Community Outreach

Special Section: Combined Federal Campaign 2009

Air Force Veteran Gives Back to Local Community

By Albert Evans Jr., Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt.,
President of Community Outreach Ministries, Inc.

After faithfully serving my country for 25 years, I decided it was time for me to give back to the local communities in the surrounding areas. Having served my last eight years as a first sergeant in the military, I was very much aware of the need for emergency financial assistance, transportation, and even food for some of our military families. But little did I realize just how great the need was in our local communities.

I have never witnessed so many disadvantaged and underprivileged youth and families as in the last decade. So, I set out to change the world, one child and one family at a time. Therefore, Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. was officially incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia on Sept. 20, 2002 in direct response to the numerous and diverse social issues that negatively impact the youth of our society, as well as families and marriages.

The organization received its Section 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service on Jan. 30, 2004. Our vision is to provide life-changing multi-dimensional programs, services, activities and information that will empower individuals, families, and youth to enrich and enhance their quality of life. Our mission is: We are totally committed to reaching all humanity with life-changing assistance; providing information and experiences that challenge individuals on the social, educational, cultural, spiritual and economical levels of life. Our motto is “Giving You a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.”

Since our inception, we have seen a positive difference in our local communities. Located alongside a major thoroughfare, we have assisted numerous weary travelers, as well as the local citizens of our society. Worth mentioning is the fact that we have aided numerous military personnel and their families from all branches of the military. Some of them needed help with vehicle repairs, some needed food, and some have needed money to assist with fuel. Still others have needed our services to assist their families during deployments. One particular Navy noncommissioned officer commended us for tutoring his nine-year-old daughter while he was out to sea. We have also provided encouragement and limited counseling for family members who have loved ones deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. We fully recognize that our military families are not isolated on a military installation, but they are in many cases integrated within our local communities. They are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, relatives and friends, and in most cases, our neighbors.

Some of our major services are: Emergency Assistance, Food Bank, After-School Tutoring Program, and Rite of Passage Program. During these tough economic times, we have continued to offer professional programs, activities and assistance as needed. However, we too are feeling the crunch, and we definitely need the generous donations and contributions from the Combined Federal Campaign. For additional information, please give us a call at 653-7037 or email us at communityoutreach@yahoo.com.

To support the Community Outreach Ministries, Inc., designate CFC Code 93365.