In the News ... "Atwater has big plans for Breaking Bread Ministries"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer

• In 2022 it will be important to “mobilize” the community to make that happen

By Stewart Doreen, Editor
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Executive Director Trey Atwater has big plans for Breaking Bread Ministries in 2022.

Not only is there a facility expansion taking place just south of downtown, but Atwater says there will be programs added that allow the nonprofit to continue its mission of being an “all-encompassing, Christ-following service ministry fostering spirit-led inspiration to choose service and servant leadership as a way of life.”

Breaking Bread Ministries has been a community leader in taking care of those in need or a meal or other essentials when times are tough. In 2022, answering the call will mean using expanded facilities to provide more individual care. That can mean helping connect people with partnering organizations around Midland. It also might mean providing a shower at the right time or a meal when it is needed the most.

Atwater said another program this year is to have a manned clinic once a week. He said the organization already has a roster of doctors on call for acute care, but the program envisioned allows those in need to seek care on site. Needed medical attention also will include providing inexpensive pharmaceuticals when needed.

“We are really excited about this,” Atwater said. “(People) can walk in and be in a comfortable setting where they can see licensed doctors.”

Atwater said that Breaking Bread is trying to inspire and empower clients, which include the homeless and indigent. He said in 2022 it will be important to “mobilize” the community to make that happen. “It will be Midland taking care of Midland. We want to give people a place to do that.”

The mobilization will include helping children and families, assisting organizations and the school district to become “more trauma informed.” He said that will help with the COVID pandemic impact now and in the future. He said Breaking Bread’s partners here also will include Family Promise, Kaleidoscope Ministries, education organizations.

The list of priorities in 2022 and beyond also calls for the creation of a “congregational crisis readiness team.” Atwater said this week that an agreement is in place with Midland County Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Bunch to bring organizations together to help during emergencies like a house fire or a weather event. These organizations would be called out to emergencies and provide resources like food, shelter options, ministry and information needed for that particular time.

“The goal isn’t to create another nonprofit,” Atwater said, “but to unite the current nonprofits and connect people. We know what is best if there are situations like another freeze – where to put the heaters and where to set up the tents.

“It is a system that the community can use to respond to the community’s needs. We are not trying to replace first-responders but support our heroes that are already overtaxed. We want to create a support system.”

In August, Atwater became the executive director of Breaking Bread Ministries, which has already grown considerably from the ministry on wheels. Breaking Bread has already established itself as more than soup kitchen, and the former Green Beret sees big things for the organization beyond the expansion of the facility on Florida ...

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