Dallas Church Expands Community Efforts with New Facility
In a significant step to enhance its community outreach, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas (FPC Dallas) is set to acquire a large facility that will enable it to broaden its services. The church announced on Sunday that it will take over CitySquare’s Opportunity Center, a substantial 53,000-square-foot building, to facilitate the relocation and expansion of The Stewpot, its well-regarded community ministry.
Operating for nearly half a century, The Stewpot has seen a dramatic increase in demand, underscoring the need for more comprehensive facilities. The expansion allows the ministry to significantly boost its capacity, offering vital support such as housing assistance, mental health services, and healthcare, alongside serving over 1,000 meals daily at The Bridge downtown.
“You can’t tell the church’s story without talking about The Stewpot,” remarked Rev. Amos Disasa, the senior pastor of FPC Dallas. As the church nears its 50th anniversary, the relocation represents a pivotal moment to strengthen community bonds and further its mission of compassion and care.
FPC Dallas, founded in 1856 and part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination, has long been a cornerstone in downtown Dallas. Its ministries, including the FPC Day School, Encore Park, and the FPC Dallas Foundation, are integral to its mission to foster reconciliation, peace, and justice.
Brenda Snitzer, The Stewpot’s executive director, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “The Stewpot is excited to continue our mission to serve our community in this new space… We are grateful for this opportunity to not only maintain but also grow vital services.”
The acquisition will integrate two of CitySquare’s fundamental programs— the Food Pantry and the Neighbor Resource Center—into The Stewpot’s operations. These programs provide essential services, from housing options to mental health resources, ensuring continued support for the community.
Positioned at the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and I-30, the new location is conveniently close to The Stewpot’s current site, promising a seamless transition and expanded accessibility for those in need.
The year 2025 will mark a significant milestone for The Stewpot as it celebrates 50 years of service with events themed around “50 Years of Loving Our Neighbors.” Since its inception in 1975, the ministry has benefitted countless individuals, providing over 8 million meals and facilitating pathways out of homelessness and poverty through comprehensive support programs.
As The Stewpot embarks on this new chapter, Snitzer expressed gratitude for the continued support from donors and community partners, emphasizing the ongoing fundraising efforts necessary to sustain and expand its mission of support and care.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
