The history of serving the needy in Venice has evolved over the last 50 years. In 1971 an organization called Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help (FISH) started providing many services to those in need in the Venice area. In February of 1991 FISH changed its mission into providing only emergency transportation to the community. FISH eventually shutdown in 1993. Filling the gap vacated by FISH a new organization was formed called Community Care and Share of Venice Florida (CC&S). CC&S started in 1991 providing food, used clothing, emergency funds, and other necessary supplies for those in need in the Venice community. In January of 2003 Trinity Presbyterian church Board of Deacons agreed to adopt CC&S. The Deacons of Trinity created the Community Assistance Ministry (CAM) to absorb and ensure that critical services for the needy were available in Venice. In 2020 Trinity Presbyterian Church decided that CAM should be separated from the church. This decision was driven by the need to grow CAM services, enable CAM to seek funding from the greater community and seek government resources. Trinity Presbyterian church still supports, houses and provide funding to this mission. Trinity views this organization and it’s mission as a critical service to the community and a mission focus of the church. Between 2020 and 2023 Trinity worked to fulfill all government regulations to stand up CAM as a separate organization. CAM was established as a separate entity in March of 2022 and received it’s Non-profit status from the IRS with the same effective date. CAM is a 501-3c non profit, adhering to all standards and guidelines that defined a Non-profit organization. The services of CAM were adjusted to meet the changing conditions during the COVID pandemic. CAM is currently focused on providing food to the food insecure of Venice and surrounding communities on Tuesday and Thursdays 9AM to 10:30AM. CAM also provides gas cards, food cards, and emergency cash to those in need on a limited basis. Please support CAM with your pocketbook and your volunteer hours. Sharing and liking our efforts on social media helps spread the word about CAM. Share the CAM story today with someone you know who can help us serve those that are in need.