering at AGAPE. He
•
•
•
Friday, May 17, 11 a.m., Healthy
Cooking and Nutrition Workshop
Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.,
Don’t Sweat It Workshop
Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 11
a.m., Addictions Awareness
Workshop, Wesley UMC
Monday, May 20, 6:30 p.m., Low
Income Budget Planning
Workshop
Friday, May 24, 11:00 a.m., Low
Income Budget Planning
Workshop
June
“Reading Your Water Bill” workshop:
details will be available at AGAPE.
August 17
4th Annual Palooza
Bloomsburg Town Park
Saturday, August 17,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kayaking for our Communities
Beginning in Espy and ending at
Bloomsburg Town Park
Beginning at 9 a.m.
Lowe’s also offers grants for additional building
materials over and above the current project.
We are in the process of applying for this
additional grant.
Rick Giplin, Commercial Sales, is Lowe’s
Project Manager for the construction. Rick
formerly worked for Shell Oil as a subcontractor. He changed careers when he moved
to our area to care for his mother. He lives
on a farm in Washingtonville. He says he has
enjoyed working with the AGAPE volunteers on
this project. Both Bobby and Rick speak highly
of each other, and each credits the other with
holding to the highest ethical standards in their
business practices.
AGAPE is privileged to have this team helping
us with this project, and we wish to thank
Lowe’s for their investment in AGAPE’s
outreach.
From AGAPE’s humble beginnings,
Don Tretter has done it all
Volunteers of the Quarter
Don Tretter is a jack of all trades when it comes to
helping AGAPE.
Don Tretter, our Facilities Coordinator,
became involved with AGAPE almost from
the beginning of the ministry. Don was selfemployed for many years, and is well known in
our area as an installer of drop ceilings. While
working for Burt Wandell, the owner of the
AGAPE building, Don met and worked with
volunteers. He liked what he saw happening
at AGAPE. He began helping out wherever he
could. He is now retired, and he is a regular at
the Center.
His projects include remodeling the kitchen,
building bathrooms, building shelves and
more shelves, helping with the second floor
storage area and numerous other jobs. Don will
do anything to help AGAPE, and he is a loyal
and reliable volunteer. He has even been seen
stamping envelopes, although that is definitely
not his favorite job. He is much happier with a
hammer. His wife, Betty, also volunteers in the
office or wherever needed. We are thankful to
have Don and Betty Tretter as volunteers with
AGAPE.
STORAGE
PROJECT
By the numbers
A Lowe’s Heroes associate joins other volunteers at the start of the AGAPE storage expansion project. Ten to fifteen Heroes worked side by side with other volunteers to
finish the project which has almost doubled the available storage space in the Joseph’s Storehouse.
Effort
SHARING THE
Lowe’s Heroes Program
spearheads AGAPE
storage expansion project
•
A
GAPE volunteers are busy constructing a
second floor space for additional storage
and to be used in the event of a disaster. This
project is being accomplished in cooperation
with Lowe’s Heroes Program. When completed,
we will have 80% more storage space.
A forklift operator waits for Lowe’s Heroes to set the pre-made trusses into place. The size and scope of the
expansion project is seen by the construction along the south wall of the warehouse.
Bobby String, the new manager of Lowe’s in
Buckhorn, became acquainted with Kathy
Lowe, a member of our Board of Directors,
when he purchased his new home. Bobby had
been to our area during the Lee Flood and had
seen the devastation. He could see and feel
the depth of the need. Many Lowe’s Associates
volunteered during the flood cleanup.
In addition to supporting the Muscular
Dystrophy Association and their Military
Discount Program, each store may pick a local
charity to support each year. Bobby is excited
about partnering with AGAPE to complete
the second floor expansion. Lowe’s donated
60 sheets of plywood, and ten associates
volunteered to install the flooring.
A Lowe’s delivery truck moves into position to unload
premade trusses that will serve as the foundation for
product storage.
A volunteer moves a support structure into place above
the newly expanded storage area. This new, second-floor
material was part of the Lowe’s/AGAPE efforts.
80% increase in the StoreMore portion of the warehouse
•
67 pieces of 4'x6' plywood
•
160 2x4’s
•
2798 square feet of flooring
•
5 32' trusses
•
10 to 15 Lowe’s Volunteers
•
10 to 15 AGAPE volunteers
“I am only one. I cannot do
everything, but I can do something; and what I ought to do, I
should do.”
Anonymous
Change makes AGAPE better
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear AGAPE Friends,
response to disasters, the former Columbia
County Volunteers Organized for Disaster
Already time for another newsletter! Time passes
Relief (CCVODR) that administered financial
quickly when you’re having fun serving the
contributions for flood survivors is now
Lord. Things are really moving at the AGAPE
Columbia County Volunteer Organizations
Center. Ann Diseroad presented her third Super
Active in Disaster, an AGAPE program,
Shopper Workshop. We had five days of clothing
connecting us more effectively to the Emergency
giveaways, and Jeremy DeMarco presented
Management Agency—county, state and
“Don’t Sweat It,” a workshop addressing anxiety,
federal. The CCVOAD meets once a quarter
stress, and depression. All were
and includes representatives of
successful. Surveys distributed
local governments, non-profits,
We have a new
were complimentary. Attendees
area churches, and others
webmaster, Victor
asked for other workshops and
interested in assisting during
we look forward to meeting those Northern. He is developing times of tragedy. A strategic
ideas to increase the
requests.
