UUs are known for active engagement in social justice issues.  As Rabbi Abraham Heschel said about marching with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama, “When I marched in Selma, I felt my legs were praying.”

On-Going Social Justice Projects

Currently our congregation has two on-going social justice projects:

• Family Promise
  This is a Homeless families volunteer program. Members volunteer throughout the year to chaperone homeless families spending the night at The Church of the Brethren. For more information, please visit the Modesto Family Promise web page.

• Winter Shelter

UUFSC has been assisting with Shelter Meals for 15 years. They were originally developed and organized by Rev. Bill Greer and Aynslie Frederickson. The current program is headed up by Mary James and Adlai Frederickson. Their team continues to serve those in need with love and dignity On the second Monday of each month, from November through April, a team of volunteers prepare and serve dinner for about 150 people at the Modesto Winter Shelter. Bob Santos, Kevin Byrne, and Ted Pack do the same at the Turlock Winter Shelter for about 55 people on the second Thursday of the month. The Turlock group works together with volunteers from California State University, Stanislaus, and they receive additional financial support from the Turlock Lions Club.

The menu at both locations consists of pork tenderloin roast, fried rice or sweet potatoes, green bean with bacon and onions, green salad, applesauce, rolls and butter. Dessert is ice cream and brownies. Warm bouillon is served to the waiting diners before dinner.

Our children also assemble hygiene kits, which we distribute on the evenings we serve food. We welcome volunteers and donations.

Other Social Justice Events

Modesto Pride

The congregation has maintained an active presence at MoPride for many years, The event takes place in October.

Walk a Mile

Each Spring, several men from our congregation don high-heel shoes and attempt to walk a mile in them to raise funds for Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus County. Visit the Walk a Mile web site for more information.