It is often said that the true measure of any parish is how well it ministers to the poor and vulnerable in its midst. Your parish, through the generosity of its parishioners, is able to respond to that requirement through three primary outreach programs: St. Vincent de Paul Conference (SVDP), Food Collection for Christian Community Services Center (CCSC), and the Gabriel Project.
Over the past twelve months we provided direct service to 802 clients/family members providing over $116,600 in assistance for rent,utilities through our St. Vincent de Paul Conference.
We continue with our parish food drives throughout the year, and these items are taken over monthly for delivery to CCSC’s two food pantries. We delivered over 330 bags of food to CCSC this year. Those served from this food source exceeded 3,000. In addition to providing your food and clothing donations to CCSC, we also supported their activities financially in the amount of $18,000.
The Gabriel Project is another of our primary outreach programs. It assists those women who may need help with an unplanned pregnancy or basic infant care necessities. Your parish provides many of the needs a mother might have relating to the daily care and clothing for her newborn. This year 24 new mothers were provided car seats, play pens, clothing and diapers for their newborns.
In August, we held a School Supply Drive to benefit the children of San Francisco Nativity Academy. We conducted a toy drive during Advent, benefitting Jingle Bell Express for CCSC, as well as continuing our Adopt-A-Family program by adopting all the students from San Francisco Nativity Academy.
We can only undertake these activities because of our generous parishioners who dedicate much of their talent, time and treasure to these outreach activities. You allow us to provide this level of direct service so fundamental to our Catholic Social Teaching. To volunteer with our St. Vincent de Paul Conference, CCSC, or the Gabriel Project, please contact Jennifer Gonzalez at jgonzalez@stmichaelchurch.net or 713-403-4197.