South Side Mission’s External Ministries department has been named a top ten ministry in the United States by the Acton Institute in Grand Rapids, MI and, in response, the national publication World Magazine has featured South Side Mission’s External Ministries in its August 23, 2008 edition.

Specifically, the External Ministries of South Side Mission received a finalist designation for the Acton Institute’s Samaritan Award, “given to a highly successful, privately funded charity whose work is direct, personal, and accountable. Its purpose is to encourage charities who, like the Good Samaritan, get intimately involved with individuals and work to bring about real change in the lives of those in need. Each year, the Acton Institute studies applications from 300 ministries nationwide and chooses ten finalists.

Assistant Executive Director over External Ministries, Minister Craig Williams, is thankful for the honor. “We thank the Lord for this honor and give Him the glory. It is our privilege to do the work that the Lord places before us, serving the poor.”

South Side Mission studies the winners of these awards each year as it strives to continually improve its services to the poor. In fact, a staffer was on the way back from one of last year’s winners, Neighborhood Christian Centers of Memphis TN, when the Mission received the news of its own award.

The External Ministries of South Side Mission include:

• Hope Builders – Free home repairs for homeowners in 61605. This year saw 24 projects throughout this destitute zip code.
• Satellite Offices – Removing transportation as a barrier to our services. SSM now maintains a satellite office in both the Harrison Homes and RiverWest housing projects.
• School Ministries – Before-school inspiration at three schools in zip code 61605.
• Elderly Services—Providing in-home assistance and dignity for senior citizens in 61605.
• Adopt-A-Block—Door-to-door servant evangelism matching church members with needy blocks in 61605.

For more information on the Acton Institute Samaritan Award, please visit www.samaritanguide.com.