Giving Back
NCEON
He was sitting outside on a bench. It was about 90% this hot July morning when we arrived. Jovial and kind, he greeted us. An older man, in his 70’s with a heart ready to serve. He unloaded the canned goods we brought. His name is Bill.
Did you ever walk into a place and right away sense a spirit of peace and love? A feeling as if your whole body just took a deep sigh of relief and all the world’s troubles fell away? That’s what it was like walking in the doors of the inconspicuous building on 5th avenue in the heart of Glen Burnie, the headquarters of North County Emergency Outreach Network (NCEON). (On a personal note it’s the same building that was once home to the Community Church of God where, as a little girl, I walked myself to church and learned about the love of Jesus, fifty plus years ago!)
Once inside NCEON (pronounced “neon”), Jan the president of this outreach introduced herself. At first glance Jan gives the impression she is one tough cookie and you better not mess with her. But as we talked I found her to be an unassuming, gentle woman and her generous and caring nature became clearly evident to me. While there was much activity going on all about us, Jan took the time to give me a tour and answered my questions. The whole complex was a bustle of activity. A group of volunteers were bagging items for clients and helping deliver to their cars, Bill was making burgers for the volunteers to enjoy lunch, pantry shelves upstairs were being re-stocked with supplies from the basement storage area and interviewers were cheerfully preparing for those people coming in for appointments.
As Bill took us to the basement crammed full from floor to ceiling with crated food items I asked, “On a personal level, why do you do this Bill?” Bill responded with a quiet tone from his humble heart, “I have 77 years in this community. I like giving back. I’ve been blessed and it’s fulfilling for me to help others who are not as fortunate. Besides, this gives me a purpose for getting up out of bed.”
Danielle one of the volunteers packing bags with food said, “It feels good to give from my heart to the community.” Kathy, another volunteer, said, “I’m here for others, to help in a small way. It breaks my heart to see the needs outside our doors and in our community.” None of these volunteers were judging anyone, all had a true desire to serve and love people who have found themselves in a difficult spot. Aren’t we all in need in one way or another?
Here I found true Christian servants who give of themselves out of sincere loving hearts. People come through the NCEON doors hungry and in need. Their needs are met. I wonder if they sense the peace and love when they first walk in. Do they sigh in relief and feel themselves become unburdened. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God.” 1 John 4:7
Did you ever walk into a place and right away sense a spirit of peace and love? A feeling as if your whole body just took a deep sigh of relief and all the world’s troubles fell away? That’s what it was like walking in the doors of the inconspicuous building on 5th avenue in the heart of Glen Burnie, the headquarters of North County Emergency Outreach Network (NCEON). (On a personal note it’s the same building that was once home to the Community Church of God where, as a little girl, I walked myself to church and learned about the love of Jesus, fifty plus years ago!)
Once inside NCEON (pronounced “neon”), Jan the president of this outreach introduced herself. At first glance Jan gives the impression she is one tough cookie and you better not mess with her. But as we talked I found her to be an unassuming, gentle woman and her generous and caring nature became clearly evident to me. While there was much activity going on all about us, Jan took the time to give me a tour and answered my questions. The whole complex was a bustle of activity. A group of volunteers were bagging items for clients and helping deliver to their cars, Bill was making burgers for the volunteers to enjoy lunch, pantry shelves upstairs were being re-stocked with supplies from the basement storage area and interviewers were cheerfully preparing for those people coming in for appointments.
As Bill took us to the basement crammed full from floor to ceiling with crated food items I asked, “On a personal level, why do you do this Bill?” Bill responded with a quiet tone from his humble heart, “I have 77 years in this community. I like giving back. I’ve been blessed and it’s fulfilling for me to help others who are not as fortunate. Besides, this gives me a purpose for getting up out of bed.”
Danielle one of the volunteers packing bags with food said, “It feels good to give from my heart to the community.” Kathy, another volunteer, said, “I’m here for others, to help in a small way. It breaks my heart to see the needs outside our doors and in our community.” None of these volunteers were judging anyone, all had a true desire to serve and love people who have found themselves in a difficult spot. Aren’t we all in need in one way or another?
Here I found true Christian servants who give of themselves out of sincere loving hearts. People come through the NCEON doors hungry and in need. Their needs are met. I wonder if they sense the peace and love when they first walk in. Do they sigh in relief and feel themselves become unburdened. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God.” 1 John 4:7
NCEON Food List
- Boxed Pasta
- Boxed Stuffing
- Boxed Rice and Noodles
- Boxed Mac and Cheese
- Instant Potatoes
- Canned Chili
- Canned Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Soup Large and Small
- Canned Pork and Beans
- Canned Mixed Vegetables
- Canned Carrots, Peas, Corn, Green Beans and Potatoes
- Canned Ravioli
- Canned Ham, Tuna, Chicken or Spam
- Canned Gravy
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Condensed Milk (Canned)
- Sugar
- Oatmeal
304 5th Ave. S.E. Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-766-1826 Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm
“North County Emergency Outreach Network was established in 1989 and has distributed over $10 million in food and funds to the less fortunate members of the community.” A local organization that pulls from churches, civic organizations, community businesses and private individuals to provide for people in need. The assistance is provided for court order evictions, utility shut off notices, medication and food needs. NCEON is a volunteer (501 C 3) organization and does not receive any Government funding. The organization states that all they do “has been made possible by the grace of God and a community spirit that is the embodiment of the compassion of Christ.” “NCEON’s ultimate goal is to be NOT NEEDED!” Until then, they give thanks for the opportunity to serve.
In need of volunteers and financial contributions.
410-766-1826 Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm
“North County Emergency Outreach Network was established in 1989 and has distributed over $10 million in food and funds to the less fortunate members of the community.” A local organization that pulls from churches, civic organizations, community businesses and private individuals to provide for people in need. The assistance is provided for court order evictions, utility shut off notices, medication and food needs. NCEON is a volunteer (501 C 3) organization and does not receive any Government funding. The organization states that all they do “has been made possible by the grace of God and a community spirit that is the embodiment of the compassion of Christ.” “NCEON’s ultimate goal is to be NOT NEEDED!” Until then, they give thanks for the opportunity to serve.
In need of volunteers and financial contributions.
Recommended Resources
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Discount Code: FITLF18
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Discount Code: FITLF18
“My Shoe Guy!” Alan Harris, will help you find the right shoes for your work-out and comfort needs. Checkout the website ….Shoes4Fitness.com…AND use your FitMamas discount code to receive %10 off your purchase. Tell Alan, Penny says, “Hi!”!
Gretchen Michaels, PT, MSPT
Physical Therapist
Women's Health and Men's Health (Pelvic Health Specialist)
410-761-7660
gmichaels@novacare.com
Physical Therapist
Women's Health and Men's Health (Pelvic Health Specialist)
410-761-7660
gmichaels@novacare.com