Dear Friends,
As we begin our 38th year of service and support at St. Joseph Social Service Center, I am writing to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued generosity and to share with you the impact your contributions have made in the lives of those we serve. Since1986, St. Joseph Social Service Center has been a beacon of hope and hospitality for individuals and families in our community who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. Through your support, we have been able to provide vital services and help our community access food, medicine, mental health counseling, adult education, clothing, and a myriad of additional healthcare and support services. We are thrilled to report that Phase 1 of our “Building Dignity for All” capital campaign is complete! The new choice food pantry is up and running. Feedback from our community has been very positive and we will be transitioning to this new model over the coming months. We have begun Phase 2 of the project and are renovating the hall and garage. Please be patient while we are under construction! During this Lenten season, we are reminded of our call to serve our sisters and brothers with dignity and compassion. One family that you have helped is Eduardo and his daughter, Sarah. Eduardo and his six year old daughter came to the United States from the Dominican Republic after his wife died of cancer. He is able to do odd jobs for his landlord in exchange for rent. While this is very helpful, Eduardo has many other needs. He first came to St. Joseph’s during a Community Food Distribution and was invited to speak with a case manager about registering with us. Thus began a tearful introduction as Eduardo told the story of his wife's illness and, then, the monumental task of being a single parent in a new country, caring for his young daughter. We were able to help him not only with food, but also with Christmas gifts and toys for his daughter.
Eduardo loves our new client choice food pantry building and being able to choose the food that his daughter might like. Since we met him five months ago, St. Joseph’s has been able to provide Eduardo with some hope and peace, in the form of support, care, and nourishing food. As we look ahead to the coming year, the need for our services remains as critical as ever. The ongoing effects of poverty, unemployment, and housing instability continue to impact countless individuals and families in our community. With your support, we can continue to provide essential assistance and empower those we serve to build brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones.
Your generous support over the past 38 years is what made it possible for Eduardo and others to experience the hope and hospitality of St. Joseph’s. I invite you to join us, once again, in our mission to serve our sisters and brothers. I hope you will consider making a tax-deductible donation to St. Joseph Social Service Center in any of the following ways:
Your gift, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of those who rely on our services and help us continue our important work in the community. Thank you for considering a donation to our annual appeal, and for your compassion, generosity, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. May you be filled with hope during this Easter season. With gratitude, |
Bernadette Murphy
Executive Director 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 For a form to make a donation by mail, click here » Donate Online |