Missions

Both as individuals and as a congregation, we have been given a mission to accomplish. A distinguishing mark of this congregation is its commitment to making Christ’s love known through concrete action.

To learn more about the organizations we support through our mission and partnerships, explore the list below and find ways you can serve through volunteer opportunities.

 

Among Friends

A daytime social respite program for individuals experiencing dementia and their families, hosted at First Congregational Church. Participants enjoy community connection and engaging activities while caregivers receive time for themselves to refresh and renew. Volunteers apply and receive training to assist participants or offer transportation.

Learn how you can get involved: https://www.amongfriendsrf.com/donate

Feed My Starving Children

A Christian non-profit organization that provides nutrition to children and communities in need worldwide. Meal packing sessions and events are organized throughout the year at permanent sites and mobile packing events. A great option for families or groups as the minimum age to volunteer is 5 (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) and options for volunteers with accessibility or mobility needs.

Learn how you can get involved: https://www.fmsc.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Volunteer FAQs: https://www.fmsc.org/about-us/faqs

Habitat for Humanity

A locally based chapter of a national organization dedicated to supporting communities through developing safe, affordable housing opportunities in Pierce and St. Croix counties. Volunteers can participate more hands-on as a Construction or ReStore volunteer or as a part of a committee or board member. Minimum age to volunteer is 16 (with guardian present), a great option for groups, seasonal options to participate throughout the year, and training provided.

Learn how you can get involved: https://scvhabitat.org/volunteer

River Falls Community Food Pantry

A local non-profit, volunteer organization that provides food to any person in need within Pierce or St. Croix counties. Volunteers can apply to participate in daily tasks at the pantry (e.g. working with patrons, organizing, cleaning, etc.) or delivery driving to receive and unload donations. Minimum age to volunteer is 14 (with guardian present), variety of shifts in mornings, afternoons, evenings, and tasks to complete- all kinds of talents needed!

Learn how you can get involved: https://www.rfcfp.org/donate#signuptovolunteer

Our Neighbors’ Place

A local organization assisting families and individuals in Pierce and St. Croix access housing, food, and essential resources, allowing them to move forward from crisis and hardship. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available from organizing clothing donations at The Closet, to stocking shelves and packing meals for the Backpack Program, to special events, fundraising, and more. Must complete a volunteer form to be considered.

Learn how you can get involved: https://ourneighborsplace.org/get-involved/#volunteer

Grace Place

A local program under the Salvation Army providing 24-hour shelter, temporary housing, and social services to individuals and families facing homelessness in St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk Counties. A variety of volunteer opportunities available both directly with the organization and through a First Congregational meal donation event.

Learn how you can get involved: Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Clay, at (715)912-2834 or connect with Carole Mottaz in our congregation to learn more about First Congregational meal donation events.

Journey House Campus Ministry (UWRF)

A local ministry dedicated to helping college students and young adults build community, connect with others, and explore an exciting and often uncertain stage of life through spirituality and fellowship. Their mission is to support young people in their exploration of themselves and their relationship with God, helping them engage with a supportive, faith-filled community.

Learn how you can get involved: https://journeyhousecampusministry.org/

Association of Community Health Educators Rio de Janeiro (AECS)

A social work organization founded by an ordained member of our congregation and nurse, Barbara Mosley de Souza and theologian and professor, Ione Vincent, with the goal of providing healthcare and developing health educators within the Canal do Anil community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For 30 years, AECS has worked to bring social services to the communities of Canal do Anil and surrounding areas, supporting residents facing the effects of violence, poverty, and climate crises. Currently, they provide the community with programs related to health education, adult literacy, legal support, healthcare, community education, and art/culture. The organization continues its work through partnerships and outside financial support, which our congregation supports through financial gifts and continued prayers.

Read the Jan 2026 Newsletter here: de Souza AECS Newsletter 25Jan2026.pdf

Hope for Earth

A local group started in 2014 by members of First Congregational UCC and St. Bridget Catholic Community dedicated to faithful stewardship of our environment and work towards a more sustainable future. The group now encompasses a multitude of church and environmental communities in the River Falls and surrounding areas. Members support individual and group sustainable action, participate in environmental advocacy at government and organizational levels, organize educational and community events, support sustainable projects in church communities, and support individuals and communities most impacted by the effects of climate change.

Learn how you can get involved: https://www.hopeforearth.org/

Basics for Local Kids

A local organization founded in 2010 to provide new and gently used winter gear to children, newborn through 18 years, in Western WI. Items include winter coats, boots, snow pants, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, and socks. Donations of new and gently used winter clothing of all sizes are a great way to support with opportunities to volunteer at the Ellsworth office organizing inventory and assisting families in selecting items.

Learn how you can get involved: https://www.basicsforlocalkids.org/

Sleep in Heavenly Peace - St. Croix County

A national organization with chapters across the country dedicated to providing beds and bedding for children and families in need with a mission to support the health and wellbeing of children. Donations can be made to the St. Croix Co. chapter of new twin size sheets, pillows, and bedding items or volunteers can participate in a build day event, bed deliveries, or hosting a bedding drive. Volunteers are required to be 12 years or older and accompanied to participate in build day events.

Learn how you can get involved: https://shpbeds.org/chapter/wi-st-croix-co/

Turning Point For Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

A local social service with a mission to provide resources, necessary support, and empowerment to individuals and families facing domestic and sexual violence. Donations of gently used items (see website for approved items list) can be made to Second Chances: A Turningpoint Second-Hand Store or support through monetary donations are accepted as well. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available as both short-term and long-term commitments, current volunteer needs are listed online.

Learn how you can get involved: https://www.turningpoint-wi.org/get-involved/volunteer.html

Operation Help - in Hudson

A local, volunteer run, nonprofit organization that provides essential services such as emergency financial assistance, groceries, diapers, and more to families facing financial hardship in St. Croix County and River Falls. There are a variety of ways to volunteer both in groups and individually as well as long-term and short-term commitments depending on the project. Age requirements are 16+ years old (with guardian consent for 18 and under) to assist with the food pantry and volunteers 18+ can assist with the Resource Center.

Learn how you can get involved: https://operationhelpstcroix.org/volunteer/

Back Bay Mission

A UCC Mission based in Biloxi, MS serving communities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast through a variety of mission programs focusing on strengthening the community’s access to education, housing, essential resources, advocacy, social justice, and empowerment. Yearly mission trips allow volunteers the opportunity to not only support Back Bay’s Mission in their community, but also provide experience and education to bring back to volunteer’s home communities. First Congregational regularly organizes mission groups to travel to Back Bay, connect with our Pastors for more information.

Learn how you can get involved: https://thebackbaymission.org/volunteer/#mission-trips

Church Camps

A ministry run by the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ with the goal of providing sanctuary for campers and guests to reconnect with earth, the Creator, and one another in an environment that inspires and comforts. Programs and facilitates are noted as welcome to people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Scholarships and financial aid are available to assist with the cost of attending camps or events.

Learn how you can get involved: https://ucci.org/

Falcon Links

An UWRF organization that supports, guides, and provides resources for students who have been in foster care, struggled with homelessness, or were orphaned to succeed in higher education. Resources provided by the program meet a variety of needs from navigating academia to life skills support to community resources. The organization welcomes donations both to the UWRF Foundation and through an Amazon wish list of essential items for students.

Learn how you can get involved: https://students.uwrf.edu/falconlinks