plan is being developed to
information on our
ensure better organization and
Matt Korol and Amber Lee, our
communication; maximize
website, as well as on
Joseph’s Storehouse coordinators, Facebook and Twitter. I’m
distribution of materials,
have used their MBAs to expand
minimize duplication of services,
sure he’d appreciate ideas
our database and create new
increase efficiency; and establish
for
what
other
information,
databases to provide more
training exercises to guarantee
including links, you would
statistics on our clients and use
better implementation of relief
like to see on our web.
of the AGAPE Center. Statistics
and recovery efforts.
gathered include average
income, expenses, age, number
Whew! I could go on but won’t.
in household, and employment status. We can
Just know God is moving in our community.
also identify by number and percentage the
In His service,
clients who come from each town, borough,
or village. Additionally, we can ascertain how
Eileen
many people beyond staff use our building for
events—for example, AA/NA, workshops, etc.
Finally, we have a much more accurate value of
our in-kind donations and the distribution of
those donations. These statistics, available since
FINANCIAL REPORT – Year-To-Date
January this year, are revealing much that will
Income:
help us serve our clients better and hopefully
Churches
$ 7,230.76
Community Organizations
$ 1,875.26
assist us in obtaining grants.
“
”
Our grant team, Megan Fernsler, Victoria Wilcox,
Amber Lee and Matt Korol are working to find
grants. Two applications have already been
submitted, and we anxiously await the results of
their efforts. Should you know of any grants for
which we might be eligible, please let us know.
Just call one of our team at 570-317-2210.
We have a new webmaster, Victor Northern. He is
developing ideas to increase the information on
our website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
I’m sure he’d appreciate ideas for what other
information, including links, you would like to
see on our web—www.agapelovefromabove.org.
Contact him through me at agapeexdir@ptd.net.
Last but not least, we have expanded our
storage space in Joseph’s Storehouse by
about 2600 square feet allowing us to store
much more and giving us greater flexibility
should another tragedy like Tropical Storm
Lee occur. In anticipation of AGAPE’s future
Corporate Donations
Individual Donations
Grants
Income from Stock
Other
Total
Financial Assistance Given
$ 1,725.00
$13,481.55
$ 3,000.00
$ 976.55
$ 2,106.54
$30,395.66
$24,304.52
REPORT ON SERVICES – Year-to-Date
StoreMore
In-Kind Donations
In-Kind Distribution
$41,443.75
$24,864.00
NetWorks (regular clients)
RoadHome (homeless)
HelpMates (ex-offenders)
DailyBread (meals served)
Disaster Survivors Helped
Total Clients Served
333
20
13
966
6
372
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Staff Volunteer Hours
Other Volunteer Hours
Community Service Hours
Total Hours
238
57
373
668
Going
Green
Wealth gained hastily, will
dwindle, but whoever gathers
little by little will increase it.
– Proverbs 13:11
Save money and be a good
earthly steward by purchasing
used clothing, and then take
care of it to protect your
investment while saving
money. Good ways are to make
your own detergent and fabric
softener and use clotheslines
to dry your clothing.
The Family Homestead (www.
thefamilyhomestead.com)
is a Christian based website
with wonderful stewardship
tips and tricks to save money.
Homemade detergent can cost
as little as $0.01 per ½ cup.
The recipes make 2 gallons
per batch and you choose
the scent! It is an amazing
cost savings compared to
nearly 6 cents per load for
detergent purchased at a store.
Please check out this website
for other ways to integrate
stewardship into your life and
save money!
For fabric softener recipes,
visit the Duggar Family
website. Here is the link to
their recipes: http://www.
duggarfamily.com/content/
duggar_recipes/30457/
inexpensive_fabric_softener_
recipes. Again the savings are
amazing. Each load can cost as
little as $0.01 if you choose to
make your own!
If you really want to see
major savings in your laundry
bills, choose to hang out
your laundry to dry! Drying
your laundry the good oldfashioned way will help reduce
your bills in two ways and has
a wonderful environmental
impact! It reduces your
electric or gas consumption
and makes your garments last
longer due to less wear and
tear.
Lowe’s also offers grants for additional building
materials over and above the current project.
We are in the process of applying for this
additional grant.
Rick Giplin, Commercial Sales, is Lowe’s
Project Manager for the construction. Rick
formerly worked for Shell Oil as a subcontractor. He changed careers when he moved
to our area to care for his mother. He lives
on a farm in Washingtonville. He says he has
enjoyed working with the AGAPE volunteers on
this project. Both Bobby and Rick speak highly
of each other, and each credits the other with
holding to the highest ethical standards in their
business practices.
AGAPE is privileged to have this team helping
us with this project, and we wish to thank
Lowe’s for their investment in AGAPE’s
outreach.
From AGAPE’s humble beginnings,
Don Tretter has done it all
Volunteers of the Quarter
Don Tretter is a jack of all trades when it comes to
helping AGAPE.
Don Tretter, our Facilities Coordinator,
became involved with AGAPE almost from
the beginning of the ministry. Don was selfemployed for many years, and is well known in
our area as an installer of drop ceilings. While
working for Burt Wandell, the owner of the
AGAPE building, Don met and worked with
volunteers. He liked what he saw happening
at AGAPE. He began helping out wherever he
could. He is now retired, and he is a regular at
the Center.
