Advocates for Victims of Abuse is a vital part of the Women Ministries of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Started in 2004, AVA advocates for women and children who are victims of domestic violence and childhood sexual assault.
AVA provides resources, equips the church to minister to victims through workshops, seminars and training programs, and provides preventative measures against abuse.
THE HISTORY OF AVA IN THE ECC
On June 23, 2012 the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) approved the Resolution Act on Domestic Violence. This act states that the Covenant ministry AVA is an accessible resource to help churches and individuals respond holistically to abuse in all its forms through education, awareness, training, and support for victims, as well as primary responders.
In August 2011, former president Yvonne Devaughn announced that Mending the Soul (MTS) would be used as a resource and healing component to the AVA Ministry through small support groups. If you are interested in knowing more about how you can join one of these Covenant-led Mending the Soul groups, contact us.
AVA
FAITH & OUTREACH GRANTS
Faith and Outreach Grants are provide start-up funds at the local level for new ministries in churches and communities within the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church that reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ and his amazing love. This seed grant is designed to launch new ministries or to add a new component to an existing ministry that reflects the vision of Women Ministries. The vision of WM continues focuses on building up the Kingdom of God. When we are able to meet practical and spiritual needs in our churches and communities, God’s Kingdom is advanced.
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Priority will be given to applications that exhibit clear plans to sustain their ministry beyond the seed grant year. Grants shall not exceed $500 per ministry project and may be renewable for a second year on a case-by-case basis, as funds are available. Funds for these grants are gathered through your generous giving toward the raffle baskets collected at our annual fall retreat.
PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS
2006
Children of the Valley
​Children of the Valley afterschool program in Mount Vernon, WA creates partnerships within the Hispanic community by providing after-school care, cultural enrichment activities, and academic support.
2006
Healing the Hurts
​$500 was awarded to Eastridge Covenant Church in Clackamas, OR to support quarterly events for women that identified needs related to loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
2008
Common Ground Coffee House
Crossroads Covenant Church, Burlington, WA received $500 for this youth coffee shop ministry that offered local youth a safe and relational place on church grounds to socialize and enjoy their music.
2008
Spirit of Christmas
Pine Lake Covenant Church in Sammamish, WA received $500 to support its outreach to a local shelter for women and children. Women and children were invited to a warm and elaborate Christmas celebration.
2009
His Bread and Bowl
Methow Valley Community Covenant Church, Twisp, WA. Reaching out to share the love of Jesus with those in need through a hot meal, Christian fellowship, live music, and prayer.
2010
Emerald City Bible Fellowship
Ministry that reached out to “share the good news of Jesus with those we serve.” One of the ministry recipients was a local apartment complex showered with practical love, such as picnics, car washes, and yard work.
2011
Picnic and Concert
Desert Springs Covenant Church in Pasco, WA--outreach across the generations in a non-threatening, laughter-filled, fun-filled day of ministry, where they showered people with the love of Christ.
2012
Apple Afterschool Club
​Community Covenant Church of Clear Lake, WA. Before and after school program for families in need, in partnership with local elementary school.
2013
Wednesdays at the Cove
Desert Springs Covenant Church in Pasco, WA--outreach across the generations in a non-threatening, laughter-filled, fun-filled day of ministry, where they showered people with the love of Christ.
2014
Connection Corner
​Spokane First Covenant was awarded a Faith and Outreach Grant to create a place where community women can find friendship, mentoring and resource referrals.
2011
Growing Together
Take the Next Step and Monroe Covenant Church, WA. A mentoring program for teen moms, including transportation to appointments and ongoing training for parenting, academics, spiritual growth, and other life skills.
2012
Quiet Waters
​Grace Harbor Covenant Church began a new bible study for Aberdeen women who are survivors of domestic violence. Grant funds were used for Mending the Soul training.
2015
AVA Training
AVA Training at Selah Covenant Church, working o bring advocacy and support to victims of abuse in the Yakima Valley.
2015
MOPS
Mothers of Preschoolers at Lake Bay Covenant was awarded a grant for scholarships and craft supplies.