Good News Outreach is a private sector, volunteer driven, multi-denominational Christian faith-based organization dedicated to relieving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual suffering to those within our surrounding community regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. Good News Outreach has a twenty plus year history in Tallahassee as a non-profit 501 ©, 3, Florida corporation and accomplishes its mission through five programs. The Food Service Program distributes food to those in need through the bagged food program at Lafayette Street and the Bond Community, and direct food delivery for families and home bound elderly. This program is operated in partnership with Publix, Second Harvest, USDA and many faith communities, private businesses and individuals throughout Tallahassee. Volunteers at the Soup Kitchen Program at ...The Shelter in the heart of Tallahassee prepare hot meals each day, serving approximately 150-200 free lunches Monday through Friday. Food for our meals is obtained through our Food Distribution ministry and through “total package” donations of both food and preparation by groups and organizations through their own outreach efforts. The Elder Services program coordinated volunteers to visit the elderly in their homes and residences and assists with food and transportation needs on an individual basis. We target two particular groups for our no-cost services. We seek under-served at-home senior citizens who need some help to maintain a dignified existence; and we care for nursing home clients whose families are less than fully involved in their care. The Mission Oaks Apartments offer formerly homeless men the opportunity to live in a safe, permanent, affordable, highly ordered environment that is conducive to rebuilding self esteem and accepting personal responsibility. The Mercy House program is dedicated to men recently released from prison who have asked for a second chance to successfully reenter society through the assistance of Good News Outreach volunteers and various church communities. This 6 to 8 month transitional housing program is operated in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Correction as well as several faith communities and private sector businesses. The “Walking the 12 Steps with Christ” program is offered on-site to those who have addiction problems. The Maryland Oaks Crossing homeless housing campus is oriented to families with children who are moving toward independent living. Maryland Oaks provides a safe, family oriented living environment with some limited rental assistance in cooperation with Tallahassee Housing Authority, private sector businesses, and church communities. Good News Outreach seeks to provide services to those who might not otherwise receive them. The focus of all Good News Outreach ministries is concentrated in areas that are not adequately addressed by other non-profit organizations or governmental agencies. Good News Outreach does not attempt to compete with other service providers. Good News does not require clients to participate in religious... programs as a precondition to receiving services. The volunteers and supporters of Good News Outreach come from many faith communities, community organizations, business and government offices, public and private corporations and foundations, as well as individuals and families who wish to make a difference in our area. Good News Outreach provides the essential frameworks for these many, many volunteers who each, together, successfully relieve suffering and encourage individuals and families to move toward independence and self-sufficiency.