His projects include remodeling the kitchen,
building bathrooms, building shelves and
more shelves, helping with the second floor
storage area and numerous other jobs. Don will
do anything to help AGAPE, and he is a loyal
and reliable volunteer. He has even been seen
stamping envelopes, although that is definitely
not his favorite job. He is much happier with a
hammer. His wife, Betty, also volunteers in the
office or wherever needed. We are thankful to
have Don and Betty Tretter as volunteers with
AGAPE.
STORAGE
PROJECT
By the numbers
A Lowe’s Heroes associate joins other volunteers at the start of the AGAPE storage expansion project. Ten to fifteen Heroes worked side by side with other volunteers to
finish the project which has almost doubled the available storage space in the Joseph’s Storehouse.
Effort
SHARING THE
Lowe’s Heroes Program
spearheads AGAPE
storage expansion project
•
A
GAPE volunteers are busy constructing a
second floor space for additional storage
and to be used in the event of a disaster. This
project is being accomplished in cooperation
with Lowe’s Heroes Program. When completed,
we will have 80% more storage space.
A forklift operator waits for Lowe’s Heroes to set the pre-made trusses into place. The size and scope of the
expansion project is seen by the construction along the south wall of the warehouse.
Bobby String, the new manager of Lowe’s in
Buckhorn, became acquainted with Kathy
Lowe, a member of our Board of Directors,
when he purchased his new home. Bobby had
been to our area during the Lee Flood and had
seen the devastation. He could see and feel
the depth of the need. Many Lowe’s Associates
volunteered during the flood cleanup.
In addition to supporting the Muscular
Dystrophy Association and their Military
Discount Program, each store may pick a local
charity to support each year. Bobby is excited
about partnering with AGAPE to complete
the second floor expansion. Lowe’s donated
60 sheets of plywood, and ten associates
volunteered to install the flooring.
A Lowe’s delivery truck moves into position to unload
premade trusses that will serve as the foundation for
product storage.
A volunteer moves a support structure into place above
the newly expanded storage area. This new, second-floor
material was part of the Lowe’s/AGAPE efforts.
80% increase in the StoreMore portion of the warehouse
•
67 pieces of 4'x6' plywood
•
160 2x4’s
•
2798 square feet of flooring
•
5 32' trusses
•
10 to 15 Lowe’s Volunteers
•
10 to 15 AGAPE volunteers
“I am only one. I cannot do
everything, but I can do something; and what I ought to do, I
should do.”
Anonymous
Change makes AGAPE better
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear AGAPE Friends,
response to disasters, the former Columbia
County Volunteers Organized for Disaster
Already time for another newsletter! Time passes
Relief (CCVODR) that administered financial
quickly when you’re having fun serving the
contributions for flood survivors is now
Lord. Things are really moving at the AGAPE
Columbia County Volunteer Organizations
Center. Ann Diseroad presented her third Super
Active in Disaster, an AGAPE program,
Shopper Workshop. We had five days of clothing
connecting us more effectively to the Emergency
giveaways, and Jeremy DeMarco presented
Management Agency—county, state and
“Don’t Sweat It,” a workshop addressing anxiety,
federal. The CCVOAD meets once a quarter
stress, and depression. All were
and includes representatives of
successful. Surveys distributed
local governments, non-profits,
We have a new
were complimentary. Attendees
area churches, and others
webmaster, Victor
asked for other workshops and
interested in assisting during
we look forward to meeting those Northern. He is developing times of tragedy. A strategic
ideas to increase the
requests.
plan is being developed to
information on our
ensure better organization and
Matt Korol and Amber Lee, our
communication; maximize
website, as well as on
Joseph’s Storehouse coordinators, Facebook and Twitter. I’m
distribution of materials,
have used their MBAs to expand
minimize duplication of services,
sure he’d appreciate ideas
our database and create new
increase efficiency; and establish
for
what
other
information,
databases to provide more
training exercises to guarantee
including links, you would
statistics on our clients and use
better implementation of relief
like to see on our web.
of the AGAPE Center. Statistics
and recovery efforts.
gathered include average
income, expenses, age, number
Whew! I could go on but won’t.
in household, and employment status. We can
Just know God is moving in our community.
also identify by number and percentage the
In His service,
clients who come from each town, borough,
or village. Additionally, we can ascertain how
Eileen
many people beyond staff use our building for
events—for example, AA/NA, workshops, etc.
Finally, we have a much more accurate value of
our in-kind donations and the distribution of
those donations. These statistics, available since
FINANCIAL REPORT – Year-To-Date
January this year, are revealing much that will
Income:
help us serve our clients better and hopefully
Churches
$ 7,230.76
Community Organizations
$ 1,875.26
assist us in obtaining grants.
“
”
Our grant team, Megan Fernsler, Victoria Wilcox,
Amber Lee and Matt Korol are working to find
grants. Two applications have already been
submitted, and we anxiously await the results of
their efforts. Should you know of any grants for
which we might be eligible, please let us know.
Just call one of our team at 570-317-2210.
