Volunteers Make a Difference

Volunteers are a gift to the community! Every year more than 100 million American give freely of their time and skills to help improve our communities and strengthen our nation.

When you volunteer your time, talents and money to the Sisters of St. Joseph's Ministries Foundation you are helping to support the needs of our "dear neighbors." Like a pebble that sends a ripple to far reaching shores when tossed into the water, your efforts travel a similar path.

Let me show you where the ripples of last year's efforts have gone.

• Some of the money raised went to Sisters Care, a ministry that helps people who are elderly and/or handicapped stay in their homes as long as possible. Sisters do housekeeping chores and respite care for those who are not eligible for public or other funding.
• Other funds helped our homeless neighbors, who need warm meals and a place to pray in community with others at Peace House.
• Women who have been victims of abuse or torture found respite at Sarahs An Oasis for Women and Cornelia Place.
• Young single parents were able to look for work or improve their education because their children were being cared for at INSTEP daycare.
• Immigrants were tutored in English Language Training at Learning in Style.
• Individuals and families who are currently underinsured or uninsured were provided with free healthcare through St. Mary's Health Clinics.
• Your volunteer efforts also helped pay for meal delivery to AIDS patients through Open Arms of Minnesota
• Provided safe playground equipment for underprivileged Catholic school children in Texas.
• Renovated chapels in Moho, Peru
• Provided much needed dental work for immigrant children in North Carolina.

Are you surprised? Can you see the rippling effects of volunteer effort? Can you imagine an office of six people trying to do what some 300 volunteers can do? If you are interested in helping this year, we'd love to have you join us. Give me a call at (651) 690-7026  or send me an e-mail at ibohn@csjstpaul.org. As you can see, Volunteers are a gift to the community!

Sincerely,

Irene Bohn
Ministries Foundation, Volunteer Coordinator