FUM Staff Visits The Quakerdale Ministry Fair

Global Ministries Coordinator Karla Jay and North American and Caribbean Ministries Coordinator Michael Sherman recently traveled from the Friends United Meeting’s Richmond office to attend the inaugural Quakerdale Ministry Fair, held on September 18.Founded in 2018, Josiah White’s Quakerdale Foundation is a nonprofit organization that describes itself as “faith-driven and community-focused, seeking to impact our world for the gospel by serving as Christ serves.” The foundation provides grants and consultation assistance to nonprofits that support children and families. The Ministry Fair served as an opportunity for Quakerdale’s ministry partners to see each other and the kinds of work each organization is doing to impact their community.

FUM has received funding from the Quakerdale Foundation to support a reading program for the Friends School in Belize. Many of the Friends School students need reading help to bring them to the appropriate reading level for their ages. The Quakerdale funding made available for this program is integral to the success of each individual student and to the success of the school overall. It is critical work for a community needing help to bridge the gap to possibilities.

The Quakerdale Foundation took the opportunity of the Ministry Fair to announce the opening of a capital fund campaign. In this past year they had the privilege of giving $509,000 in grants to deserving organizations and projects to help support children and families. The Quakerdale Foundation would like to be able to give grants totaling one million dollars a year. To accomplish that goal, they are aiming to raise an additional ten million dollars for their endowment over the next five years. FUM prays for their success, and gives thanks for the ways in which this organization is making an impact in the world through supporting children and families after the manner of Christ.

‍