When Pastor Amy Aitken arrived in Pasadena nearly four years ago to lead First United Methodist Church (FUMC), she stepped into a legacy of deep-rooted partnership with Friends In Deed. FUMC has been a foundational supporter since the organization’s earliest days, and under Pastor Amy’s leadership, that relationship has only grown stronger.
Pastor Amy has seen firsthand how Friends In Deed responds—with compassion, dignity, and grace—to the urgent and complex needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness or poverty. “There have been times when individuals came to the church with a special need we weren’t sure how to address,” she shared. “The Street Outreach and Housing team always showed up with care and creativity, working alongside us to find real solutions.”
During the pandemic, FUMC served as the home base for the Bad Weather Supplies program for two years. The church has hosted art pop-ups by The Women’s Room artists, helped create Valentine’s gift bags through Children’s Ministries, and referred countless volunteers to serve with Friends In Deed. “Anything we do,” Pastor Amy says, “we ask how we can partner with Friends In Deed.”
Now, as the newest member of Friends In Deed’s Board of Directors, Pastor Amy brings nearly three decades of nonprofit experience, a heart for service, and a vision for a more connected faith-based community. “I’m honored to be invited to the board,” she said. “As a pastor, I hope to help strengthen FID’s partnerships with other congregations so that, together, we can better serve those who need us most.”
With Pastor Amy’s guidance and steadfast support, we look forward to deepening our roots and expanding our reach—until the day when no one needs to rely on emergency services, and compassion is the foundation of every community.