We have a new webmaster, Victor Northern. He is
developing ideas to increase the information on
our website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
I’m sure he’d appreciate ideas for what other
information, including links, you would like to
see on our web—www.agapelovefromabove.org.
Contact him through me at agapeexdir@ptd.net.
Last but not least, we have expanded our
storage space in Joseph’s Storehouse by
about 2600 square feet allowing us to store
much more and giving us greater flexibility
should another tragedy like Tropical Storm
Lee occur. In anticipation of AGAPE’s future
Corporate Donations
Individual Donations
Grants
Income from Stock
Other
Total
Financial Assistance Given
$ 1,725.00
$13,481.55
$ 3,000.00
$ 976.55
$ 2,106.54
$30,395.66
$24,304.52
REPORT ON SERVICES – Year-to-Date
StoreMore
In-Kind Donations
In-Kind Distribution
$41,443.75
$24,864.00
NetWorks (regular clients)
RoadHome (homeless)
HelpMates (ex-offenders)
DailyBread (meals served)
Disaster Survivors Helped
Total Clients Served
333
20
13
966
6
372
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Staff Volunteer Hours
Other Volunteer Hours
Community Service Hours
Total Hours
238
57
373
668
Going
Green
Wealth gained hastily, will
dwindle, but whoever gathers
little by little will increase it.
– Proverbs 13:11
Save money and be a good
earthly steward by purchasing
used clothing, and then take
care of it to protect your
investment while saving
money. Good ways are to make
your own detergent and fabric
softener and use clotheslines
to dry your clothing.
The Family Homestead (www.
thefamilyhomestead.com)
is a Christian based website
with wonderful stewardship
tips and tricks to save money.
Homemade detergent can cost
as little as $0.01 per ½ cup.
The recipes make 2 gallons
per batch and you choose
the scent! It is an amazing
cost savings compared to
nearly 6 cents per load for
detergent purchased at a store.
Please check out this website
for other ways to integrate
stewardship into your life and
save money!
For fabric softener recipes,
visit the Duggar Family
website. Here is the link to
their recipes: http://www.
duggarfamily.com/content/
duggar_recipes/30457/
inexpensive_fabric_softener_
recipes. Again the savings are
amazing. Each load can cost as
little as $0.01 if you choose to
make your own!
If you really want to see
major savings in your laundry
bills, choose to hang out
your laundry to dry! Drying
your laundry the good oldfashioned way will help reduce
your bills in two ways and has
a wonderful environmental
impact! It reduces your
electric or gas consumption
and makes your garments last
longer due to less wear and
tear.
Lowe’s also offers grants for additional building
materials over and above the current project.
We are in the process of applying for this
additional grant.
Rick Giplin, Commercial Sales, is Lowe’s
Project Manager for the construction. Rick
formerly worked for Shell Oil as a subcontractor. He changed careers when he moved
to our area to care for his mother. He lives
on a farm in Washingtonville. He says he has
enjoyed working with the AGAPE volunteers on
this project. Both Bobby and Rick speak highly
of each other, and each credits the other with
holding to the highest ethical standards in their
business practices.
AGAPE is privileged to have this team helping
us with this project, and we wish to thank
Lowe’s for their investment in AGAPE’s
outreach.
From AGAPE’s humble beginnings,
Don Tretter has done it all
Volunteers of the Quarter
Don Tretter is a jack of all trades when it comes to
helping AGAPE.
Don Tretter, our Facilities Coordinator,
became involved with AGAPE almost from
the beginning of the ministry. Don was selfemployed for many years, and is well known in
our area as an installer of drop ceilings. While
working for Burt Wandell, the owner of the
AGAPE building, Don met and worked with
volunteers. He liked what he saw happening
at AGAPE. He began helping out wherever he
could. He is now retired, and he is a regular at
the Center.
His projects include remodeling the kitchen,
building bathrooms, building shelves and
more shelves, helping with the second floor
storage area and numerous other jobs. Don will
do anything to help AGAPE, and he is a loyal
and reliable volunteer. He has even been seen
stamping envelopes, although that is definitely
not his favorite job. He is much happier with a
hammer. His wife, Betty, also volunteers in the
office or wherever needed. We are thankful to
have Don and Betty Tretter as volunteers with
AGAPE.
STORAGE
PROJECT
By the numbers
A Lowe’s Heroes associate joins other volunteers at the start of the AGAPE storage expansion project. Ten to fifteen Heroes worked side by side with other volunteers to
finish the project which has almost doubled the available storage space in the Joseph’s Storehouse.
Effort
SHARING THE
Lowe’s Heroes Program
spearheads AGAPE
storage expansion project
•
A
GAPE volunteers are busy constructing a
second floor space for additional storage
and to be used in the event of a disaster. This
project is being accomplished in cooperation
with Lowe’s Heroes Program. When completed,
we will have 80% more storage space.
A forklift operator waits for Lowe’s Heroes to set the pre-made trusses into place. The size and scope of the
expansion project is seen by the construction along the south wall of the warehouse.
Bobby String, the new manager of Lowe’s in
Buckhorn, became acquainted with Kathy
Lowe, a member of our Board of Directors,
when he purchased his new home. Bobby had
been to our area during the Lee Flood and had
seen the devastation. He could see and feel
the depth of the need. Many Lowe’s Associates
volunteered during the flood cleanup.
