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 who live within the 54115 area code
- Monetary donations to strengthen and support charitable organizations in Brown County
- Access items from the store also help individuals/families in need as well as other non-profit 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 over 275 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, Executive Director along with Doug Bergan, Outreach Specialist are the only two paid staff member who oversee 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; Nanette Bethke, Assistant Treasurer, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Wendy Schaub, Secretary.
Amy Murphy, Executive Director along with Doug Bergan, Outreach Specialist are the only two paid staff member who oversee 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; Nanette Bethke, Assistant Treasurer, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Wendy Schaub, Secretary.