In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that there’s always a hand willing and able to reach out and help others. In times of crisis, moments of need, when people have nowhere else to turn, we are there. Helping hands bring a balance to lives, warmth to families, and a smile to children’s faces. The Oak Lawn Community Outreach Center (OLCOC) has many programs.
The Oak Lawn Community Outreach Center (OLCOC) helps by offering information and referrals, financial assistance for mortgage, rent, utilities, bus passes and other financial help. We also help with food and clothing, financial literacy and more.
Gayle's Kitchen Angels is an opportunity for the homeless in our community to receive a home-cooked meal every Sunday evening beginning at 5 p.m. at the Oak Lawn United Methodist Church outreach center. If you would like to volunteer to help prepare the meal, please come to the outreach center at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Gayle's Kitchen Angels has an incredible team of volunteers, led by Barbara Gibbons. A new feature of Gayle's Kitchen Angels is low-cost recipes provided by our very own, Sistuh B' (Barbara Gibbons). Make sure to check them out!
Baxter's Buddies is a program to provide food for the pets of our homeless guests. Check back here soon for Ask Baxter where a veterinarian will answer your pet questions.
Community Clothes Closet is a program that provides gently used clothing and hygiene products to those in need in our community. The Clothes Closet is available in the outreach center the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 5-6 p.m. Volunteers are needed beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.
The Oak Lawn Community Outreach Center is supported by an incredible team of volunteers and is always looking for others who are ready to offer a helping hand to others. Come to the OLCOC and join a team of volunteers who support their friends and neighbors.
Listen to a recent sermon preached by Lay Minister and Director of the Oak Lawn Community Outreach Center, Gregg Alan Smith, below.