Main Programs

Aubrey’s Christmas Dinner the Homeless Event

Spearheaded by Vice President Daisy Feliciano, this annual event in December at the Arroyo Recreation Center in Hartford is a beacon of hope for the homeless. Addressing the pressing issue of homelessness, it provides a warm and safe environment during the holidays. Open to all homeless individuals in Hartford shelters, the event accommodates up to 125 participants and offers hot meals, positive music, exhibits from local agencies, and gift bags filled with essential items. It serves as a platform to empower attendees with a message of hope through positive music and words of encouragement from community leaders, preparing them for important life events like job interviews and community engagement.

MSOC Very Best Summer Camp for Children

Guided by Secretary Ana Oquendo, this one-week summer camp in July at the MSOC headquarters caters to 40 children aged 6 through 12 from low-income families. The camp provides a holistic experience with daily positive teachings, a variety of arts and crafts, and engaging physical outdoor activities. Alongside continental breakfast, snacks, and lunch, the program includes a field trip or outdoor event. To ensure inclusivity, a nominal application fee is in place, but financial assistance is extended to families facing economic hardships.

SUMMER CAMP 2024

Youth Gala Prom

The annual Youth Gala Prom is an event that serves youth and young adults. The event, led by our Vice President, Daisy Feliciano it’s scheduled in the month of June and has been hosted at the Pitkin Community Center’s Banquet Hall in Wethersfield, CT. Youth and young adults receive a free ticket, if they are a current junior or senior in high school. Participants are encouraged to dress in proper formal attire and understand that this is a faith-based event.  Youth and young adults experience positive entertainment with DJ, photo booth, food, and prizes. MSOC invites leaders from the community willing to be a chaperone to participate.

Services

Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) Training

MSOC offers Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) training class to addresses the importance of suicide prevention, the importance of mental health and the importance to intervene when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and having thoughts of about suicide.  This standard 90 minute training class covers how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be at risk of suicide by learning the common causes of suicidal behavior, warning signs of suicide and how to get help for themselves or someone in crisis. Each participant receives a booklet that contains all the material covered in the class, as well as referral numbers/information.
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Circle of Security

Mustard Seed Outreach Center (MSOC) has been trained to provide The Circle of Security® Parenting program. This parenting program is an attachment-based parenting education program that helps parents better understand and build on their relationships with their children. This program supports parents to:
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·       Understand their child's emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
·       Support their child's ability to successfully manage emotions
·       Enhance the development of their child's self esteem
·       Honor the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure
·       https://vimeo.com/122770192

The Circle of Security® Parenting program is designed to give parents a 'map’ for understanding and responding to their children’s emotional needs. Research shows that parents who are able to do this in a loving and consistent way give their children an amazing start in life. This parenting program runs for eight weeks and usually includes up to twelve people per group.  Each session is from 60 to 75 minutes long.  Decades of research have confirmed that children with a strong and healthy relationship with their parents and other important adults in their life are best prepared to thrive.

Financial Education Workshop

Mustard Seed Outreach Center (MSOC) provides Financial Education Workshops for the public in financial literacy, financial management, family economics and resource management, budgeting, family communication about money, teaching children about money, spending, saving, credit, and debt. The workshop focuses on budgeting, money management, credit management, and building financial wealth as a precursor to homeownership.  Financial literacy resources have not always been available to all communities, and our education efforts can always improve. Reach out to us for access to this workshop.

Food Distribution

Mustard Seed Outreach Center (MSOC) has partnered with New Dimension Christian Center (NDCC) and Urban Alliance (UA) to distribute groceries and non-perishable food items for community members at our headquarters in Washington Street in Hartford, CT. As part of our strategic planning, MSOC is working in collaboration with the NDCC to expand the current divisions – Cheerful Givers and Manna Food Pantry

·   Cheerful Givers provides free clothing to community members by appointment and upon emergency request. Free clothing is also distributed during outreach events.

·   Manna Food Pantry provides non-perishable food items to community members by appointment and upon emergency request. Free food is also distributed during outreach events.

Expansion

Prison Support Division

Work in collaboration with New Dimension Christian Center (NDCC) ​to adopt and expand existing and/or dormant prison outreach programs.

Entrepreneurship Expo

Based on community input, develop a showcase opportunity for local entrepreneurs and residents to increase exposure and support local businesses.

Food Pantry Division

Work in collaboration with New Dimension Christian Center (NDCC) to absorb its Cheerful Givers and Manna Food Pantry Ministry in order to establish an operating Food Pantry.