For we are the fellow workers, we are God’s building. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
I Corinthians 3:9, 11
The First Presbyterian Church, through its Grand Street Center, seeks to create benevolent partnerships with agencies, organizations and individuals in Orange that promote youth, nurture education and recreation, build community alliances downtown between cities and churches, present citizens with opportunities to contribute their gifts and abilities in neighborly service and to demonstrate the love of God in social ministries.
The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Orange searched for a way to extend our ongoing Mission and Outreach activities within the community. In January 2005, we purchased the building at 146 N. Grand Street, which is adjacent to our church campus, to extend our Mission and Outreach.
After months of work and many volunteer hours, the Grand Street Center (GSC) emerged. As the 57 year old gym was restored, steps were taken to allow us to support both basketball and volleyball. There is a shortage of places where kids (8-14 years old) can go and learn the exciting game of volleyball and we wanted to change that! Our goal was to provide a place where children can learn fundamentals of these sports, and most importantly learn the value of getting along with others and of good sportsmanship. It has been a blessing to hear children running and laughing as they rediscover these sports in downtown Orange.
The first Presbyterian Church of Orange is committed to providing all youth with a safe place to learn about the love of God.
We are partnered with the YMCA in an after school program. Studies have shown that the hours after school and before parents get home from work is a critical time. A majority of problems that arise occur during this time when many children are not properly supervised. Our programs help alleviate this by providing a safe, supervised place to finish homework, participate in sports or just hang out.
Project Impact is also partnered with our church and uses the Grand Street Center. The program: helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
On Sunday evenings, a dinner for local homeless people is served.
A state-of-the-art Infant Daycare Center was developed at the GSC in conjunction with Casa Teresa (located nearby). We provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment for infants of these unwed mothers. Knowing their child is in caring, capable hands, these women can put 100% into finishing school, job training or a new job.
Beyond these programs, the GSC offers space for groups and organizations to meet. Our full kitchen and gym can support sit-down banquets, wedding and anniversary parties of up to 200 people. Our two large multipurpose rooms are a great place to have a meeting or a small get together. Many organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis and Toastmasters hold meetings in those rooms.
For more information about GSC, its programs or to schedule use of the facility contact Bill Teachout at 714+538-2341, extension 111, or e-mail him at AnBTEACH@aol.com.