Social Justice

Black Lives Matter: 

Why do Black Lives Matter to First U? Because at First Unitarian we recognize that historically and currently, Black Lives have not mattered as much as white lives. The phrase does not mean “only” black lives matter. It means that it’s time that we stand in solidarity with African American people to undo the systemic injustices that hold them back from true equality and equity jobs, housing, health, and education.

The Big Blue Basket

Have you noticed the big blue basket on the raised platform at church?  That basket is for collecting donations of non-perishable food for CLCM’s affiliate food pantry next door at Calvary Episcopal Church.  Food insecurity in our neighborhood is growing due to the funding cuts to the SNAP program, to Medicaid, and to USDA food. It’s also worsened by the government shutdown. As you do your shopping this week, please consider picking up a few extra shelf-stable items and bringing them any/every Sunday. Items especially needed are peanut butter, pasta and sauce, canned meat/fish, soups, breakfast cereal….but all items are gratefully accepted. Let’s fill that Big Blue Basket.

Food Pantry needs your donations

The CLCM-affiliate food pantry at Calvary Episcopal Church is seeing unprecedented numbers of our neighbors seeking food.  Your donations of shelf-stable food is most welcome – drop off on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am-noon at Calvary side-rear door, 821 S 4th St. Monetary donations can be mailed to CLCM (“food pantry” in memo line) 809 S 4th St  Lou KY 40203, or made online.

Strong Paper, Plastic, and Fabric Bags Needed for the Food Pantry

The food pantry volunteers pack bags and bags of groceries to be given out every week and need a lot of bags. If you shop at a store that uses paper bags, could you double-bag and grab a few extra bags and forward them to the food pantry? If you do food pick up or delivery, those strong plastic bags are also needed. As always, we need and appreciate the non-perishable food items donated every week. Place them in the blue basket. As cuts are made to safety nets, the need for food is growing.

Central Louisville Community Ministries: Bikes for Kids

Got kid bikes?  Cochran Elementary and Pedal Power are joining forces in a Bikes for Kids Christmas Drive.  They have a goal to collect 150 bikes for elementary-age children (age 5-11).  Do you have any no-longer used bikes for these children? Your donations can be dropped off at Cochran (500 W Gaulbert Ave) or at Pedal Power (4100 Shelbyville Rd – drop outside the garage). Pedal Power will refurbish the bikes and make them available in time for the holidays to the families who have children attending Cochran.

 

Opportunity to Help in Afterschool Program for Immigrant Children

La Escuelita Learning Hub, located in Beechmont Presbyterian Church (417 W. Ashland Ave. 40214), runs an afterschool program for children between ages 5-16. They provide help with reading comprehension, gym time, and serve dinner before the children go home. The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from 3pm to 7pm and they are in need of volunteers. A 2-hour training is provided and they ask that volunteers be willing to participate at least one day per week. Jobs include choices of reading with children, watching over the kids in the gym, watching over the kids while they have their snack when they first arrive, waiting outside for school buses to drop off kids, and helping where needed. There’s no such thing as too old, and volunteers as young as 16 are accepted. Contact Program Assistant, Yai Malave at the La Escuelita Learning Hub by calling 502-797-3298 or email.
 

La Casita News

 La Casita Center works intentionally to build a thriving community based on mutual support and respect built on the vision of connecting people through solidarity, to be one community. Priority needs; ways to give; jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

 

Room in the Inn Louisville – Winter Program

First Unitarian volunteers once again had the opportunity to participate in the Room in the Inn (RITI) Louisville winter shelter program, January-February 2026.

  • We hoped to cover 5-8 nights during the winter months of January and February, spread across the two months. We needed volunteers for each evening shift (4:30-10 p.m.), for each overnight shift (10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.), and and for each morning shift (4:45 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.). There were opportunities for men and women to volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering next winter, please contact the office.
  • Donation If you want to support RITI Louisville but cannot volunteer, consider making a donation. We are especially looking for mattress donors; each mattress costs $350. But every contribution helps, no matter the size!

About RITI
Louisville’s community ministry is modeled after a program initially founded in Nashville in 1985 that has been replicated in nearly 40 other locales, including Washington, D.C., Charlotte, N.C., and the Kentucky cities of Bardstown, Bowling Green and Lexington. Nashville today has more than 100 participating congregations that provide temporary overnight shelter during the winter months for individuals experiencing homelessness.

This year, RITI Louisville is expanding to a second overnight shelter, offering life-saving relief from frigid nights on the streets for unhoused neighbors amid a shortage of permanent shelter beds. There will be a women’s (and children) shelter at Christ Church Cathedral, and a men’s shelter at Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ, doubling the program’s capacity, providing approximately 1,000 overnight stays for 30-50 guests. The program is supported by volunteers from at least 17 congregations and organizations.

RITI Louisville is now an independent 501(c)(3) organization, able to accept charitable donations. One of of our Congregation is the President of its Board of Directors. Feed Louisville will be providing dinners at both sites Mondays through Fridays, while congregation volunteers will provide the meals on Saturdays and Sundays.