Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP)

The Joint Urban Ministry Project began in 1988 as a local ministry of downtown churches seeking to serve the increasing number of people in desperate circumstances coming to congregations for help.

People who come for assistance to JUMP include those who "fall through the cracks" of eligibility or are waiting for public assistance, as well as:

• People who are homeless and/or mentally and emotionally challenged.
• People who need direction or referral to an appropriate agency or resource.
• Persons from beyond the Burlington area who need transportation assistance.
• Persons in need of crisis or long term assistance.

The JUMP ministry operates each weekday morning at the chapel entrance of First Congregational Church. Volunteers from local congregations provide hospitality, and a Director meets with and assesses the needs of each client. The services offered include:

• Referral to appropriate social agencies.
• Awareness of spiritual as well as physical needs.
• Nonperishable food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers and formula.
• Vouchers for food, clothing, laundromat, gasoline.
• Assistance with medical and dental needs and eyeglasses.
• Assistance with credit union membership.

College Street Church has been a mainstay of JUMP since its founding. Currently CSCC provides approximately 100 units of soap and shampoo each month, and fills 35-40 family food bags one month each year. The church budget includes an annual pledge to JUMP of more than $3000, and this amount is usually exceeded through the offering envelopes provided the first Sunday of each month.