Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST) in Pinellas County 

In the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me” (Matt 25:45). Our baptismal vows bind us to our brothers and sisters. Wherever they are, we reach out to meet their spiritual and material needs. At St. Thomas', we focus on corporal works of mercy. We serve others as though we are serving Christ himself by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and the incarcerated. We work to address the causes of suffering in society, for example, by joining with other people of faith in our community to change local policy. By word and example, we promise to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ. 

St. Thomas' has been partnering with St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, a sponsor of Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST). This grassroots organization gathers people of faith together to lobby local politicians to act on specific issues. Currently, those issues are affordable housing, clean water, and criminal justice reform. Like all faith-based work, this is slow work which unfolds in God's time. The power of this ministry lies in people of many different denominations and faiths coming together under one roof for one purpose: to serve the community. 

Below is a June 20, 2024, letter describing a recent success. FAST pushed for a streamlined way for people who suffer from mental health problems and addictions to get help. Here is their story:

"At our house meetings in the fall of 2018, we heard hundreds of stories from families who were struggling to find addiction and mental health treatment for their loved ones. Some shared about children with serious mental illnesses who needed help, and others sadly shared about loved ones that had already passed away from overdose or suicide.

So we voted to work on mental health and addiction and took action. We did our research and found that in our county, there was a maze of different providers and services. When you called 2-1-1, they'd give you a list of resources to call, but those in mental health crisis can't spend hours calling around seeing what services are available, would fit their needs, and that they can afford.

So at our 2019 Action, we asked the County Administrator and two key funds to work together to create a plan for a central pathway that would connect all of these services so that residents only had to call ONE number to get an appointment. And in front of 2,200 people, they agreed!

It's been 5.5 years since then. We've had follow up meetings, sent hundreds of letters to county staff and officials, been to numerous county commission meetings, and today we are so proud to announce that the central pathway is up and running! Now, anyone can go to https://careaboutme.org/ or call 1-888-431-1998 to get assessed by mental health professionals who help figure out what services you need, and within the hour, confirm an appointment for those services.  

In this article in the St. Pete Catalyst, our County Administrator calls this central pathway a model for the rest of the country. Commissioner Eggers says it is one of the most important things our county has ever done. The article says the county started planning the central pathway in 2019, and we know that is because of US! Because we showed up to house meetings and were willing to share the problems our families were facing, because we did the research and identified this solution, because we came together with thousands of people to push for the central pathway, now thousands of people in our community will get the help they so desperately need. In the words of our co-chair, Rev. Oscar Banks, 'The work WORKS!'"

At St. Thomas', contact Bill Barns (757-646-5146) or Adrienne Ruga (727-488-0356) for more information. 

Save the Date: 2024-2025 Justice Ministry Assemblies
 
Annual Assembly
Monday, October 28th, 2024, at 7 p.m.St Raphael Catholic Church
1376 Snell Isle Blvd NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

FAST Rally
Monday, March 10th, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Location TBD

Nehemiah Action (this is the one where public officials are present)
Monday, April 7th, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Please invite  3+ people to accompany you

Joshua Assembly
Monday, May 12th, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Location TBD

Annual Assembly 2025
Monday, October 27th, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Faith & Action for Strength Together (FAST)
Invest in FAST

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