In addition to supporting the Muscular
Dystrophy Association and their Military
Discount Program, each store may pick a local
charity to support each year. Bobby is excited
about partnering with AGAPE to complete
the second floor expansion. Lowe’s donated
60 sheets of plywood, and ten associates
volunteered to install the flooring.
A Lowe’s delivery truck moves into position to unload
premade trusses that will serve as the foundation for
product storage.
A volunteer moves a support structure into place above
the newly expanded storage area. This new, second-floor
material was part of the Lowe’s/AGAPE efforts.
80% increase in the StoreMore portion of the warehouse
•
67 pieces of 4'x6' plywood
•
160 2x4’s
•
2798 square feet of flooring
•
5 32' trusses
•
10 to 15 Lowe’s Volunteers
•
10 to 15 AGAPE volunteers
“I am only one. I cannot do
everything, but I can do something; and what I ought to do, I
should do.”
Anonymous
Change makes AGAPE better
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear AGAPE Friends,
response to disasters, the former Columbia
County Volunteers Organized for Disaster
Already time for another newsletter! Time passes
Relief (CCVODR) that administered financial
quickly when you’re having fun serving the
contributions for flood survivors is now
Lord. Things are really moving at the AGAPE
Columbia County Volunteer Organizations
Center. Ann Diseroad presented her third Super
Active in Disaster, an AGAPE program,
Shopper Workshop. We had five days of clothing
connecting us more effectively to the Emergency
giveaways, and Jeremy DeMarco presented
Management Agency—county, state and
“Don’t Sweat It,” a workshop addressing anxiety,
federal. The CCVOAD meets once a quarter
stress, and depression. All were
and includes representatives of
successful. Surveys distributed
local governments, non-profits,
We have a new
were complimentary. Attendees
area churches, and others
webmaster, Victor
asked for other workshops and
interested in assisting during
we look forward to meeting those Northern. He is developing times of tragedy. A strategic
ideas to increase the
requests.
plan is being developed to
information on our
ensure better organization and
Matt Korol and Amber Lee, our
communication; maximize
website, as well as on
Joseph’s Storehouse coordinators, Facebook and Twitter. I’m
distribution of materials,
have used their MBAs to expand
minimize duplication of services,
sure he’d appreciate ideas
our database and create new
increase efficiency; and establish
for
what
other
information,
databases to provide more
training exercises to guarantee
including links, you would
statistics on our clients and use
better implementation of relief
like to see on our web.
of the AGAPE Center. Statistics
and recovery efforts.
gathered include average
income, expenses, age, number
Whew! I could go on but won’t.
in household, and employment status. We can
Just know God is moving in our community.
also identify by number and percentage the
In His service,
clients who come from each town, borough,
or village. Additionally, we can ascertain how
Eileen
many people beyond staff use our building for
events—for example, AA/NA, workshops, etc.
Finally, we have a much more accurate value of
our in-kind donations and the distribution of
those donations. These statistics, available since
FINANCIAL REPORT – Year-To-Date
January this year, are revealing much that will
Income:
help us serve our clients better and hopefully
Churches
$ 7,230.76
Community Organizations
$ 1,875.26
assist us in obtaining grants.
“
”
Our grant team, Megan Fernsler, Victoria Wilcox,
Amber Lee and Matt Korol are working to find
grants. Two applications have already been
submitted, and we anxiously await the results of
their efforts. Should you know of any grants for
which we might be eligible, please let us know.
Just call one of our team at 570-317-2210.
We have a new webmaster, Victor Northern. He is
developing ideas to increase the information on
our website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
I’m sure he’d appreciate ideas for what other
information, including links, you would like to
see on our web—www.agapelovefromabove.org.
Contact him through me at agapeexdir@ptd.net.
Last but not least, we have expanded our
storage space in Joseph’s Storehouse by
about 2600 square feet allowing us to store
much more and giving us greater flexibility
should another tragedy like Tropical Storm
Lee occur. In anticipation of AGAPE’s future
Corporate Donations
Individual Donations
Grants
Income from Stock
Other
Total
Financial Assistance Given
$ 1,725.00
$13,481.55
$ 3,000.00
$ 976.55
$ 2,106.54
$30,395.66
$24,304.52
REPORT ON SERVICES – Year-to-Date
StoreMore
In-Kind Donations
In-Kind Distribution
$41,443.75
$24,864.00
NetWorks (regular clients)
RoadHome (homeless)
HelpMates (ex-offenders)
DailyBread (meals served)
Disaster Survivors Helped
Total Clients Served
333
20
13
966
6
372
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Staff Volunteer Hours
Other Volunteer Hours
Community Service Hours
Total Hours
238
57
373
668
Going
Green
Wealth gained hastily, will
dwindle, but whoever gathers
little by little will increase it.
– Proverbs 13:11
Save money and be a good
earthly steward by purchasing
used clothing, and then take
care of it to protect your
investment while saving
money. Good ways are to make
your own detergent and fabric
softener and use clotheslines
to dry your clothing.
The Family Homestead (www.
thefamilyhomestead.com)
is a Christian based website
with wonderful stewardship
tips and tricks to save money.
Homemade detergent can cost
as little as $0.01 per ½ cup.
