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Episcopal Charities' congregational outreach partners serve and make a real difference in the lives of thousands of men, women and children throughout the Diocese. Here are a few stories of transformation and grace that will make your heart glad!
April 2010
Bridge to Hope
2009 was the most trying year we have had since we began back in 1990. We thought things were tough then, but we had no idea of the economic collapse that was to come. This year we had calls from funders who had committed money saying they were very sorry but they had nothing to give at this time. We saw our volunteer base turn into clients and we watched as the poor transformed from being low educated and
low skilled to highly educated men and women with impressive resumes. We currently have two men with doctorates enrolled in the program.
Bridge to Hope
St. John's Episcopal Church, Homestead, FL
The Jubilee Center
I was homeless, living in Tent City, sleeping on floors of anyone who would allow me access to a tiny space. Having one of the basic necessities met, foraging for food and clothing came next. The Jubilee Center was there to provide those things. The Center also offered me the camaraderie of mingling with others who were faced with the same dilemma. Jubilee became a safe haven during the day and eventually I became a dishwasher for them. Slowly and consciously the staff and volunteers encouraged me to get my life back on track again and supported me along the way. I will never be homeless again and I thank the Lord for the Jubilee Center.
Harry, Former Client
The Jubilee Center, Hollywood, FL
The Centro
We take great pride in the fact that we are rigorous in our efforts to keep "religion" out of the literacy and feeding programs. We neither view these programs as opportunities to evangelize nor to discriminate on the basis of faith. And yet…we are not just another "social service agency". This was brought home to me with great poignancy by one of the young boys who participated in our summer program. The first day he came into the Centro, this nine-year old sobbed about the fact that his mom was dropping him off and leaving. By the end of the day, he didn't want to leave. And at the end of the week, when we explained that the program only ran Monday through Thursday, he came and sat with me and said, "I am sad that I can't come back tomorrow. I really like being here with God."
The Rev. Rosa Mallow
The Centro, All Saint's Episcopal Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mary's Kitchen
"It's my ministry", says Bob Schneider, head chef at Mary's Kitchen in Stuart. "And I love it. If just one person says they've enjoyed their meal that's all the thanks I need." Bob has been volunteering for 12 years at the feeding center, first as a "clean up and set up person" and eventually the position evolved into one person taking charge. "We serve from 175-225 meals every Wednesday and they are substantial meals. No one goes away hungry," Bob comments. He is involved in setting the menus (they repeat every eight weeks and have never served soup!), hands on in the cooking and ordering supplies. Bob arrives at Mary's Kitchen around 8 am on Wednesdays and begins the preparation; meals are ready by 4:45 pm when the doors open. "Sadly, we are seeing a lot of younger people, many families with young children. I love what we're doing and I'll probably be doing this well into my 80's", he says proudly.
Mr. Bob Schneider, Head Chef, Mary's Kitchen
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Stuart, FL
*Names have been changed to protect identities. |
