The Good Neighbors Initiative:
Living Out Mercy, Justice, and Service Together
At the heart of our shared journey as a church is a commitment to pursuing justice and peace in every aspect of our lives. This intention, woven into our communal practice called The Good Way, reminds us that our faith calls us beyond ourselves—into acts of mercy, justice, and service as a community.
We’re excited to introduce the Good Neighbors Initiative—an intentional effort to embody this calling alongside trusted partners who share our commitment to love and justice. Through this initiative, we’ll support and amplify the work of:
Food for Brooklyn, led by our own Sara Merten, nourishing our local community.
North Brooklyn Angels, our long-time partner, feeding our neighbors in need.
Restore NYC, combating human trafficking with dignity and hope.
Safe Families NYC, stabilizing families in crisis by creating community and support.
Together, we’re stepping deeper into our purpose: to be a church family grounded in prayer, presence, and holiness. We’re not just serving—we’re living into our calling to walk humbly, love mercy, and act justly.
Join us in this movement. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply show up in prayer and support, your presence makes a difference. Let’s be good neighbors—together.
Food For Brooklyn
Started in 2020, Food For Brooklyn is a volunteer-run food pantry that serves the community of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Their goal is to provide a welcoming environment where people can shop for their monthly staples at no cost, while fostering a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope within our community.
Oaks Church is invited to volunteer at the food bank every other Saturday. This is a great opportunities for families to serve together-littles and tweens are encouraged to serve!
North Brooklyn Angels
North Brooklyn Angels was formed by a group of North Brooklyn residents to help stem the tide of gentrification’s effects on individuals and families. They do this by providing food to where the need is, essentially through a mobile soup kitchen, but also through organizing community leaders, members, and volunteers.
Oaks Church serves every other Monday morning from 10:30-12:30 p.m. You can join our Church Center Group to be a part of those shifts, or you can volunteer as you can be clicking here.
Restore
Restore is a non-profit organization where female survivors of immigrant sex trafficking can find support and hope. Their services include case management, counseling, housing, and their economic empowerment program, which equips survivors to secure safe employment in the New York City job market. In 2020, Restore broadened its scope to include domestic survivors of trafficking as well.
Oaks Church can support Restore in three ways: by joining in on a monthly prayer call to cover staff and clients in prayer; buying and assembling new clients kits as needed; and by engaging in staff encouragement rhythms, like sending cards or lunch. Click below to join the Church Center Group for all opportunities.
Safe Families
Safe Families For Children NYC believes caring for children begins with caring for parents. SFFC seeks to keep children safe and families together by providing a network of support for socially isolated parents. Their goals are to prevent children from unnecessarily entering the foster care system and to support and strengthen families.
Oaks Church attendees can support SFFC by becoming trained Family Friends, offering regular encouragement and support by phone or in person to parents to build friendships. We’re hosting a training session on May 31 from 12-2 p.m. for those who want to serve with Safe Families.