Feeding The Homeless Initiatives

Lunch Bags: We are diligently preparing and giving out lunch bags filled with an assortment of nutritious non-perishable foods. Each bag includes essential items such as bottled water, juice boxes, individual tuna pouches, a variety of crackers, a can of Chef Boyardee, as well as fruit and pudding cups. To ensure a warm and satisfying experience, we will also serve one hot meal item accompanied by condiments in each lunch bag, providing nourishment and comfort to those in need.

Hot Meals: Furthermore, we are committed to providing hearty hot meals for the homeless community. These meals may consist of a variety of comforting options, which include but are not limited to wholesome rice, seasoned beans, flavorful chicken, savory pork, tender beef, fresh salads, and nourishing soups. This initiative aims to ensure that the individuals we serve not only receive sustenance but also enjoy a warm meal that brings a sense of care and compassion.

Toiletries for the Homeless: In addition to food, we are actively distributing toiletry bags designed to meet the basic hygiene needs of homeless individuals. Each bag is thoughtfully packed with essential items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable washcloths, tissues, deodorant, feminine napkins, dry shampoo, and body wash. By providing these personal care items, we aim to promote dignity and well-being in a population that often struggles with access to basic hygiene products.

Outreach: Praying in Hospitals & Prisons: Our outreach extends to ministering in hospitals and prisons, where our dedicated church members hold chaplaincy certifications. These individuals carry their credentials and an official chaplaincy badge, which grants them the necessary access to minister to those in these critical settings. Currently, we are proud to count three certified members in our Chaplaincy team: Rev. Mary Bell Rosario, our Senior Pastor; Associate Pastor Marina Santiago-Lopez; and Associate Pastor Luz Rivera. Their commitment to serving and supporting the spiritual needs of individuals in challenging circumstances is a vital part of our ministry.

Narcan Training Services: We have recently begun providing valuable seminars to the community at our church facility. Our primary goal is to help spread much-needed awareness regarding how the ongoing opioid epidemic impacts everyone, regardless of their circumstances, and how we can all contribute to saving a life in need by offering proper safety and rescue tips.

Praise Dance Ministry: For over ten years, we have been dedicated to the beautiful ministry of dance, where we joyfully dance and minister in the undeniable presence of God. We firmly believe that in all aspects of ministry, everything we do is ultimately for the Lord and not for our own recognition or visibility. We earnestly pray for a transformative change in the atmosphere when we dance, and our hope is that chains are broken and lives are renewed.

Josh’s Heart Ministry: This compassionate initiative is founded by our very own Associate Pastor, Marina Santiago-Lopez. Her story is one marked by deep pain, suffering, and an inspiring capacity to overcome numerous obstacles. In June of 2021, she tragically lost her beloved husband to an opioid overdose. While Josh faced his own struggles with addiction, he consistently stepped up to assist Praise and Worship Healing Ministry, offering help to feed and clothe the homeless community. Following his passing, the Lord moved powerfully within Marina, compelling her to establish this new branch of ministry. Her heartfelt vision is to provide assistance to individuals suffering from mental health and addiction issues. Moreover, she is passionately committed to helping battered women and children discover a safe place of refuge and healing.

These are just some of the important initiatives that we are currently able to undertake at this moment in time. We have been consistently feeding the homeless community with both hot and cold foods for a significant period. It is our sincere desire to establish this service as a regular function of our ministry. In addition to food, we warmly welcome donations of clothing and non-perishable dry foods from those who wish to contribute. Below, we have outlined some of the specific goals we envision, and we are filled with confidence in the Lord that we can successfully meet and achieve these aspirations together.

Goals

Our ultimate goal is to effectively provide essential outreach services to the various ministries within the church community, including those focused on women, men, children, and youth. We aim to establish vital resources such as a food pantry and a soup kitchen, as well as a health clinic that offers crucial counseling services for battered women and children, along with support for individuals struggling with addiction. Looking ahead, we aspire to recruit and engage volunteer nurses, doctors, and dentists who can contribute their expertise to those in need. Additionally, we seek to offer vocational training programs aimed at assisting individuals who are actively searching for employment opportunities. It is also our vision to develop a dedicated church ministry building equipped with a kitchen, which will enable us to more effectively fulfill our mission of feeding the homeless and others in our community who require assistance. Furthermore, we hope to acquire a van that will enhance our outreach efforts and facilitate missionary trips, allowing us to extend our support beyond the local area.