"Our mission is to help improve the lives of displaced and low-income individuals and families by providing transitional and temporary housing, a soup kitchen, counseling, and resources to help clients reestablish themselves in the community," is the formal declaration of West End Mission.

That message was brought to the Western Pocono Lioness Club members by Gail Whalen who has been part of the founding group since such an entity was the inspiration of the Rev. Mike Eckroth, pastor of Salem United Church of Christ in Gilbert.Although he was, and is, involved still, the group, now a

501.c.3 entity, is a nonprofit community service organization, not a religious organization, explained Whalen."We are a separate organization," she told the very attentive Lioness audience as she detailed where the group is with its overall dream of providing all types of service."Why here?" asked Whalen rhetorically the question others have asked. "Because there are homeless people here (in the West End.)"In light of the difficulty of offering all services, the guiding group members decided to begin in phases, starting with the soup kitchen.Whalen said her heart is in the mission and that is why she continues. They hope to build a shelter, but for now they serve the meals.Those meals are offered from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at Salem UCC, with volunteers doing the cooking, serving, cleanup, although a board member is always on site.That began on July 1, 2010 with 25 people attending the first night. By December 31, 2010, seventy-five clients were served thanks to "a dedicated crew" of volunteers."We rely strictly on donations," said Whalen. Those donations may be financial; time; skill; gift cards; food, especially meat; and vegetables, including cans, frozen and fresh.The group is willing "to accept any help anyone is willing to give us."West End Missions has had various volunteers: from Brownies, Girl Scouts, ESSA Bank, where the volunteers did the whole meal.Volunteers can do a portion of the meal or take the total responsibility for it. "Any group is welcome to host the night," said Whalen. Average attendance now is 45 to 50 persons.The meal is more than eating, it is a social event as well, explained Whalen, telling the Lioness the story of one widower who came who had not had a hot meal in three years.To be able to continue this community service, several fund-raisers have been planned by or for West End Mission, including a Key Club talent show on May 27, a West End Idols Show in the fall, and possibly a dinner theater.Information about these events and about West End Mission is available by contacting the group at

wem2005@ptd.net, reading the organization's flyer or by calling Pastor Eckroth, President of the board, at (610) 681-5321 or Rich Endrulat at (570) 656-0719The Lioness gave immediate help to that community service organization at the meeting, having collected bags of food as per previous announcement, and giving Whalen a check for $100 for West End Mission, because Lioness also serve.