Outreach Teams

Acts of Love Homeless Ministry

Our​ ​mission​ ​is​ ​to​ ​show​ ​love​ ​to​ ​a​ ​group​ ​of​ ​people​ ​who​​ ​often​ do not ​receive​ ​love. Homelessness is everywhere and especially evident in our local communities. This is a population of people who are often ignored and stigmatized. We seek to cultivate relationships that remind each person of their value by serving with a faithful presence at the organizations we partner with.

AWANA Children's Ministry

Gordon College students serve weekly in AWANA Children’s Ministry at Cape Ann Bible Church. Children have the opportunity to listen to a Bible lesson, sing songs, and meet one-on-one with a college student who provides mentorship, aids in memorizing Scripture, and facilitates games and crafts. We seek to build meaningful relationships with youth age two to sixth grade through teaching them about the Gospel and modeling Christ-like behavior. We are seeking outgoing volunteers who are willing to attend weekly meetings, intentionally engage in conversation and activities, and who desire to build lasting relationships with the children.

Hopeful Journeys

Gordon College students partner with Hopeful Journeys to interact with children ages four to twenty with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. We desire to be an encouragement to the students of Hopeful Journeys and provide opportunities for meaningful social interactions outside of those with their families and teachers.

Life Coalition

Life Coalition strives to raise awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding personhood at every level of development—from conception to natural death. We do this through Biblical, philosophical, and sociological inquiry, in order to strengthen the Gordon College student’s apologetic for the defense of life. We seek the termination of practices which diminish, profane, and destroy that personhood, working to achieve this end through community outreach, public discourse, service to those who are in need of life-affirming companionship, and political advocacy. We seek to glorify God through these endeavors.

Lowell Mission Church Outreach

We partner with Lowell Mission Church to lead youth by mentoring middle and high school students, facilitate Christian fellowship, and help teens maintain personal relationships with Christ. We accomplish this through planning Bible studies, eating meals with the kids, and playing games together on Friday nights.

National Alzheimer's Buddies

We visit individuals that suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease and focus on building one-on-one relationships. By doing this, we can alleviate some of the pain and hardship that results from their illness. It has been proven that the cognitive stimulation of one-on-one discussion improves brain functioning in Alzheimer’s patients. Further, the emotional bond built with these individuals encourages both the student and their buddy. We focus on building these relationships and forming these bonds to serve the individual with Alzheimer’s Disease to the best of our abilities.

Amirah

Amirah is a faith-based organization on the North Shore that provides safe houses to women coming out of sexual exploitation. Their safe house just opened, and they are looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of ways! You can read more about Amirah, and their volunteer opportunities, on their website. Students desiring to serve in the safe house must attend a training session facilitated by the Amirah staff. 

Art Haven

Art Haven is "a community space where artists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to develop creativity and confidence through hands-on learning and collaboration." This organization, located in Gloucester, provides youth and adults the opportunity to create art through classes and other seasonal events. Volunteers can assist with a variety of classes, each focusing on different mediums and techniques. 

Beverly Bootstraps

Beverly Bootstraps "provides critical resources to families and individuals so they may achieve self-sufficiency." Located right in downtown Beverly, this organization provides both emergency and long-term assistance to youth and adults. Volunteer opportunities include: helping with after-school homework, assisting with adult education courses, serving in the thrift shop or food pantry, and serving in other administrative capacities. For more information on current volunteer opportunities, visit the volunteer page on the website.

Beverly Children's Learning Center

Beverly Children's Learning Center serves local families with pre-school, daycare, and after-school programs for children ages one month–13 years old. The BCLC focuses on providing safe, affordable, and educationally enriching childcare in a nurturing environment. Students can serve children in individual classrooms. The center is open from 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday. 

Beverly Council on Aging

The Beverly Council on Aging serves the senior population in Beverly by providing social services and opportunities for education, transportation, recreation, and leisure. There are many ways to get involved at the Senior Center, including assisting with various seminars and workshops, raking or shoveling at the homes of local seniors, and building intergenerational relationships through game nights or other fun activities. 

Cape Ann Animal Aid

Cape Ann Animal Aid is a non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to facilitating appropriate placement of adoptable animals and enhancing the lives of all companion animals by promoting respect and well-being through education and outreach.

Family Promise

Family Promise North Shore Boston is a local nonprofit that provides temporary shelter, meals, hospitality, and case management to families experiencing homelessness in our own North Shore community. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer and serve with Family Promise, including serving at their Day Center in Beverly or assisting with evening meals. Volunteers could serve one time or more regularly. 

Habitat for Humanity North Shore

"Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings together people to build homes, communities, and hope." The Habitat for Humanity chapter on the North Shore brings together individual volunteers, corporations, colleges, and other service groups to build and restore homes. Volunteers are needed to serve on local building sites alongside future homeowners or volunteer on committees dedicated to site selection, family selection, family support, and fundraising. 

The Holland Project

The mission of the Holland Project, located on a beautiful farm in Merrimac, is "to bring the healing benefits of animals and nature to individuals with disabilities through creative programs." This unique program stewards the resources of their 12-acre farm and property to serve various groups throughout the week. The Holland Project facilitates Saturday farm sessions for teenagers with autism or other developmental delays. Teenagers are paired with a volunteer buddy who spends the morning exploring the farm, walking the nature trails, engaging with animals, and working on the farm. The Holland Project also has other programs and projects on site, and has other volunteer opportunities such as grant-writing and helping maintain the farm. Students with an interest in working with individuals with disabilities in a creative, outdoor setting should consider serving at the Holland Project.

Kids Club

Kids Club is an after-school program run by Washington St. Baptist Church in Lynn, MA. This program provides tutoring and mentoring for kids, ages 6-12. Gordon students have served here over the past few years and have assisted with homework help and other activities. This is a great way to invest in the lives of young children and provide a positive space for learning and development. 

Operation Bootstrap

Operation Bootstrap, located in Lynn, provides adult education and ESOL classes, as well as career services and citizenship classes. Volunteers can assist in leading conversation groups, help in the classroom with computers, math, reading, or ESL, or tutor individuals or small groups. Classes are offered throughout the week in the mornings (9-12), afternoons (1-4), and in the evenings (5-8). 

The Outreach

The Outreach is currently on hiatus. Please contact the Chapel Office if you're interested in Local Outreach opportunities!

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in Salem, MA has opportunities to serve with youth/teens, help in the food pantry, or assist in other annual projects, including the Thanksgiving Basket Program and the Christmas Angel Program. 

Sustainable Farming

The Farm Outreach Team demonstrates care for God's creation through support of farms in the area. This team serves at multiple farms, including vegetable and dairy farms, depending on the season. The team has also had the opportunity to grow in their understanding of the environment, agriculture, and farming methods. This is a great opportunity to serve God's creation and come alongside local farmers in their work. This team serves throughout the week on different days, depending on the needs of the farm.