Outreach
The latest news from your Outreach Committee
Mission Statement: Following Christ’s teachings, St. George’s overall outreach mission is to seek, share, (our faith, knowledge, and gifts) and serve. Our Outreach Committee’s mission is to help carry out the sharing of our parish’s gifts through outreach grants to non-profit agencies which serve the neediest in Monmouth County.
We are happy to say that we are back and hard at work visiting the many wonderful non-profits who care so compassionately for those in need in our community. We do this in your name and with the unwavering support of the Clergy and Vestry of our Church.
The Outreach Committee presently consists of: Bob Becker, Christina Harding, Mary Ann LaSardo, Judy McCabe, Olivia Pitter and Pat Locke
Our funding focus this year will be very much the same as last year –
Continuing Food and Housing Insecurity
Mental Health
Children’s Well Being
The Committee met on Monday, 6/17/24 and awarded five grants to the following agencies –
180 Turning Lives Around – $4,000
180 opened in 1976 and was the first federally funded domestic violence shelter in the country. It is also one of the few that allow those escaping abuse to bring their pets with them.
The grant is given in support of their Family Justice Center in Freehold. The Center allows individuals fleeing abusive situations to access SNAP and other social service benefits, enact Restraining Orders, obtain Food & clothing and for their children to participate in their award-winning art program – Amanda’s Easel which has a satellite location in Freehold.
St. Mark’s Center for Community Renewal – $5,000
St. Mark’s continues to be a beacon of hope and compassion in a community that faces many challenges. The grant is unrestricted and supports the work and dedication of Deacon Rosemarie Broderick and their ongoing food and humanitarian work in Keansburg and beyond.
Keyport Ministerium and Food Pantry – $2,900
The grant is given to help offset escalating food costs and in support of their “Backpack Program”. This program provides food that can be transported in a backpack so that children can feed themselves easily during the summer months when school is not in session and when their parent is at work. The Ministerium serves over 600 families each month who are now coming from as far away as Perth Amboy and Bradley Beach. They treat each client with dignity and respect and are especially mindful of any dietary or religious restrictions or considerations.
The Ministerium operates with 30 volunteers and 9 drivers. No one receives a salary.
In addition, through a private donation, we are funding the purchase of air conditioning unit ($400) unit for the Pantry.
Monmouth Day Care Center – $6,000
Monmouth Day Care has been providing quality, affordable day care to the working families of Monmouth County since its founding in 1969. Under the dynamic leadership of Matilde Quezada, it continues this vital mission. They presently have 8 classrooms and serve children from 6 months to Pre-K. The cost to families is on a sliding scale and is based on their income and scholarships are available. The grant is given to outfit and furnish a new classroom for 2-3 year-old students in time for September enrollment. Affordable child care is essential for working families and the Center presently has 200 families on their waiting list. The Center also operates a food pantry for their families (and others in the community). They estimate that since its inception less than two years ago, they have provided $35,000 lbs of food to the community. It is a joyful and engaging facility run by committed and caring professionals who are providing a vital service to Monmouth County families.