Las Sabinas, Volume 35, Number 4, 2009 Page: 25
This periodical is part of the collection entitled: Las Sabinas History Journal and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the Orange County Historical Society.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
utilities, transportation for emergencies, household items, referral assistance and
counseling.
Orange Christian Services had 17 member churches by mid-year 1982. There were five
Methodist, three Catholic, two First Christian, two Presbyterian, one Lutheran, two
Baptist, one Episcopal and one Assembly of God churches. According to Debbie Brown,
Director at the time, "The most beautiful thing about this ministry is the unity and love of
God's children serving their fellowman together as one. All area churches are
encouraged to come by and see first hand what a beautiful thing God has begun and to
become a part of this ministry."
The next few years were spent increasing the church membership and support of OCS,
and steadily working as an ecumenical group assisting the ever-increasing needs of men,
women and children in Orange County. All the while, a very firm foundation was being
laid for this ministry. Guidelines, policies and procedures for the finances, officers/board
members, staff, volunteers and client assistance programs were carefully discussed,
planned and carried out accordingly.
The year 1987 brought many changes to Orange Christian Services. Debbie Brown,
Director resigned early in the year. Judy K. Jensen became the new Executive Director
in May 1987. An addition was added to the building at 316 Cypress, providing a
volunteer lounge/kitchen area, clothing work area and storage area for the food program.
Grants became an added source of income for client services along with the support from
member churches, individuals and organizations. The church membership and volunteer
numbers continued to increase as did the clients' request for assistance with basic life
needs of food, clothing and financial assistance.
OCS had 38 member churches by 1992. There were eleven denominations represented in
the member churches. The unity and love of God's children serving together continued
to be a blessing as the client numbers grew. We were now helping an average of 500
families per month. Food was given to over 1,100 individuals per month and 613
individuals received clothing each month. Families receiving financial assistance of
utilities, rent, medical/dental, prescriptions and transportation for medical purposes
averaged 53 per month.
As the ministry numbers grew the bookkeeping and recordkeeping became very detailed
and important to the future growth of OCS. Jay Toronjo, brother of OCS board member
Walter Toronjo, bought the first computer for OCS to be used for the financial
bookkeeping and service. Eddie Franklin, John Short and George Fox served in that
position during the years of maintaining detailed bookkeeping in journals. John Short
reported to the executive committee in March 1992 that by mid April, he hoped to have
all financial matters on computer. Computer recordkeeping was very welcomed and
much needed.
Another need came about as a result of the increasing numbers of men, women and
children needing assistance. The word fundraising became part of the vocabulary of25
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Matching Search Results
View seven pages within this issue that match your search.Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Orange County Historical Society (Tex.). Las Sabinas, Volume 35, Number 4, 2009, periodical, 2009; Orange, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth312948/m1/31/?q=Lamar+University: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Orange County Historical Society.