(Photo: courtesy of IIM)
Institutional International Ministries in Brooklyn recently launched Institutional Cares, an LLC to help the New York City stay safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Their main initiative, at the moment, is increasing the number of those vaccinated within their community.
On April 17, IIM partnered with Clinton Hill Fort Greene Mutual Aid to register people for the vaccine. During the event, the church responded to questions and concerns that people had about the vaccine. The ministry even distributed health packages giving information about the vaccine. Alex Williams, lead pastor of IIM shared with ARB TV that the day was successful.
“We knew that some people in the community are still a bit leery, but we were able to register plenty of people,” stated Williams
The COVID-19 vaccine was first approved for emergency use in December 2020. According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, 25.4% of the population has been fully vaccinated, but experts estimate that 70-85% of the country needs to be immune to the virus.
Government officials have been encouraging people to take the vaccine. Former President Barack Obama wants to make sure that everyone is safe. In an hour-long NBC special he discussed the importance of it.
“I want to make sure our communities — particularly ones … African American, Latino, as well as young people — understand that this will save lives and allow people to get their lives back to normal. And the sooner we get more people vaccinated, the better off we’re going to be,” Obama stated.
Williams also believes that it is important for people to take the vaccine. “There are essential workers who come into contact with people every day or people who desire to protect the elderly people that they love with. I believe that the vaccination process is the first step at ensuring precaution,” he said.
The Brooklyn pastor said that IIM will use Institutional Cares to serve the community in other ways in the future.
“We are continuing in the work of ministry, the Institutional Church in feeding, clothing, and rehabilitating the disenfranchised. We are providing job training for those in need, educational and arts programs for the youth, and holistic empowerment to those in need.”
For those looking to register for the vaccination, IIM and Institutional Cares encourages people to connect with their church, via inbox.