WEDNESDAY, October 21

THEME: Health care and health equity

  • Partner Spotlight: Harvest House

  • Service Challenge Objective: Make a Difference During COVID-19

  • Advocacy Action: Letter to Congress, Post on Social Media

  • Donation Suggestion: Friends of Night People

harvest house

FOUNDER'S STORY

The seed was planted when Gary Tatu saw a picture of the church in a real estate listing book. A few days later the seed was cultivated at a John Michael Talbot concert where, all night, the messages of, "Sell all you have, give to the poor and follow Me," and "Peter, do you love Me? Feed My sheep" seemed directed specifically at them. Gary and his wife Linda left the concert and drove by the church. After months of research, prayer, and seeing God's loving hand directing them, they sold their home in the suburbs and, on April 12, 1993, purchased the derelict city church which is now Harvest House.

MISSION

To break the barriers of poverty by providing holistic support services to underserved and marginalized community members. Facilitating wellness, access to basic human needs, educational opportunities for adults, and spiritual health in our community.

Student spotlight

Hannah Iqbal

"My name is Hannah Iqbal and I've volunteered for Harvest House Ministry Center since February 2020. I tutor students in basic reading, writing, and math. I initially heard about Harvest House from Dr. Backstrom and decided that I would really enjoy it since I love interacting with people and helping them achieve their goals. After signing up to be a tutor, I went into Harvest House and I talked to the students about their goals. They all told me the same thing; they come in to get tutored so that they can achieve their goal of obtaining higher education in order to provide a better life for themselves and their family.

I truly admire the incredible dedication of every single one of the students who comes in and takes advantage of the remarkable service that Harvest House has to offer. I continued to tutor all throughout February and the beginning of March until COVID-19 and Harvest House was forced to shut down. I realized that tutoring didn’t have to stop. I reached out to the coordinator of Harvest House and Dr. Backstrom and pitched my idea of continuing tutoring virtually. Ever since, I tutor students via zoom twice a week. My experience with Harvest House so far has taught me that there is always a solution to every problem."

service challenge

  • Watch the documentary Bending the Arc. This film follows the nonprofit healthcare organization, Partners in Health, and founders Jim Yong Kim, Ophelia Dahl, and Paul Farmer, who are devoted to providing innovative health care in impoverished nations. Then, on Thursday, October 22 at 7pm, attend the Global Health & Social Justice panel discussion with the founders where you will gain a deeper awareness of how socio-economic inequality results in health and medical inequities.

  • Donate to Harvest House. There will be a box outside of the Pre-Med Center (SH 1026) from October 19 through October 23. Visit this webpage to view the items that they are currently need. Please only donate items that are clean, in good condition, and placed inside of a bag.

  • FeedMore WNY needs volunteers to sort and pack food at its warehouse and volunteers to deliver meals to those who cannot leave their homes. Leave your contact information and they will contact you.

  • WNY Feeds the Frontline: Click here to help feed healthcare workers and support local restaurants.

advocacy action

  • Use your voice! Write a letter to Congress about issues that will improve our health. This website provides a template and sends them to the representatives in your state.

  • Post on social media and educate your followers about health care and disparities. Here is a link for examples of posts.

Donation suggestions

  • Friends of Night People is a charitable organization that helps the poor, homeless and destitute in Buffalo, NY. They provide food, clothing, medical care, counseling and hope to those in need. Help Friends of Night People make a difference today by serving meals, contributing clothing or hygiene products, or making a donation. Because of you, help is available to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in our community 365 days a year.

  • Click here to donate!

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

  • Interested in educating yourself further on health equity? Consider checking out the resources below!