Featured photo: Volunteers at the R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center unload supplies
for the center that aids northeast side of Flint.
Written by Tanya Terry
Volunteers at the R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center set an example for the people, according to Mother Sandra Jones, CEO of the center. The center is located on the northeast side of Flint.
“When those people are coming through and they see us, and they see that we’re not sick, and they see that we’re protected-and so many that come to our Help Center-they have been coming here to us to 2016-there’s a trust there,” Jones said.
The center began giving community members information about COVID-19 as soon as there was an admission the virus was a problem. Once those affiliated with the center were sure there would be vaccines to combat COVID-19, the center put out literature with the help of Genesee Health Plan, Kroger and Hamilton Community Network.
“We did commercials with several of the organizations to ensure that people were safe,” Jones said.
Vaccines were made available from the center through Kroger in April-September 2021. Then, the center started partnering with Hamilton Community Network for vaccinations, which is their current partner, due to a staffing shortage at Kroger which occurred as the pandemic grew.
World Vision philanthropic organization made it possible for the center to give mini refrigerators from Costco to those who received their first vaccine. Despite the fact, about 136 refrigerators were stolen along with numerous other items, Jones said being able to give vaccine recipients merchandise has been helpful.
“With Kroger, from April to September, we had to have vaccinated better than 100-150 people. Those were first time vaccinations. That’s not including those other people who came and got their second shot.”
Jones explained there were so many people who came to the center to get their first shot, she was concerned there would be no place for them to go to get their second shots. Many of those who utilize the center to obtain food, water, clothing or other resources lack transportation. Many of them tell Jones their loved ones had been hospitalized due to COVID. With variants, such as COVID variant BA 2.75, which is extremely aggressive, Jones said she continues to be concerned.
“I hear the stories. People are saying pray for me; my daughter is critical. Pray for our family. This is what I’m hearing.”
Jones said there are more vaccines given at the R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center than some of the clinics do in a week.
Also, every Thursday there are approximately 360-400 or more cars, with an average of at least two families there to obtain resources. In addition, 300 homes are visited on any given day. Jones explained volunteers have been essential to the operations at R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center. There are currently about six people who volunteer at least some of the time, but Jones said she would like to ideally have 10 volunteers. They break down pallets of food and bag them. Families receive information about the COVID-19 vaccine, along with other printed materials, when they get their food and water.
“The volunteers we have now are a very good group. They are loyal and on time. They work well together. But I wish I had more volunteers to be able to relieve that team…It would be really good if we could have volunteers during the week.”
Jones said having more volunteers will allow the team to bag food up well and make it secure for the clientele. Volunteers can shop in the clothing closet and can receive four cases of water, along with food, in addition to the reward of knowing they are helping others.
A $50 stipend for working each Thursday is being offered to the volunteers. The phone number is 810-787-3960 for anyone wishing to volunteer at the center.
Food, water, clothing and COVID-19 vaccines are available about the R.L. Jones Community Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. The center is located at 6702 Dort Highway, in Flint, on the campus of Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ.
