“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me…”
- Matthew 25:35
Caring Hearts – Helping Hands
Immaculate Heart of Mary offers many services to help our brothers and sisters in need. From clothing to food, from housing to emergency assistance, our Outreach program will do everything in its power to help members of our community through times of trial. Below is a list of some of our Outreach ministries. Please contact us with your needs or your desire to help as a volunteer.
Food Bank
Mother Teresa’s Food Bank was started in 1976 by IHM volunteer parishioners. This Adams County Food Bank, located in Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Center, provides a helping hand for struggling families. Without bias of religion or ethnicity we strive to emulate the teachings of Mother Teresa – to serve the poor and needy with assistance of food and basic life necessities. These families must live within our service boundaries. No one is denied a one-time emergency food bag and they receive referrals to other agencies within their boundaries. The amount of food received is based on the number of dependents and their family’s needs as well as our available supply. Picture I.D., PLUS proof of current residency dated within 30 days, is required to receive services or you must be an active parish member.
Emergency Assistance
We provide limited financial assistance for utilities, rent, medication, motels and transportation. Clients must have eviction or utilities shut-off notice to be eligible for a once a year maximum $100 assistance. Financial assistance can only be given if the entire bill is being covered by additional resources. We will provide referrals to other appropriate agencies.
Growing Home
Growing Home provides services to homeless families such as job training, child care and a place to stay until they find housing. This program offers a one week stay, four times a year, in our Parish Center so families can stabilize their lives during a financial crisis. The volunteers do meal prep, overnight hosting, set up & take down, laundry and bed delivery.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Community Action Network (ICAN)
This committee evaluates the needs of the community and through cooperation with other agencies and service providers takes a proactive approach to community issues, such as teen suicide, senior health care and public safety concerns, etc. Civic minded volunteers always welcome.
Grant Committee
This committee consists of volunteers who assist in searching for and/or writing grant requests to improve and maintain our current level of services. Volunteers are always welcome. No experience necessary.
Special Distribution Events
- Back-to-School Give-Away
- Food & Health Fairs
- Parish family Thanksgiving Dinner
- Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets & Coat Give-away
- Christmas Dinner Baskets, Gift Cards & Coat Give-away
- Children’s Easter Baskets – also includes ham and eggs
These special distributions are popular with those parishioners who have limited volunteer time. Donations of items are requested in the weekly bulletin prior to the event. All non-perishable food donations and personal hygiene articles are always needed and appreciated!
Thank you!