The Local Missions Ministry Team exists to be a helping hand extending from First Evangelical Lutheran Church out into the Idaho Falls community. We seek to understand the needs of people in our community, the charities that are active already in meeting those needs, and how we as a congregation can come alongside those organizations to help our neighbors. See our Ministry Goals.
Ministry Chair: Lynette Duling
The following are examples of the missions that First Lutheran participates in our local community of Idaho Falls and Ammon, ID:
Idaho Falls Food Bank
Food distribution center; Open M-F 4-5pm. No cost, but need referral from participating agency or church. Limited to 6 box/6mo. Each box 3 meals/day for 4 days. Small box 1-2, Med box 3-4, Large box 5-6 persons (but tailored to family size). Currently feeding 600-700 families/month.
Food can be dropped off at 245 N. Placer, M-F 4-5pm or Wed 8-11. Money can be sent to Idaho Falls Food Bank, P.O. Box 2236.
Contact: Buck Horton (FELC) at (208) 390-1952.
Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen
Provides hot meal, salad, desserts at no cost 7 days/week. Serving time is from 12-1pm. Average 97 people/day. FELC serves on 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, every month of the year.
The Soup Kitchen is located at the Community Outreach Center, 301 N. Boulevard. It is owned by St. Luke Episcopal Church.
Contact: Walt and Linda Reuter and Jane Skaar (FELC) for serving at (208) 523-6635.
FISH (Friends In Service Here)
Distributes wide variety of items such as school supplies, large and small appliances, and small and large hygiene products. It also distributes things food stamps won’t buy, such as dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, lice shampoo and treatment recommendations, Clorox, gasoline and tickets. They can do house payments (excluding rent) and Free Med pay for senior prescriptions.
FISH is located at the Community Outreach Center, 301 N. Boulevard. It is run under auspices of the Regional Council.
Contact: Bev Kemp (Trinity United Methodist Church) at (208) 524-4321.
Free Med
Provides help, prescriptions to seniors without health insurance. Open M-Th.
Free Med is located at the Community Outreach Center, 301 N. Boulevard
Contact: Adrian Hill at (208) 528-6337.
Salvation Army
Social services not handled by others. After school programs. Rental and utility assistance. Prescription assistance and gas vouchers. Emergency food boxes.
Local Salvation Army offices are located at 605 N. Boulevard.
Contact: Suzy Hersh (FELC) at (208) 522-7200.
City of Refuge
Men only; short term shelter in dorm. Served dinner and breakfast only (expect men to work during the day). Cap at 18. Dinner is also served to all in need. $13/nite (often paid by local churches).
City of Refuge is located at 840 Park Ave. It receives funding through Community Action Agency and is run by Family Care Counseling (non-profit).
Contact: David McKinney (Director) at (208) 522-5575.
Good Samaritan Center
ELCA supported skilled nursing home and Idaho Falls Village- assisted living.
Good Samaritan Center is located at 840 E. Elva
Contact: Richard Cartney (FELC) at (208) 523-4795.
The Ruth House
Run by Family Care Center, The Ruth House is a safe and sober transitional housing facility for single women. It helps chronically homeless women find freedom and health while they are in transition. Centers around spiritual development, case management, Christian life skills counseling, literacy education and family leadership.
The Ruth House is located at 3130 S. Yellowstone Hwy.
Contact: Jayme Macfarlane at (208) 522-1751.
The Haven Shelter
Provides emergency shelter, short term transitional housing and supportive services to homeless families and single women. Work with people to develop a plan that leads to self-sufficiency. Offers GED program and Family literacy program.
The Haven is located at 2480 S. Yellowstone Highway
Contact: Ann Johnson at (208) 523-6413.
Shepherd's Inn
The Shepherd’s Inn Maternity Home is a safe and caring home for single women challenged by an unplanned pregnancy. Provide essential skills (opting for parenting or adoption).
Contact: Julie Zahn at (208) 520-0056.
Senior Citizen Community Center
Programs and activities geared toward senior citizens. 2600 members. Offer one healthy meal each week day at the Community Center, also offer home delivery. Deliver 200-250 meals/day.
The Senior Citizen Community Center is located at 535 W. 21st Street.
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2010 Ministry Goals
- Collect canned/boxed goods for Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen.
- Collect monetary donations to support the Meals-on-Wheels program.
- Collect school supplies to be given through FISH to area students in need.
- Collect canned/boxed goods for the Idaho Falls Community Food Bank.