Our Beginnings
Although community outreach in De Pere had been in action long before our organization was formed, in 1990 eight churches got together to create a combined mission to help community members in need. Eight local founding churches, First Congregational (UCC), First United Presbyterian, Hope Lutheran, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic, St. Anne's Episcopal, St. Francis Xavier Catholic, St. Mary Catholic and St. John Lutheran, each donated $100 to create our mission's seed money. From that initial seed money received, and now through monetary donations and sales at the Thrift Store, we have since been able to be self-sustaining. De Pere Christian Outreach branched into a Thrift Store in West De Pere and a Food Pantry in East De Pere.
What we do
De Pere Christian Outreach has generated greater profits each year, providing ever-increasing donations to humanitarian efforts, including:
- Emergency rent, gas and/or utility assistance to individuals needing short-term assistance for individuals living in the 54115 area code
- Monetary donations to local charitable organizations who serve local residents.
- Monetary donations to youth organizations and schools
- Goods to schools as outer wear, jackets, hats, mittens, and other clothing to stock the school closet for kids in need
- Goods to animal shelters
- Goods to global organizations
Our Board of Directors
The De Pere Christian Outreach effort continues to run with a board member from each of (8) participating churches, plus a staff of volunteers. Member churches are St. Mary’s Catholic, First United Presbyterian, St. Anne’s Episcopal, St. John Lutheran, Hope Lutheran, First Congregational UCC, Our Lady of Lourdes, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic.
Amy Murphy, Operations Manager, is the only paid staff member, a full-time position. She oversees all of the operations of De Pere Christian Outreach. Volunteer officers are Tori England, President, First United Presbyterian; Jeff Hermsen, Vice-President; Judy Niesing, Treasurer, St. Mary’s; Patty Albers, Assistant Treasurer, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Wendy Schaub, Secretary.
Amy Murphy, Operations Manager, is the only paid staff member, a full-time position. She oversees all of the operations of De Pere Christian Outreach. Volunteer officers are Tori England, President, First United Presbyterian; Jeff Hermsen, Vice-President; Judy Niesing, Treasurer, St. Mary’s; Patty Albers, Assistant Treasurer, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Wendy Schaub, Secretary.