Share Each Other’s Burdens
At Koinonia, relationships form the heart of everything we do. As a small community with limited material resources, we canât do it all, but our size allows us to focus deeply on what matters mostâcommunity. Koinonia has never been an insular place; we continually seek partnerships to expand our reach and relationships.
We are fortunate to collaborate with organizations that have strong programs, enabling us to contribute meaningfully through relationship-building with them and the people they serve.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up. âEcclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)
Harvest of Hope
Every Monday, we assist at Sumter Countyâs Harvest of Hope food pantry, packing food bags and boxes. On Tuesdays, we return to help distribute food to over 150â200 households in need. Through this work, weâve built deep friendships, motivated by our commitment to justice and compassion for all Godâs children.
Community Services Ministry (CSM)
CSM offers small financial assistance for bills like utilities, rent, and medical expenses. Koinonia members provide pastoral care and counseling to those facing hardship. In working with CSM, weâve reconnected with individuals like Sam, a single mother with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Through our support and collaboration, sheâs secured affordable housing and is on her journey to stability, though challenges persist.
Flint River Fresh
Through Flint River Fresh, directed by former Koinonia intern Fredando âFarmer Fredoâ Jackson (we are so proud of him!), Koinonia manages several community gardens in Sumter County. The fresh produce grown helps feed hungry families while nurturing a sense of community and shared purpose.
Casa Alterna
Through Casa Alterna, weâve welcomed asylum-seekers into our home. Recently, a couple fleeing violence in Central America has become part of the Koinonia family. We walk alongside them as they navigate the complex U.S. immigration process, supporting them through each challenge.
El Refugio
Our partnership with El Refugio, a state-wide immigrant rights organization, involves volunteering at their Hospitality House in Lumpkin, GA, offering support to families visiting detainees at Stewart Detention Center. When the Hospitality House is at capacity, Koinonia opens its doors to accommodate the overflow, ensuring that no family is left without a place to stay. In addition, through this partnership, we learned about the need for deportees to have clean clothes upon returning to their home countries. Koinonia has packed and delivered thousands of backpacks with essentials like clothing and shoes, continuing this work through our Hospitality Beyond Borders ministry.
Cafe Campesino
Founded by Bill Harris after a life-changing Habitat for Humanity trip, Café Campesino embodies the values of Fair Trade and ethical business practices. We proudly serve our Koinonia Farm Blend Coffee, sourced through this mission-driven company, which works to ensure justice for small-scale farmers.
Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing
Born from Koinonia Partnership Housing, these organizations have gone on to build millions of homes worldwide. Koinonia participates in builds when possible and often attends their conferences. We are honored to continue working with the leadership of both organizations.
These are just a few of our partners who help extend Koinoniaâs reach far beyond our small farm. We are grateful for every opportunity to build relationships with them and those they serve.
If youâd like to help us with our work with these organizations and beyond, weâd be much obliged.