The Board of Missions of the United Church of Christ in Canton is one of the many ways our church responds to God's concerns. Our Church through the Board of Missions shares 12% of the actual pledged income with organizations in Canton, New England, and worldwide. We welcome suggestions for consideration of organizations and encourage participation in the opportunities provided volunteers. The Board of Missions is also responsible for special projects throughout the year as follows:
We include here a brief description of the organizations sponsored, as well as contact information should you be interested in responding to any particular need.
Interfaith Aids Ministry: Mobilizing the interest, support, and volunteers of religious communities in the greater Boston area to express the compassion inherent in their religion by joining together to offer practical, supplemental assistance and care to persons living with HIV/AIDS. The IAM
Office manages direct assistance, pastoral care and education, supervises the activities of volunteers through field coordinators, and provides administration and fund raising. Current programs include AIDS Education, Emergency AID Program, Food Collection and Personal Care Item Distribution, IAM Pastoral Referral Care Service, Chaplaincy, and Retreats.
Chernobyl Children's Project: A local and international organization providing medical care and respite to children suffering from the effects of radiation contamination resulting after the Chernobyl accident. They are looking for host families in this area. If interested please contact Fr. Bob Bowers, (781) 251-0137. Chernobyl Children's Project
Andover Newton Theological School: A graduate institution committed to its Reformed heritage and to the ecumenical Church. In faithfulness to Jesus Christ, it seeks to pursue the highest standards of learning, research, and instruction for the sake of the life, worship, and witness of the whole Church. Phone 617-964-1100. ANTS Website,
Yale University Divinity School: An ecumenical graduate institution, noted for high caliber scholarship linked to a strong commitment to to ministry in local church settings. Funds go to scholarship assistance in formation of next generation of clergy. YDS Website,
Pine Street Inn: New England's largest provider of services for homeless and formally homeless men and women, offering street outreach, emergency shelter, basic health care, housing, and job training programs. Volunteers needed (617) 521-7626. Clothing and furniture donations accepted (617) 983-5686. Pine Street Inn
Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Serving runaways, homeless youth, and other youth with nowhere to turn, Bridge serves an average of 4,000 youngsters each year. Bridge programs include the Street Outreach program that offers alternatives to street life, medical and dental services, reconciliation services for runaways, counseling services, transitional day confidence building programs, an education and pre-employment program, and residential housing for homeless youths and single mothers. 617-423-9575
DOVE: Filling the urgent needs of women and children, DOVE works to prevent and end domestic violence. Through the sheltering program, transitional housing and outreach services, DOVE provides alternatives for women seeking safety and a chance to be free from violence.
Canton Area Helpline: The Helpline provides emergency funding and sponsors the Canton Food Pantry. The Food Pantry provides free food to eligible Canton residents. They serve many individuals and families on a temporary basis, who have been affected by economic problems. Phone 781 821 8062.
Heifer Project: An international organization for helping children, building communities, enabling women and families, and caring for the environment. Heifer Project International
Quincy Crisis Center: As a crisis center, their aim is to respond quickly to crisis needs and to help identify long term solutions for the situation. They focus long-term food assistance efforts on people who are unable to access traditional food pantries or other food sources, primarily seniors, people with disabilities or with transportation problems. The Quincy Crisis Center has always been about helping the total person - body, mind, and spirit.
Canton Council on Aging: The Council on Aging is responsible for identifying the needs of and educating the community about issues of people 60 and over, and providing or linking elders up with programs and services that meet their needs. The Council on Aging department also maintains the D. Forbes Will Senior Center, which is a focal point in the community. Most programs and services are offered at the Senior Center, which is handicapped accessible. Phone 781-828-1323.
Boston City Mission Society: CMM is an interfaith association of 61 churches, synagogues, and mosques in the Boston area. Their mission is to bring together people from across economic, religious, racial, and ethnic boundaries to work in partnership for a just society. Phone 617-244-3650.
You Inc./Cottage Hill Academy. (Formally known as the Protestant Youth Center): Cottage Hill is a long-term residential program specializing in the education and treatment of adolescent girls with significant emotional and educational needs. The focus of treatment is centered on four main goals: family reunification, personal growth, academic progress, and successful reintegration to public school.
South Shore Habitat for Humanity: SSHH is an independent, nonprofit organization responsible for its own fund raising, volunteer recruitment and publicity. Working in partnership with families, volunteers, church, community and business leaders, SSHH builds on the vision of making basic housing a reality for local families in need. Phone 781-843-9080.
Massachusetts Bible Society: The purpose of the MBS is to further biblical and theological study. MBS conducts educational programs throughout Massachusetts, making the latest biblical and theological scholarships accessible to the church community. The society provides grants of Bibles and biblical materials for the sole purpose of reaching out to others who may not have easy access to the Bible. Phone 617-542-2230. Massachusetts Bible Society