Throughout the four counties of the Diocese of Trenton, social service organizations and parish outreach initiatives work tirelessly to perform acts of service and help work to address the greatest social needs in the community. From meal drives for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, to assistance with utilities and rent payments, projects run the gamut from addressing physical and concrete needs, to providing gestures of love and spiritual guidance to address the less tangible needs of those throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Outreach activities also feature special services and activities geared towards providing enrichment for children, as well as support for victims of domestic violence.
Here is a snapshot of just some of the countless acts of Christian service performed throughout the Diocese:
Mount Carmel Guild of Trenton
Mount Carmel Guild has been helping the greater Mercer County community members in their times of need since 1920 regardless of race or religion. Services are offered free to those who seek assistance.
In 2014…
— 19,263 individuals in 8,434 households fed through the Emergency Assistance Program
• 970 families provided with a complete Thanksgiving dinner
• 521 children given toys for Christmas
• 54 households provided utility assistance
• 41 persons given assistance obtaining necessary prescription medications
— 2,081 home visits to patients, free of charge, through the Home Health Nursing Program
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an international Catholic organization of more than 750,000 lay men and women who seek to help the suffering in a spirit of justice and charity through person-to-person involvement.
In the Vincentian year ending Sept. 30, 2014:
— $6,083,968 in direct and in-kind assistance provided
— 59,872 clients assisted
— 37,173 individuals contacted through 24,919 calls
— 17,761 home visits conducted
— 2,234 members and associates involved in St. Vincent de Paul conferences throughout the Diocese
Catholic Youth Organization of Mercer County
Founded in 1961, the Catholic Youth Organization of Mercer County is a public benefit community organization that enhances the lives of area youth and their families, by providing affordable, quality, educational and recreational services.
In 2014…
— 1,300 children served daily during the summer months
— 1,200 children served daily throughout the school year
— 1,200 children ages 8-14 served through seasonal athletic leagues in Catholic schools and parishes in the greater Mercer County area
— 5 CYO sites offering services in Trenton, Hamilton and Ewing
— 4 CYO sites in Hamilton schools hosting before and after school programming
Project Paul
Project PAUL was founded in 1980 as a part of the community outreach ministry of St. Ann Parish, Keansburg.
In 2014…
— 24,241 adults and 13,910 children fed
— 13,808 visits to the agency’s food pantry by clients
— 1,400 toys distributed to Keansburg families for Christmas
— 1,209 clients received $15,436 worth of free clothing
— 855 clients received $2,927 worth of free diapers
— 685 clients received $313,914 in financial assistance for rent and utilities
— 200 Thanksgiving dinners distributed to Keansburg families
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is a faith-inspired social services organization, founded in 1913, with a mission to alleviate human suffering through the 58 programs at 35 service sites and 72 residential sites within the Diocese of Trenton.
In 2014…
— 6,531 calls to 24-hour Providence House Domestic Violence Services hotline
— 400 women and children provided shelter from abusers
— 2,500 households provided assistance through the Disaster Care Management
program (from April 2013 through December 2014)
–400 adults and children participating in inaugural Walk of Hope, raising $17,000 to help reduce poverty, promote recovery and strengthen families
For more information on these and other agencies, visit dioceseoftrenton.org and click on OUTREACH>CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES.