Annual Appeal 2025
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Dear Friends,
It happens every single day. A mother walks into our center, her face lined with exhaustion. A senior on a fixed income hesitates before asking for help, ashamed that Social Security no longer covers the cost of food and rent. A father who works two jobs still can’t afford enough groceries to last through the month. More and more, we see people who never imagined needing help—people who were doing okay until one unexpected bill, rent increase, or medical crisis pushed them over the edge. At St. Joseph Social Service Center, we meet them in that moment of crisis. We don’t ask how they got here. We don’t make them prove they’re “worthy” of help. We simply say: You are welcome here. Let’s get you what you need. That’s what your support makes possible. Because of you, families don’t have to go hungry. Parents don’t have to skip meals so their children can eat. Seniors don’t have to decide between food and medication. Meet Daisy. Years ago, she was a child standing in our food pantry line with her parents—recent immigrants from Ecuador struggling to make ends meet. St. Joseph’s provided food, clothing, and hope when they had nowhere else to turn. 
Today, Daisy is a successful professional. She serves on our Board of Trustees and volunteers regularly at the center that once helped her family survive. Now, she’s the one guiding others to St. Joseph’s, making sure they get the support they need—just like she did.
“I am inspired by what St. Joseph Social Service Center has done for the families in my community. I just hope to emulate this organization of hard working and dedicated folks by giving back to the community in the same way that they helped me and my family during times of need. I am proud to be a board member and advocate for children that have been in my footsteps and let them know that you can become successful and give back.” This is the power of your generosity. You’re not just feeding people for a day. You’re changing lives for generations. We hope that we can count on you to support our Annual Appeal. Please, if you can, make a tax deductible donation today:
Every day, someone walks through our doors feeling hopeless and afraid—and leaves with food, dignity, and hope. Thank you for believing in this work and in the power of kindness. As we approach Easter, may this season bring you joy and hope, and may God bless you for so generously sharing your blessings. With gratitude, |
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Bernadette Murphy
Executive Director Need help with a donation? Please contact Mary Philips at 908.354.5456, ext. 401 or at [email protected]. Please Note: Due to credit card processing costs, the minimum online donation is $10. Make a Donation by Mail Send your check to: St. Joseph Social Service Center, 118 Division St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Donate Online • $2,500 funds the center for a day • $1,000 provides Mental Health Counseling • $750 supports an Adult Learning Center student • $365 provides 5 bags of groceries • $100 helps someone obtain life sustaining prescription medication Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated! |