EPA Families and Community
Donation protected
Hey Everyone,
My name is Greig O'Connor. For many of you that do know me, I have been lucky enough to serve on many ministries with students and young adults that may have been involved in your life. After finishing up with my students in 2019 I was lucky enough to continue serving with churches and ministries across the bay area. In April of 2020 God had called me to reach out to the community where I have been living in for the last 8 years. East Palo Alto. It was one of those moments where I believe I was told "They are at home now, (safely) reach out). Although the pandemic is (was) a barrier, it was also an opportunity to meet people. I met a former pastor named Dev who has been living across the street for me and I never knew his story, and we decided to socially distant meet at the park near our house (Jack Ferell) once a week just to catch up and grow together. Our group invited other men to meet up and soon we had a small ministry happening during a time of uncertainty, social justice, political warfare and confusion of faith. God allowed us the space to talk, pray and worship together.
Where are we now: It's been 2 years and we still meet weekly. God has been kind to bless some of us with financial stability to be able to support the group with (food, books, support material, training, guest speakers etc. ) so that these men (and their families) can embrace the love of God without the worry of certain things. Our group is a tad smaller now but we are still supporting one another as best we can as many of the families had to move due to financial hardship. I am thankful that God provided me with a job to support a lot of this groups needs and I will continue to do so as best I can. I was able to move into a two bedroom and have one of the men who moved his family to Sacramento while he stayed here for work, stay with me during the week so he doesn't have to drive back and forth.
What are we fundraising for? Although we are not an official group or ministry by church standards, we have been given a gift to be a support for one another. God has asked me to step up in beautiful ways that are normally uncomfortable, but I am doing my best to get us where we need to be. Last month during one of our men's group meetings, two of our men's group members were misidentified in a gang shooting and killed. Leaving behind their wives and children. For their safety I have not given out their names but am more than happy to hop on a call to chat with you. I have been able to donate what I can but alas, living in the bay area is not cheap. I am looking for donations in order to:
- Help cover some funeral costs for the two members- at this moment I was able to front a lot of the cost so its mostly remaining balance items. Please call me if you need more explanation.
- Provide some sort of donation to the families effected (both families have a spouse and 2 kids) Using this money to help with rent, pay off any food related support etc.
- Anything leftover will go into projects supporting these families in EPA and for our men's group to continue to meet and provide support and guidance to our youth and support for the men and women in EPA that are feeling hurt or confused.
As I have met many of you in my lifetime, please know that this isn't something I usually ask for. I am working on ways to still be able to do the work God has asked me to do, but part of it requires financial assistance. Prayer for our group, the community and my guidance is very much welcome as we are doing our best.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Thank you for your support
Love,
Greig
My name is Greig O'Connor. For many of you that do know me, I have been lucky enough to serve on many ministries with students and young adults that may have been involved in your life. After finishing up with my students in 2019 I was lucky enough to continue serving with churches and ministries across the bay area. In April of 2020 God had called me to reach out to the community where I have been living in for the last 8 years. East Palo Alto. It was one of those moments where I believe I was told "They are at home now, (safely) reach out). Although the pandemic is (was) a barrier, it was also an opportunity to meet people. I met a former pastor named Dev who has been living across the street for me and I never knew his story, and we decided to socially distant meet at the park near our house (Jack Ferell) once a week just to catch up and grow together. Our group invited other men to meet up and soon we had a small ministry happening during a time of uncertainty, social justice, political warfare and confusion of faith. God allowed us the space to talk, pray and worship together.
Where are we now: It's been 2 years and we still meet weekly. God has been kind to bless some of us with financial stability to be able to support the group with (food, books, support material, training, guest speakers etc. ) so that these men (and their families) can embrace the love of God without the worry of certain things. Our group is a tad smaller now but we are still supporting one another as best we can as many of the families had to move due to financial hardship. I am thankful that God provided me with a job to support a lot of this groups needs and I will continue to do so as best I can. I was able to move into a two bedroom and have one of the men who moved his family to Sacramento while he stayed here for work, stay with me during the week so he doesn't have to drive back and forth.
What are we fundraising for? Although we are not an official group or ministry by church standards, we have been given a gift to be a support for one another. God has asked me to step up in beautiful ways that are normally uncomfortable, but I am doing my best to get us where we need to be. Last month during one of our men's group meetings, two of our men's group members were misidentified in a gang shooting and killed. Leaving behind their wives and children. For their safety I have not given out their names but am more than happy to hop on a call to chat with you. I have been able to donate what I can but alas, living in the bay area is not cheap. I am looking for donations in order to:
- Help cover some funeral costs for the two members- at this moment I was able to front a lot of the cost so its mostly remaining balance items. Please call me if you need more explanation.
- Provide some sort of donation to the families effected (both families have a spouse and 2 kids) Using this money to help with rent, pay off any food related support etc.
- Anything leftover will go into projects supporting these families in EPA and for our men's group to continue to meet and provide support and guidance to our youth and support for the men and women in EPA that are feeling hurt or confused.
As I have met many of you in my lifetime, please know that this isn't something I usually ask for. I am working on ways to still be able to do the work God has asked me to do, but part of it requires financial assistance. Prayer for our group, the community and my guidance is very much welcome as we are doing our best.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Thank you for your support
Love,
Greig
Organizer
Greig O'Connor
Organizer
Mountain View, CA