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The Geneviee Shelter and Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk will receive some much-needed items for their respective programs thanks to First Baptist Church Mahan.

The church plans an outreach every 90 days to keep involved in the community. This time, after praying about it, church members brought in necessities to donate to two non-profits the church partners with annually.

CAPS is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping reduce home insecurity in Suffolk. Their programs include emergency help, providing resources and the Night Stay program. They received body soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, Vaseline, mouthwash and other hygienic items for their clients who may not have these resources.

“We usually keep these kinds of supplies in the back at the office for when those who come in show a need for them we can just pull,” said Mary Sue Rawls, president of CAPS. “With COVID-19, we haven’t had in-office appointments yet. We can always use them for night stays.”

The Genieve Shelter focuses its help on victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. The shelter provides a safe house and education to end the cycle of violence. It received paper towels, toilet paper and other paper products and hygiene items for its clients.

“It’s wonderful,” said Marleisa Montgomery, the executive director at the Genieve Shelter. “We will be able to provide these items to help clients residing in emergency shelters. We also have some who have completed our after-care program who are always in need of personal hygiene items.”

The Genieve Shelter is participating in Give Local 757 on May 9. As a non-profit, Montgomery and the shelter encourage the community to donate to provide a safety net of services for the community and provide an easy exit for victims, especially during the pandemic.

First Baptist Mahan has not met in person since the start of the pandemic. However, the church members are still stepping up to provide help to the Suffolk community during this time.

“I think that for the better part of 156 years, our church has always demonstrated tremendous advocacy for the community,” said Steven Blunt, pastor of First Baptist Mahan. “It gives us an opportunity to continue one of our church mottos to demonstrate the heart of Christ and the heart of the community.”

The church is looking forward to future projects to provide food, vaccinations and support to the Suffolk community.