OUR HISTORY
IN THE BEGINNING
September 19, 2024, Temple Community Outreach Incorporated was born from a vision of love, restoration, and service. When Elder Forrest Wooley III officially became pastor of Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ on November 13, 2021, he inherited a historic church located at 30th and Forest Manor in the Brightwood-Martindale community on the Eastside of Indianapolis. This area, marked by food insecurity, literacy challenges, and economic hardship, was in desperate need of attention and care.
Determined to meet these challenges head-on, Pastor Forrest began by opening the church doors to the community, starting with clothing giveaways. He listened to the voices of his neighbors, asking, “What is needed? What is being overlooked?”
PARTNERSHIPS ARE ESSENTIAL
This spirit of inquiry led to impactful partnerships and initiatives:
- A diaper outreach in collaboration with the Indiana Diaper Bank, providing essentials for families in need.
- A partnership with Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore and IndyECHO to combat literacy challenges, launching the IndyECHO Community Library to serve both the church and the neighborhood.
- Partnership with Indy Community Pantry, featuring an outdoor refrigerator stocked and accessible 24/7/365, addressing hunger in the community.
- And now, embarking on a partnership with Project Period to address feminine hygiene issues.
TOGETHER WE CAN
Every step of the way, the Temple congregation and the Forest Manor, Brightwood, Martindale community embraced these initiatives, fueling their growth. Recognizing the need for sustained impact and broader support, Pastor Forrest envisioned Temple Community Outreach as more than a service arm of the church—it would become its own nonprofit organization.
This structure allows for expanded partnerships, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities, empowering others to join the mission of restoration and renewal. Now in his third year as a servant leader, Pastor Forrest continues to guide the organization with a focus on revitalizing community spirit and uplifting one of Indianapolis’ most historic neighborhoods.
Temple Community Outreach stands ready to grow, serve, and bring new hope to the Eastside—together.
