At First Pres, we seek to foster the individual passions and talents of our community and work together to bring about positive change for the world.
Our current work is focused on advocacy and active support for immigrants, refugees, and the LGBTQ community.
We also support New Haven residents who need food, clothing, and shelter.
Finally, we work in partnership with our regional and national office of the Presbyterian Church USA to support mission co-workers across the world.
To pursue these efforts, we have partnered with several different organizations in the area, including Trans Haven, New Haven Immigrant Coalition, IRIS, CCA, and Columbus House.
IRIS
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) is a non-profit agency whose mission is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, strengthen hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities. Our church has worked with IRIS to use our building as temporary housing and a coat closet for refugees as well as hosting their craft fairs, participating in the IRIS Run for Refugees, and volunteering at their community garden.
CCA
Christian Community Action’s (CCA’s) mission is to express faithful witness by providing help, housing, and hope to people who are poor in New Haven. Our church participates in food drives for the CCA food pantry, provides meals and groceries for Thanksgiving, and also provides diapers and funds for other supplies over the course of the year.
Columbus House
Columbus House’s mission is to serve people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by providing shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence. Before the pandemic, our church prepared and served dinner for Columbus House residents monthly and hosted Abraham’s Tent housing homeless individuals in our Owens Building for a week each winter. We are beginning to resume these activities again in accordance with Columbus House’s covid policies.
New Haven Immigrant Coalition
The New Haven Immigrants Coalition is a community-led network dedicated to supporting and uplifting immigrant voices in our city. They believe that New Haven’s strength lies in its diversity, and we work to ensure that our neighbors — regardless of status, language, and background — have the resources, assistance, and advocacy they deserve. Together, they strive to build connections, break down barriers, and create opportunities that allow all families to thrive. By uniting diverse voices and experiences, they work toward a stronger, more inclusive New Haven where compassion and solidarity guide their actions.
Living Clean
Living Clean is part of Narcotics Anonymous. They meet on Mondays at 7:30pm in the Miller Hall.
Greater New Haven Community Chorus
Greater New Haven Community Chorus is a non-auditioned, four part singing organization with a membership of 100-plus voices. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm from September through June. http://www.gnhcc.org/.
Sisters in Serenity (Women’s AA)
Gathers Saturdays at 9:30 am in the church’s choir room.
Trans Haven
Trans Haven is a Connecticut Resource run 100% by and for trans individuals. They offer a combination of virtual and in-person community events and programs. Run by a growing team of trans people from our local community and with diverse lived experiences, Trans Haven is PeerPride’s first Connecticut specific, community-run direct support program.
