R I C E
Rochester
Institute
for Christian Education
Prison Ministry
counsellor
Training
RFM Ministry
At Rochester Family Mission, we provide support services in several key areas. In addition to the Rochester Institute for Christian Education (R I C E), it is our objective to meet the spiritual and material needs of the families in Rochester, through the following ministries:
Helping Hands
Food Distribution for Families. We see approximately 55 families per day, 10 through referrals and 45 walk-ins. RFM provides each client with enough food for three days. The current cost to feed a family of four is:
1 Meal per day @ $1.79 each = $7.16
3 Meals per day @ $7.16 = $21.48The food is donated by:
Children's Clothing Distribution and Personal Items. Children's clothing can be dropped off at the Mission at any time except during November and December when our facilities are used primarily for holiday food distribution. Items for children include coats, clothing and diapers. We also distribute personal needs for the family such as personal hygiene products and toiletries.
Youth Programming. Activities, outings and special programs are provided throughout the year, including:
- Flower City Workcamp. An outreach program designed to help inner city families with neighborhood projects. Scholarships were provided by RFM to inner city youth to be a part of this ministry.
- Summer Camp. The youth participated in field trips, games, picnics and lessons from God’s Word. Due to last year’s high level of interest, the program has grown considerably. RFM provided the opportunity for 50 Youths to attend, staffing, Bible teaching and transportation for field trips.
- Southwest Fest. At the end of summer last year we met our goal and gave out 1,000 bookbags for the children in our community. The kids were excited to receive a brand-new bookbag as they prepared for this school year.
Bible Study. At designated times during the week, Bible Studies are conducted for the encouragement and edification of those in need. (John 11:28-30) God blesses, as many are encouraged in the faith, and some even come to know Him as a result. We thank God for those who have made themselves available to help in this capacity.
Women’s Ministry. Seminars and Workshops have been offered to provide fellowship and teaching for the women in our community. Each session focused on the practical application of scripture, exhorting mothers, daughters and wives to godly living. Some of the previous workshop topics have included “A Virtuous Wife” and “A Call to Motherhood”. Many have been encouraged even though they come facing difficult issues in their lives.
Women’s Jail & Prison Ministry. There has been a rise in female incarceration of late and unfortunately it has affected more and more of Rochester’s families. There are three chaplains in the male prisons and jails in Monroe County, but there are currently none in the female facilities. A team of women have completed their training with Chaplain Wilcox at the Monroe County Jail. RFM has been involved in this ministry to learn how to effectively witness to unbelievers in the correctional system and meet the needs of believers who have emerged from the system. Areas of ministry include evangelism, prayer, counseling, Bible study, encouragement and edification at Monroe County Jail and Albion Women’s Facility.
Licensed Family Counselor. A licensed volunteer counselor is available throughout the week at regular hours to provide spiritual, family and social counseling.
- G.E.D. Classes and Educational Tutoring. Classes and training for the G.E.D. program are provided on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Also, children and adults who are in need of educational tutoring are provided when needed.
- Computer Training. As a way of training for employment and betterment of personal life skills, computer classes are offered at RFM. Basic computer skills are taught, including hardware, the Windows™ operating system and standard office applications.
Family Mission