Newgate Mission

Martha's Kitchen relocates to Newgate Mission - Longview News-Journal: Local News
Martha's Kitchen relocates to Newgate Mission

By Angela Ward award@news-journal.com | Posted: Thursday, June 10, 2010 12:10 am | Original Story

Two local nonprofit agencies that feed the hungry will both be operating out of the same location.

Martha's Kitchen is moving into Newgate Mission and will begin serving meals there this weekend, said mission director the Rev. Jennene Laurinec, but will retain its identity as an independent agency.

"We both serve pretty much the same population and are located in the same neighborhood, so it makes sense for us to share a facility," Laurinec said.

Martha's Kitchen is a ministry of St. Mary's Catholic Church, but draws volunteer teams from throughout the community. Newgate Mission was founded by the First United Methodist Church of Longview, but it also receives support from a broad spectrum of churches and individuals, she said.

"Martha's Kitchen offers hot meals early in the afternoon on weekends, which is a time when our mission is usually closed," Laurinec said. "This will allow the agencies to feed more people, because we'll each be paying less for rent and utility costs. It will also be less confusing to our clients, because all the meals will be at the same location."

Sam Burt, coordinator of Martha's Kitchen, said he was excited about combining forces with Newgate Mission.

"This is an opportunity for the Christian community of Longview to work together to maximize our resources and put more of our donations toward feeding the hungry," Burt said.

Martha's Kitchen had been paying $400 per month to rent its storefront location a few blocks away and had been paying about another $400 per month in utilities, he said. It will now pay $400 per month to Newgate Mission for use of its facilities, for a savings of about as much.

"This is a win-win situation," Burt said. "Our agency will be paying less every month for rent and utilities and Newgate will be getting more money to help meet its overhead costs."

Teenage volunteers from St. Mary's helped Martha's Kitchen move its refrigerators and freezers to the new location.

Zach Williams, one of the teens, said he was familiar with the services offered by Martha's Kitchen.

"I've volunteered their, both with my family and with my Boy Scout troop," Williams said. "It's cool that these two agencies are joining forces.

If you go

What: Meals by Marthaâ??s Kitchen

When: 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Where: Newgate Mission, 207 S. Mobberly Ave.

Cost: Free

Contact: (903) 757-6146