ESC JEWEL Human Services & Care Center Monthly Newsletter 2026
đź“– Encouragement for the Month
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
— Proverbs 31:28 (NIV)
🌺May is a season of renewal—when growth becomes visible, and hope feels tangible. It is also the month in which we celebrate Mother’s. Isn’t it amazing to know that, according to Proverbs 31:28, motherhood is something that is celebrated; it is a role in life that receives blessings. Let’s go even further and celebrate all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, godmothers, and aunties. In all scenarios, let us rejoice knowing that God has made a way for so many to be nurtured and cared for.
The word “blessed” points beyond admiration. It suggests a life enriched by a mother’s influence —spiritual guidance, emotional strength, and discipline balanced with compassion. This month, may the grace of God, the comfort of God, and his lasting strength be with us all.
đź“° Highlights
During the month of April, some of the ways JHS has seen “Your Tithes at Work” are that we provided $20,025.29 in benevolence assistance to both members and non-members. This support included help with mortgage, rent, member counseling, and utilities—meeting real needs and offering hope in meaningful ways.
And we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our staff and volunteers, whose dedication and compassion made it possible to provide 12,150 meals to individuals and families in our community.
The goals and vision of the ROCK initiative remain consistent, and Eastern Star JEWEL Human Services is honored to lead the long-term strategies and plans that support it.
✨ Closing Thoughts
Proverbs 31:28 is a reminder that motherhood is often unseen, but never insignificant. Its rewards may not always be immediate, yet they endure across generations. A mother’s quiet obedience, prayers, and love shape lives that one day stand up and say, “We see you—and we thank God for you.”
Welcome to the ESC Care Center Food Pantry!
We provide compassionate support to our community through services such as food assistance.
Our mission is to provide our local and world communities with natural and spiritual resources that reflect the compassion of Christ through outreach and missions.
The food pantry is CLOSED on holidays and any 5th Monday, Tuesday and Friday of the month.
Upcoming Distribution Dates:
May & June 2026
MONDAYS | 2:00PM – 4:30PM
Dates: May 18th | June 1st | June 8th | May 25th – CLOSED
TUESDAYS | 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Dates: May 19th | June 2nd | June 9th | May 26th – CLOSED (day after holiday)
FRIDAYS | 2:00PM – 4:30PM
Dates: May 22nd | June 5th | June 12th | May 29th – CLOSED
Pantry Tip
May is Women’s Health Month!
Taking care of your body starts with what you eat. Good nutrition gives you energy, keeps you healthy, and helps you feel your best every day! The good news is that making nutrition a priority doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.
Check out the tips below to help make better food choices that will give your body what it needs to take on your busy day!
Key Nutrients
Calcium – Keeps bones and teeth strong. Look for low-fat dairy products such as milk,
yogurt, and cheese. If you have a stomach that is sensitive to dairy, try canned fish with bones like salmon and sardines or leafy greens like kale and collard greens.
Vitamin D – Helps your body absorb calcium. Take a 10-minute walk outside in the sunshine, and be sure to practice safe sun exposure. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, and sardines are a good source of vitamin D as well. Be sure to talk with your doctor about checking your vitamin D levels if they haven’t already.
Iron – Helpful for fighting fatigue and important during pregnancy. Choose food from the
legume category, such as lentils, white beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas. Don’t forget
about nuts and seeds! Meat and seafood are also good sources of iron. Look for leafy greens such as spinach. Sometimes cereals, pastas, and breads will be fortified with iron.
Folate – Also important during pregnancy and supports heart health. Select dark leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts. Folate is also found in legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas. At breakfast time, crack an egg or grab a citrus fruit on the go to add more folate to your diet.
Fiber – Keeps you feeling full and helps with digestion. Always include a fruit or vegetable with every meal, bonus points for including more than one! Split peas, lentils, black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas are among the highest sources of fiber. Look for whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, and bran. Adults should aim to have about 25-30 grams of fiber a day.
ROCK Urban Farm
Do you have a “green thumb” or just like to be outside in nature? Consider joining and being a part of our ROCK Urban Farm volunteers. Planting season has started. Our volunteers meet once per week on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.