The recipes make 2 gallons
per batch and you choose
the scent! It is an amazing
cost savings compared to
nearly 6 cents per load for
detergent purchased at a store.
Please check out this website
for other ways to integrate
stewardship into your life and
save money!
For fabric softener recipes,
visit the Duggar Family
website. Here is the link to
their recipes: http://www.
duggarfamily.com/content/
duggar_recipes/30457/
inexpensive_fabric_softener_
recipes. Again the savings are
amazing. Each load can cost as
little as $0.01 if you choose to
make your own!
If you really want to see
major savings in your laundry
bills, choose to hang out
your laundry to dry! Drying
your laundry the good oldfashioned way will help reduce
your bills in two ways and has
a wonderful environmental
impact! It reduces your
electric or gas consumption
and makes your garments last
longer due to less wear and
tear.
AGAPE was a splash of color at
SmartStart
expanding services the Bloomsburg Renaissance Fair
SmartStart provides education referrals
and training assistance to individuals who
need specific information at pivotal points
in their lives. AGAPE’s most recent training
events were the Super Shopper and Don’t
Sweat It workshops.
StoreMore
•Household Items – Towel sets, Sheet sets,
Pillows (NEW), and Trash bags
•Food – Cereal, Ramen noodles, Peanut
Butter, Jelly, Pasta, Boxed Dinners
•Wicker baskets in good condition and new
items for our Palooza Silent Auction
**Furniture pickups may also be scheduled
Raise the Region
AGAPE received over $8,000 during this
fundraising event on March 12, 2013. A big
thank you goes out to all who participated
in this event for the benefit of our
community, and we especially thank all
who contributed to AGAPE.
Choose the Columbia
County Food Pantry
Option
The Columbia County Food Pantry is
available through Columbia County
Human Services. For more information
about how you can receive help, call Jill
Schoepflin (CCHS) at 387-6501.
19 East 7th Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
recollections
says AGAPE volunteers have huge hearts.
Weekly Calendar
AA Meetings:
Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
AL ANON Meetings:
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Under a bright blue sky, AGAPE volunteers painted faces, ran a washer-toss game, sold shirts and towels,
and distributed information at the 2013 Renaissance Fair. A steady stream of people stopped at the stand
which was located near the courthouse to ask questions and share their support for the work AGAPE does
in the community.
A BIG THANK YOU
To Giant Food Stores and Sheetz for their
continuing weekly donations of food for
our outreach program.
DailyBread
Fresh/Frozen meats in bulk (for Thursday
meals)
Furniture Drop-Off Schedule**
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bloomsburg,
PA 17815
Permit No. 19
On July 27 he will be getting married, and
we extend Congratulations and Best Wishes
to Skip and his bride, Cindy.
Feedback from our attendees indicated that
they would like to see more educational
resources offered by AGAPE. The most
popular requests for program expansion
included: Healthy and Affordable Eating/
Cooking, Basic Budgeting & Financial
Management, Stress Management, and
Marriage & Relationship Advice. If you or
someone you know would like to volunteer
the time to help others, please help us
to share both knowledge and wisdom by
contacting AGAPE.
Current Needs
Volume 3 . Issue 1 . May 2013
Led by Jeff Shaffer, the Chamber’s Business
& Education Coordinator, the group visited
AGAPE in January to help get food ready
for needy families. They also assisted at
Renaissance Jamboree.
The group, shown above with the local
chapter of Special Olympics, include:
Adam Feudale, Teanna Shutt, Cody Olson,
Alex Cove from Southern Columbia; Catrina
Coppola, Jason Laubach, Kieran McDonald
from Benton; Koby Schmidt, Mareaha
Harvey, Colton Appleman, Shelby Beaver
from Columbia-Montour Area Vo-Tech.
Board of Directors:
President: Pastor Susan Knorr
Vice-President: Vicky Burnside
Secretary: Peggy Kopitsky
Valerie Evert
Kathy Lowe
Frank Gehrig
Bruce McMichael, Jr.
Ginger Hock
Pastor Greg Molter
David Kovach
Louise Naus
Pastor David Rosenberger
Scrip gift cards
always available
If you need a gift card any time during the
year, you can also help AGAPE. When you
order your gift cards through AGAPE, you
will receive the full
value of your request,
and the company of
the gift card gives a
certain percentage
back to AGAPE. Close to 100 stores and
restaurants are participating in this unique
offer. To order your gift cards, just stop in
the AGAPE Center.
Volunteer Opportunities:
•Graphic Artist
•Marketing Coordinator
•Fundraising Coordinator
•Special Events Coordinator
•Caseworker
•Mission Central Coordinator
•Standby Electricians, Plumbers and
Carpenters for small home projects
•Mentors Coordinator
AGAPE INFORMATION
Monday – Tuesday – Friday
Open: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday
Open: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Donate On-Line using PayPal
on our Website at: www.
agapelovefromabove.org
Student Building Leaders
show their support
High school juniors involved in Building
Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley (BLSV),
a program of the Central PA Chamber of
Commerce, chose AGAPE as the non-profit
to receive their support this year.
