About
The Ministry of Assistance (MOA) works to provide temporary person-toperson assistance to St. Joseph Parishioners and Strongsville residents in need. It handles calls to the church office requesting material assistance due to unanticipated circumstances, such as food insecurity, housing issues, job loss and other unexpected events that temporarily strain a family’s finances. These services may include providing emergency food or other resources as appropriate and/or providing referral information to agencies that handle such situations for the long term. MOA seeks members who desire to work with its clients to help address unexpected needs through the client visit process.
Each MOA member commits to active participation in several of its several activities. In addition to client visits, these activities include providing assistance to those in need in the Strongsville Community as well as the Greater Cleveland area in many ways. MOA provides, in conjunction with partner churches, donated clothing and household items, ongoing financial support and numerous volunteer hours to two SVDP Ozanam Food Pantries, the Southwest Pantry and St. John Paul II Pantry. At the Church it also collects and delivers weekly identified food items needed at the Strongsville Emergency Food Bank.
Lastly, MOA holds four major resources drives at St. Joseph’s each year; Food – March and November, School – August and Blankets and Beyond – October. Resources collected in these drives are shared with the needy within the parish community, Strongsville community and/or through distribution to those served through the two SVDP Ozanam Pantries supported.
All MOA resources and financial support are generously donated by St. Joseph parishioners as well as community businesses. In conjunction with its outreach partners, MOA members strive to commit to improve the lives of those it serves on an ongoing basis.
Blankets and Beyond Drive
The Ministry of Assistance is once again hosting a donation drive throughout October to support visitors of the Holy Name and SW Ozanam Food Pantries. We are collecting the most-needed items to help our community members stay warm and cared-for during the colder months.
Please consider donating gently used or new items, or take advantage of seasonal sales to contribute. Each week we will focus on a specific category:
- Week 1, October 4-5: Blankets
- Week 2, October 11-12: Sheets and towels
- Week 3, October 18-19: Coats, hats and gloves
- Week 4, October 25-26: New underwear and socks (in high demand – men’s briefs XL, L and Hanes crew socks, which work for both men and women)
Many recipients do not have easy access to laundry facilities. Kindly ensure all donated items are clean and in good condition.
Donations can be placed in the Gathering Area each week. While we are not actively collecting cash, monetary donations may be dropped off at the Main Office of the church. You generosity makes a real difference. Together, we can help our neighbors stay warm, safe, and supported this winter.
Contact
Parish Office, 440.238.5555