“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.”
Holy Name Province ministries offer help to those in need in a wide variety of ways – and the assistance doesn’t always fall into clear, neat categories. This Life-Enhancing Direct Service page is meant to capture these unique efforts.
To add to the list, contact Fran Eskin-Royer in Holy Name Province’s Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
AUTO OWNERSHIP OF OCEAN COUNTY
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Long Beach Township, N.J.
The St. Francis Community Center assists with the distribution of used, rehabilitated cars to TANF* recipients for whom transportation is a major barrier to employment. Cars are donated, repaired and turned over to clients involved in a working or training activity of the Ocean County TANF program. Clients may also receive insurance assistance, driving lessons and help with car repairs. The program is featured on the St. Francis Community Center website.
Contact: St. Francis Community Center at 609-494-8861
* Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Services are funded through grants from the NJ Department of Human Services and the NJ Department of Children & Families.
BLISSFUL BABIES
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Long Beach Township, N.J.
A five week program for parents and babies. Guidance on the communication of touch with parent and baby will be modeled by instructors who are undergoing certification with Infant Massage U.S.A. Training will provide parents with specific, proven infant massage techniques to promote bonding and attachment.
Contact: St. Francis Community Center at 609-494-8861
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Long Beach Township, N.J.
The St. Francis Community Center provides pre-school and childcare for underemployed families in Southern Ocean County. The service is promoted on the St. Francis Community Center website.
Contact: Katie Opauski
DURHAM ECONOMIC RESOURCE CENTER – UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE/JOB TRAINING
Immaculate Conception Parish
Durham, N.C.
Immaculate Conception supports the efforts of the Durham Economic Resource Center through its affiliation with End Poverty Durham.
Contact: Jackie Brown, DERC Executive Director
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Long Beach Township, N.J.
The St. Francis Community Center provides education and job readiness plans to assist eligible clients to achieve self-sufficiency. Services include: Educational Assessments; Life/Job Skills/Career and Job Assessment; Resume Writing; Career/Job Counseling; Money Management; Job Development; Job Placement; and Community Resources. An Adult Basic Skills Class, a N.J. High School Diploma Prep Class, and ESL classes are provided at sites throughout the County.
Contact: Nancy Chiorazzi
St. Mary of the Angels Parish
Anderson, S.C.
In response to needs identified by Hispanic members of the community, the parish has expanded its educational outreach. In addition to offering ongoing ESL classes on Sundays, every Wednesday evening a basic English class is held; at the same time, volunteers provide “Homework Help” to students (kindergarten through high school).
Contacts: Leo Marsden and Nanette Perron, OFS
FRANCISCAN HELPING HANDS
St. Mary of the Angels Parish
Anderson, S.C.
The community conducts fundraising efforts through a variety of means (e.g., collecting aluminum cans, or spare change via the “Pennies from Heaven” Campaign). A small committee reviews suggestions for use of the money and distributes it to local groups in need.
Contact: Nanette Perron, OFS
MOMMY & ME PROGRAM
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Triangle, Va.
A safe, reliable, professional program for parents, their children, and other members of the community who want to learn essential English language skills. While children study with their teachers, interested moms and dads receive special attention from an English tutor. These special sessions provide parents with the support and material they need to continue their children’s learning at home, while also addressing their own goals for English language proficiency.
Contact: Francia Salguero
TAX PREPARATION
Immaculate Conception Parish
Durham, N.C.
Participants in this ministry help members of the Latino community prepare state and federal income tax documents. The group organizes those who are able to provide translation help, and offers half-day trainings for those who can assist with the completion of the tax documents. Tax preparation help is provided Saturday mornings from Feb. 1 to April 15.
Contact: Katushka Olave or 919-682-3449, x290, or Kirk Wagenseller at 919-489-6981
UN-TRIM-A-TREE HOLIDAY GIFT PROGRAM
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Triangle, Va.
The Un-Trim-A-Tree Holiday Gift Program serves children and seniors in need. St. Francis of Assisi Parish has supported this program for more than 14 years, each year providing gifts to more than 500 children who receive a free or reduced cost lunch in the Dumfries and Triangle elementary schools. The program also provides at least 100 senior baskets to the Envoy Nursing Home in Woodbridge, Va.
Contact: Francia Salguero
VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Long Beach Township, N.J.
Assistance is available each Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, or by appointment, only for those who qualify. For additional information, contact the Community Center.
Contact: St. Francis Community Center’s Senior Services Dept. at 609-978-6220