COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
New Underground Railroad Initiative (NURI)
Mission
Our mission is to close the racial wealth gap and open doors that have been systemically closed, enabling marginalized individuals to achieve self-sustainability.
Background
NURI is a modern initiative inspired by the historical Underground Railroad. It aims to support marginalized individuals through apprenticeships, helping them transition to sustainable lifestyles.
Program Components
- Live Stream Audio Visual Apprenticeships
- Objective: Equip interns with technical skills in live streaming of church services and events.
- Outcome: Increase earning capacity and prepare for small business ownership.
- Food/Culinary Services Apprenticeships
- Objective: Provide training in food and culinary services at a parish Café.
- Outcome: Develop technical, economic, and social skills to enhance lifetime earning potential.
Unique Approach
- Focus on Small Business Ownership: Unlike typical workforce readiness programs, NURI prepares interns for success as small business owners, not minimum wage jobs.
- Guidance and Support: School counselors and vocational coordinators recommend seniors for the program. A mental health professional ensures readiness through “Trauma Informed Awareness” interviews, with parental informed consent.
Impact
By participating in NURI, interns will gain the skills and confidence needed to lead their own and future generations out of the racial wealth gap, much like their ancestors who were strengthened by the historical Underground Railroad.
Blue Hen Bounty Food Pantry
Background
Established in 2016 by senior members of the Episcopal Campus Ministry, Blue Hen Bounty began as a modest pantry with a single bookshelf containing a few canned meats, vegetables, fruits, and single-serve meals.
Growth and Support
Over the past decade, with the unwavering support of St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church parishioners and the University of Delaware community, Blue Hen Bounty has significantly expanded. We now operate ten times the shelf space, continually replenished by generous donations.
Current Offerings
Our pantry now provides a wide variety of items, including:
- Canned meats, vegetables, and fruits
- Pasta and spaghetti sauce
- Nonperishable breakfast foods
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Personal hygiene products
Mission Alignment
Blue Hen Bounty is a student-led initiative, with students serving students. The parish is proud to support the efforts of these dedicated students, who come together from a variety of religious backgrounds to help their peers in need.
How to Contribute
We gratefully accept food donations to keep our pantry stocked. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made through the giving section of our website.
The world needs you to make impact
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Giving to St. Thomas
We invite you to participate in our mission of compassion and community support. Through electronic giving, you can make a meaningful impact in several different ways. Visit our giving site and explore the options. Every contribution matters, and together, we make a difference. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our shared mission
