Community Ministry Programs
Community Ministry is kicking off with a blast of new energy under the Direction of Rev. Edward Sunderland. Edward comes to us from
Common Ground. You may email Edward here to find out more about participating in our programs that serve those who are in need.
A "behind the scenes" peek at a recent pantry clean-up work party:
photos courtesy of Tim Martin
Even in the midst of a recession, people are finding a way to give to others. Our wonderful volunteers at our Food Pantry experience the real story behind the glitter of Park Avenue... people who are hungry, thirsty, without hope. It feels good to fill a belly and that's what the food pantry does. We took a few pictures to share with you here and as a way to say thanks to our tireless volunteers who bring food to so many who are hungry.
photos: Judy Baer, Cathy Porter, Susan Dorfman.
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO HELP. GIVE WHAT YOU CAN HERE.
"In these tough times, there are fewer services for the needy. St. Bartholomew's has long been a parish with social vision; non-denominational programs for the needy have been an integral part of our ministry since the late 1800s. Every little bit counts -- if you can't give your time, or bring groceries please and many thanks.
Together we are making a difference."
an excerpt from an appeal by Bill Tully to support our Community Ministries
"All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ."
These words, from the Rule of St. Benedict, form the basis of our philosophy at Community Ministry. Our mission is to provide for the basic needs of others and further the opportunity for growth and self-sufficiency that can only happen when hunger and rest are satisfied. Our doors are open to any and all who seek our help. We serve men and women of any age, race or background. Our clients include homeless and impoverished individuals and families with children; the elderly and disabled, and those who are HIV-positive or who have AIDS. St. Bart's is committed to this ministry – to providing a place of safety and dignity for our clients from which they can realize more for themselves.
 The bottom line is we just want to feed all people, no questions asked and no judgments made. All those involved with this ministry give of their time and talents with respect, concern and consideration for our guests. This makes it possible for our programs to provide food, shelter and other vital assistance to any and all who seek our help.
Crossroads Shelter
Our Mission:
The shelter at St. Bart’s is part of a network of churches, synagogues, and community-based organizations which provides a safe haven every night of the year to single adult New Yorkers who do not have a home. Our shelter offers overnight accommodations for up to ten women. The shelter functions in cooperation with the Gathering Place Drop-In Center and the Partnership for the Homeless. The Gathering Place staff screens guests, provides showers, clothing, and social services to help people break out of homelessness.
How You Can Help: Volunteers serve as overnight hosts and dinner hosts. Overnight hosts open the shelter at 6:30 p.m. to approximately 6:00 a.m. Our guests arrive by bus around 7 p.m. Volunteers prepare and share a dinner with the guests and provide a safe non-institutional setting where guests can socialize. Before “lights out” at 9:30 p.m., guests have time to socialize with each other and volunteers. Guests sleep in a common room, while volunteers sleep in a separate, secure room. Fresh linens are supplied for all. The following morning, volunteers prepare a modest breakfast. A bus arrives between 5:30 and 6 a.m. to transport guests back to the drop-in center. A dinner host assists the overnight host by preparing and serving dinner in the evening. This is a particularly good way for new volunteers to become acquainted with the shelter. It is also a great way for families or others who cannot make an overnight commitment to serve.
When We Need You: Ideally, volunteers commit to one night a month. We give new volunteers a tour and orientation. On your first night as a shelter volunteer, we pair you with an experienced volunteer who will also spend the night and offer assistance and orientation.
How To Get Started: To get involved, email Sally Armstrong or call her at 212.677.9242.
Breakfast Feeding Program
Our Mission: We serve a “stick-to-your ribs” meal that includes cereal, a hot entrée fresh fruit, and pastry. Guests also receive a sandwich and fresh fruit to take away for the rest of the day. We serve 100-150 people each morning. How
You Can Help: Volunteers help cook the main course, prepare coffee, make and pack sandwiches, set tables, serve guests, and clean up afterward. Warmth and friendliness and a good ear make guests feel comfortable and cared for. When We Need You: We operate Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a. m. We need volunteers each day.
How To Get Started: To get involved,
email Sally Armstrong
or call her at 212.677.9242.
Food Pantry
Our Mission: Our pantry serves about 150 poor families (about 600 people) each month. We provide a bag of groceries for guests who cook at home. These families reside in the city, and include children, the elderly, the disabled, and the HIV-AIDS affected.
How You Can Help: Volunteers help our guests choose a well-balanced selection of foods such as cans of fruit and vegetables, tuna, chicken or beef stew, juice, pasta, rice, cereal, and peanut butter and jelly as well as fresh produce. Volunteers also assist with the intake process, paperwork, client communications, and assigning future appointments.
When We Need You: We need volunteers who can work at least a two shift on Thursdays during the time from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Volunteers who are bilingual -- English and Spanish -- are especially helpful. On Wednesday afternoons and Thursday mornings, we need volunteers to help stock the pantry shelves with deliveries of donated canned goods, fresh produce and supplies.
How To Get Started: To get involved, email Sally Armstrong or call her at 212.677.9242.
COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS DINNER.
Our Mission: Using food rescued from around the city and in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless and City Harvest, St. Bart’s provides dinner to over 100 homeless men and women 365 days a year. How You Can Help: Volunteers meet each afternoon at 4:30 pm to prepare, serve and clean up the donated food before sending out vans to other locations to serve those who cannot make it to St. Bart’s.
When We Need You: Ideally volunteers commit to assist serving dinner once a week at St. Bart’s and, if possible, to assist that evening at other locations throughout the community.
How To Get Started: This ministry requires no training; feel free to show up between 4:30 pm and 5 and identify yourself to other volunteers and you will be put to work.
Volunteer
Community Ministry volunteers have found that their lives are fuller and their sensitivity to others more acute as a result of their volunteer efforts. Our over 140 volunteers form the heart and soul of Community Ministry. We could not offer these programs without their help. In addition to our three main programs, there are volunteer opportunities for everyone and every schedule.
Whether you prefer a commitment that is short-term or ongoing, we have a place for you. To learn more about volunteering, please contact the Rev. Edward Sunderland, Director of Community Ministry, at 212-378-0229 or
email him
.
More information also at St. Bart's Central at 212-378-0222 or central@stbarts.org |
