About Our
Mission
Empowering communities for lasting change
Our mission & history
Feeling the call to help vulnerable citizens in Greater Napanee
In January 2002 a group from St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church felt called to help meet the needs of vulnerable citizens in Greater Napanee. They created Full Plate, a community food and outreach program.
Our history
By 2006, Full Plate had grown enough to require its own location and moved to the Odd Fellows Hall at 58 Water Street W. This gave birth to Morningstar Relief Mission Inc: a permanent full-time Mission providing food, fellowship, prayer, and other essential services.
At Morningstar everyone is welcome regardless of background. Many Morningstar clients are people with physical, mental and developmental disabilities who are sometimes left with no choice but to sacrifice their nutritional and other health needs because they must spend a large percentage of their living allowance on housing.
Morningstar’s life-changing programs help those who live in poverty, are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, to rebuild their lives. With the support of the community we continue to be a source of hope and help to everyone who comes through our doors, and to the many people we reach through mobile services.
Who we are
Morningstar Mission, at its core, is motivated by and lived out according to our Christian faith, hope and love. We are also motivated by the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25 (verse 35 & 36):
‘For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger, and you invited me in,
I was naked and you clothed me,
I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
While Morningstar’s early roots grew from the Anglican community, we do not officially affiliate with one particular church or denomination. Our core beliefs are rooted in the Holy Scriptures (Bible), God the Trinity, and centred in Jesus Christ as the living Word of God. As an organisation, and reflected in the Board of Directors membership, staff and volunteer leadership, we uphold the Christian faith tradition and historic Christian doctrine.
Finding common purpose for all community members, representing different spiritual beliefs and practices and professional mandates, informs our Vision, Mission and Values. Our purpose is clearly defined by our faith, but easily shared with others who are equally motivated to respond to the needs within our community.
Values
Compassion, community, integrity
Our values are guided by our practice of faith, and our understanding that we exist within a network of community organisations, social agencies and faith communities that work together, supported by trust and evidence of positive outcomes.
Mission
Being present with those experiencing need, we accept, love and build bridges of meaningful response, working to equip and empower all members of our community.
Our community includes all who enter into the work of the Mission, including clients, staff, volunteers and supporting partners. Being present means we go out and invite in; acceptance is affirmation; love is action (e.g., food, listening, support & guidance); building bridges is partnership.
Vision
That a safe, caring community actively welcomes, supports, and encourages – inspiring hope and transformation for everyone.
We see our work like that of a “grassfire” – spreading the vision and mission beyond the walls of Morningstar, so that all of Greater Napanee would actively embrace this vision.
Our hope
Is that Morningstar Mission will continue to be a central place where people can be referred so that they may receive the help and support they need. We want to continue to direct our clients to agencies that provide targeted support as required by them or their families. We strive to provide everyone a listening ear, warm smile, and full belly, to everyone who comes through our doors.
‘providing calm waters… in the midst of the storms of life…’