AGAPE Staff:
Executive Director: Eileen Chapman
Treasurer: Sylvia Richer
Case Manager: Karen Heaps
Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara White
Joseph’s Storehouse Coordinators:
Amber Lee and Matt Korol
Office Coordinator: Donna Houser
IT Coordinator: Michael DeMarco
Extended Services:
DailyBread Meal Coordinator:
Mary Ridgeway
Addictions Coordinator: Betty Brown
PR Coordinator: Kathy Lowe
Marketing Coordinator: Vacant
Disaster Relief Coordinator:
Victoria Wilcox
Grant Coordinator and Cloth Diaper
Program Coordinator: Megan Fernsler
Webmaster: Victor Northern
Phone: 570-317-2210
FAX: 570-317-2213
Email: info@agapelovefromabove.org
Web: www.agapelovefromabove.org
NA and NAR ANON Meetings:
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
DailyBread Meal for Community:
Thursdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Skip Miller’s pickup truck in its usual spot outside AGAPE. Skip has volunteered his time, talents, and
generous heart to work with several AGAPE projects including the storage expansion project.
Volunteer of the Quarter
AGAPE volunteer is driven
to make a difference
S
Celebrate Recovery Gathering:
Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Calendar
of Events 2013
May
kip Miller, a licensed contractor, has
worked in the construction business
most of his life. But over the years Skip
found time to pursue other careers as
well. They include, bounty hunting for 20
years, owning several car lots, and owning
five Native American stores located from
Reading, Pennsylvania to Virginia. He
moved to the Bloomsburg area in 2001.
out of work and living on peanut butter.
Through his sister, he met Pastor David
Rosenberger, and he and his church reached
out to Skip. One day Pastor David brought
Skip to AGAPE. On that particular day there
was furniture to be delivered, but no truck
was available. Skip did have a pickup truck,
and immediately offered it. He has been an
AGAPE volunteer ever since!
•
When the recession hit, Skip found himself
During the Lee Flood Skip oversaw the
major portion of the reconstruction done
through AGAPE. As a licensed contractor,
he gave advice, helped with estimates and
helped identify dangerous situations for
volunteers. There were many 18 hour days
during that time.
•
Skip Miller stops for a photo before making a
final cut on a joist spacer for the second floor storage
project.
His contracting business has picked up
again, but he continues to volunteer at
AGAPE. He is helping with the storage
expansion project as well as anything else
that needs to be done. He believes strongly
in AGAPE. It’s family to him. He enjoys
what he does and the people with whom he
works.
He can’t think of anything he would rather
be doing than volunteering at AGAPE. He
•
•
•
Friday, May 17, 11 a.m., Healthy
Cooking and Nutrition Workshop
Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.,
Don’t Sweat It Workshop
Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 11
a.m., Addictions Awareness
Workshop, Wesley UMC
Monday, May 20, 6:30 p.m., Low
Income Budget Planning
Workshop
Friday, May 24, 11:00 a.m., Low
Income Budget Planning
Workshop
June
“Reading Your Water Bill” workshop:
details will be available at AGAPE.
August 17
4th Annual Palooza
Bloomsburg Town Park
Saturday, August 17,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kayaking for our Communities
Beginning in Espy and ending at
Bloomsburg Town Park
Beginning at 9 a.m.
AGAPE was a splash of color at
SmartStart
expanding services the Bloomsburg Renaissance Fair
SmartStart provides education referrals
and training assistance to individuals who
need specific information at pivotal points
in their lives. AGAPE’s most recent training
events were the Super Shopper and Don’t
Sweat It workshops.
StoreMore
•Household Items – Towel sets, Sheet sets,
Pillows (NEW), and Trash bags
•Food – Cereal, Ramen noodles, Peanut
Butter, Jelly, Pasta, Boxed Dinners
•Wicker baskets in good condition and new
items for our Palooza Silent Auction
**Furniture pickups may also be scheduled
Raise the Region
AGAPE received over $8,000 during this
fundraising event on March 12, 2013. A big
thank you goes out to all who participated
in this event for the benefit of our
community, and we especially thank all
who contributed to AGAPE.
Choose the Columbia
County Food Pantry
Option
The Columbia County Food Pantry is
available through Columbia County
Human Services. For more information
about how you can receive help, call Jill
Schoepflin (CCHS) at 387-6501.
19 East 7th Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
recollections
says AGAPE volunteers have huge hearts.
Weekly Calendar
AA Meetings:
Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
AL ANON Meetings:
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Under a bright blue sky, AGAPE volunteers painted faces, ran a washer-toss game, sold shirts and towels,
and distributed information at the 2013 Renaissance Fair. A steady stream of people stopped at the stand
which was located near the courthouse to ask questions and share their support for the work AGAPE does
in the community.
A BIG THANK YOU
To Giant Food Stores and Sheetz for their
continuing weekly donations of food for
our outreach program.
DailyBread
Fresh/Frozen meats in bulk (for Thursday
meals)
Furniture Drop-Off Schedule**
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Bloomsburg,
PA 17815
Permit No. 19
On July 27 he will be getting married, and
we extend Congratulations and Best Wishes
to Skip and his bride, Cindy.
Feedback from our attendees indicated that
they would like to see more educational
resources offered by AGAPE. The most
popular requests for program expansion
included: Healthy and Affordable Eating/
Cooking, Basic Budgeting & Financial
Management, Stress Management, and
Marriage & Relationship Advice. If you or
someone you know would like to volunteer
the time to help others, please help us
to share both knowledge and wisdom by
contacting AGAPE.
