Dear Friends,
Thanks to you, St. Joseph Social Service Center has remained open throughout the pandemic. We have distributed thousands of bags of food and sandwiches, assisted people with medicine, provided mental health counseling, and offered various forms of emergency assistance. Thank you for helping Mark Mark was standing on the sidewalk a few weeks ago when Annette noticed that his shoes were wet and falling apart. Thanks to you, she was able to offer him a sandwich and ask if she could give him a pair of shoes. “That would be great, but you won’t have size 15” replied Mark. Annette (affectionately known as “Sole Spirit”) went to our “shoe department” and was overjoyed to find a brand new pair of size 15 boots! Together with Brian, one of our amazing volunteers, they set up a chair and invited Mark to sit. Kneeling on the ground, they helped Mark into his new shoes. About a week later, Mark came back. Annette asked how we could help and he replied that he needed housing. The Coalition was able to help him with a temporary hotel room. Thanks to you, St. Joseph’s team members Barbara and Veronica stepped in and supplied Mark with brand new underwear, socks, clothing, toiletries, and a bag of food to take with him to the hotel. Annette even found another pair of size 15 sneakers. He washed up in our restroom and cleaned out his shopping cart before Frank drove him to the hotel. Thanks to you, when Mark got settled into his room, he tearfully told Frank that he “felt like a king.” 35 Years of Caring... Your generous support over the past 35 years is what made it possible for Mark to have a place to go where he can encounter compassionate people who are grateful for the opportunity to help. During this Lenten season, we are reminded of our call to serve our sisters and brothers with dignity and compassion. Our community strives to welcome each other as Jesus would have, including kneeling on the ground to tie someone’s shoes. Mark is just one example of the many individuals that we serve, both in their moment of immediate need and over the long term. Through this 2021 Annual Appeal, we ask for your renewed support so that we can continue to be a haven for those in need. Please consider supporting St. Joseph’s in any of the following ways:
We pray for the health of our global community and an end to the pandemic. We hope to be able to gather in person to celebrate our 35th anniversary. Please save the date for our Annual Raffle and Dinner: October 21, 2021. Thank you for considering a donation to our 2021 Annual Appeal. May you be filled with hope as we enter the Easter season. With gratitude, Bernadette Murphy Executive Director Please Note: Due to credit card processing costs, the minimum online donation is $10. |
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Make a Donation by Mail
Send your check to: St. Joseph Social Service Center, 118 Division St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201-2736 For a form to make a donation by mail, click here » Donate Food or Goods You may also contribute goods, please call us for details: 908-354-5456 |