Current Needs
Volume 3 . Issue 1 . May 2013
Led by Jeff Shaffer, the Chamber’s Business
& Education Coordinator, the group visited
AGAPE in January to help get food ready
for needy families. They also assisted at
Renaissance Jamboree.
The group, shown above with the local
chapter of Special Olympics, include:
Adam Feudale, Teanna Shutt, Cody Olson,
Alex Cove from Southern Columbia; Catrina
Coppola, Jason Laubach, Kieran McDonald
from Benton; Koby Schmidt, Mareaha
Harvey, Colton Appleman, Shelby Beaver
from Columbia-Montour Area Vo-Tech.
Board of Directors:
President: Pastor Susan Knorr
Vice-President: Vicky Burnside
Secretary: Peggy Kopitsky
Valerie Evert
Kathy Lowe
Frank Gehrig
Bruce McMichael, Jr.
Ginger Hock
Pastor Greg Molter
David Kovach
Louise Naus
Pastor David Rosenberger
Scrip gift cards
always available
If you need a gift card any time during the
year, you can also help AGAPE. When you
order your gift cards through AGAPE, you
will receive the full
value of your request,
and the company of
the gift card gives a
certain percentage
back to AGAPE. Close to 100 stores and
restaurants are participating in this unique
offer. To order your gift cards, just stop in
the AGAPE Center.
Volunteer Opportunities:
•Graphic Artist
•Marketing Coordinator
•Fundraising Coordinator
•Special Events Coordinator
•Caseworker
•Mission Central Coordinator
•Standby Electricians, Plumbers and
Carpenters for small home projects
•Mentors Coordinator
AGAPE INFORMATION
Monday – Tuesday – Friday
Open: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday
Open: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Donate On-Line using PayPal
on our Website at: www.
agapelovefromabove.org
Student Building Leaders
show their support
High school juniors involved in Building
Leaders for the Susquehanna Valley (BLSV),
a program of the Central PA Chamber of
Commerce, chose AGAPE as the non-profit
to receive their support this year.
AGAPE Staff:
Executive Director: Eileen Chapman
Treasurer: Sylvia Richer
Case Manager: Karen Heaps
Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara White
Joseph’s Storehouse Coordinators:
Amber Lee and Matt Korol
Office Coordinator: Donna Houser
IT Coordinator: Michael DeMarco
Extended Services:
DailyBread Meal Coordinator:
Mary Ridgeway
Addictions Coordinator: Betty Brown
PR Coordinator: Kathy Lowe
Marketing Coordinator: Vacant
Disaster Relief Coordinator:
Victoria Wilcox
Grant Coordinator and Cloth Diaper
Program Coordinator: Megan Fernsler
Webmaster: Victor Northern
Phone: 570-317-2210
FAX: 570-317-2213
Email: info@agapelovefromabove.org
Web: www.agapelovefromabove.org
NA and NAR ANON Meetings:
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
DailyBread Meal for Community:
Thursdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Skip Miller’s pickup truck in its usual spot outside AGAPE. Skip has volunteered his time, talents, and
generous heart to work with several AGAPE projects including the storage expansion project.
Volunteer of the Quarter
AGAPE volunteer is driven
to make a difference
S
Celebrate Recovery Gathering:
Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Calendar
of Events 2013
May
kip Miller, a licensed contractor, has
worked in the construction business
most of his life. But over the years Skip
found time to pursue other careers as
well. They include, bounty hunting for 20
years, owning several car lots, and owning
five Native American stores located from
Reading, Pennsylvania to Virginia. He
moved to the Bloomsburg area in 2001.
out of work and living on peanut butter.
Through his sister, he met Pastor David
Rosenberger, and he and his church reached
out to Skip. One day Pastor David brought
Skip to AGAPE. On that particular day there
was furniture to be delivered, but no truck
was available. Skip did have a pickup truck,
and immediately offered it. He has been an
AGAPE volunteer ever since!
•
When the recession hit, Skip found himself
During the Lee Flood Skip oversaw the
major portion of the reconstruction done
through AGAPE. As a licensed contractor,
he gave advice, helped with estimates and
helped identify dangerous situations for
volunteers. There were many 18 hour days
during that time.
•
Skip Miller stops for a photo before making a
final cut on a joist spacer for the second floor storage
project.
His contracting business has picked up
again, but he continues to volunteer at
AGAPE. He is helping with the storage
expansion project as well as anything else
that needs to be done. He believes strongly
in AGAPE. It’s family to him. He enjoys
what he does and the people with whom he
works.
He can’t think of anything he would rather
be doing than volunteering at AGAPE. He
•
•
•
Friday, May 17, 11 a.m., Healthy
Cooking and Nutrition Workshop
Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.,
Don’t Sweat It Workshop
Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 11
a.m., Addictions Awareness
Workshop, Wesley UMC
Monday, May 20, 6:30 p.m., Low
Income Budget Planning
Workshop
Friday, May 24, 11:00 a.m., Low
Income Budget Planning
Workshop
June
“Reading Your Water Bill” workshop:
details will be available at AGAPE.
August 17
4th Annual Palooza
Bloomsburg Town Park
Saturday, August 17,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kayaking for our Communities
Beginning in Espy and ending at
Bloomsburg Town Park
Beginning at 9 a.m.