04/23/2024
Our ministry has experienced a beautiful journey of growth and service over the years! It's truly inspiring to see how dedicated volunteers and the guiding hand of faith have allowed this ministry to expand and adapt to better serve the community's needs.
We recognize the service of each of you, it's important to acknowledge the significance of your contributions. Your willingness to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and extend love and fellowship to others through your service to Christian Services at St. Callistus and Community Outreach at Christ Cathedral is commendable. Each of you has played a vital role in allowing our ministry to grow and serve the members of our community in need of food, financial aid, and companionship.
As we reflect on the journey we've shared and the memories we've created at the Helping House, let us remember the joy and fulfillment we experienced in serving others. Though our pantry shelves may now be empty, and the Helping House may echo with memories of the past, the impact of our service will endure in the hearts and lives of those we've touched. As we close this chapter and embark on new journeys, may the joy of following the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to guide and inspire us.
God bless each and every one of you and thank you for your service.
Our History --
Guided by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who urges us to provide sustenance to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and hospitality to the stranger, a small group of individuals embarked on a mission in 2003. Under the guidance of Father Tuyen Nguyen at St. Callistus Catholic Church, they established a new ministry known as Christian Services.
In its early stages, the ministry sprouted roots in the community as St. Callistus Christian Services, and it sought to establish itself within the community by providing essential support to those in need. Sack lunches, bus passes, and motel vouchers became the initial offerings, extending a helping hand to individuals facing various challenges. Once the ministry’s roots were established, it began to germinate and spread its roots deeper into the community by extending aid to the residents of the Tower Apartments and implementing a federal assistance food program to address hunger in the community.
The thriving but humble ministry again continued to deepen its roots and sprout towards the sun by instituting a weekly food distribution from the vestibule of the old St. Callistus church. A bag of pantry staples was given to our clients from the first food pantry, a small room off the vestibule, and tables were set up outside in front of the hall for the grocery rescue food. On rainy days, the distribution moved into and administered from the hall. Christian Services began as a seedling, but over time and through dedicated care, its roots spread further and further into the community, and it began to bud, blossom, and bloom year after year.
As the community's needs grew, so did the ministry's capacity. Additional space for food storage became essential, and through divine providence, the Lord provided. Formerly allocated to the Saint Callistus gift store, a shared space was established between the music ministry and Christian Services, facilitating the expansion of the ministry's operations. Christian Services continued its vital work, offering two food distributions on Thursdays, both in the morning and late evening, further solidifying its presence and commitment to serving those in need. The ministry began to organize annual Lenten Fish Frys and Thanksgiving meals for the Saint Callistus Parish.
Over the years, these incremental changes allowed the ministry to blossom from a delicate seedling into a flourishing, mature tree, bearing abundant fruit to the community. Dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly, nurturing the ministry's growth and ensuring its continued impact on the community.
The next significant chapter unfolded when our ministry was transplanted to Christ Cathedral in 2013. Our food pantry found a new home in the modest confines of the Small Gallery within our new facility. Twice a day, rain or shine, we distributed provisions on the pavement outside the Small Gallery.
After a period of adjustment, we relocated to the Helping House, albeit temporarily sharing the space. However, our ministry quickly flourished and bloomed once again. Our distributions, held steadfastly on Thursdays, continued to feed hundreds of families each month, a testament to our deep roots within the community.
In 2016, we expanded our outreach efforts by introducing a new monthly distribution. This endeavor required diligent planning and coordination. Agreements were drafted and signed, dates were synchronized, and arrangements for food delivery and storage were carefully organized. Additionally, a concerted effort was made to recruit volunteers, and comprehensive distribution logistics were meticulously planned.
Moreover, enhanced reporting procedures were implemented to ensure transparency and accountability because this new distribution was through a federal government food program. Initially, the monthly distribution operated as a client-choice system and took place indoors within the Helping House. However, as the number of clients rapidly increased, it became evident that more space was needed to accommodate everyone seeking our services. Consequently, the monthly distribution was relocated outdoors to the backyard, providing ample room for all those in need.
Remaining resilient through the challenges of the global pandemic, we swiftly adapted our operations to offer a drive-through distribution, prioritizing the safety of both volunteers and recipients while still ensuring continuity of support for those in need. Despite the challenging circumstances, our commitment to serving the community remained unwavering. As the pandemic unfolded, the demand for our services surged. From serving around 300 families per month upon our move to Christ Cathedral in 2013, our reach expanded to approximately 840 families per month before our recent closure in March, and the numbers continually climbed each month.
The inaugural monthly distribution in 2016 served 7 families, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our ministry's journey. However, it quickly gained momentum, and our final distribution on March 9th saw an incredible turnout, providing assistance to 200 families. This remarkable growth underscores the profound impact of our efforts and the ever-expanding reach our ministry had on the community.
Our ministry has been blessed with the devoted support of dedicated volunteers, a testament to the guiding hand of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether they served briefly or became long-term fixtures, each volunteer brought their unique contribution, enriching our mission with their generosity and compassion. Some volunteers graced us with their presence for a short period, while others faithfully returned week after week, month after month, for years on end. A select few have been by our side since the inception of our ministry, their steadfast loyalty serving as an inspiration to us all.
In moments when our volunteer roster seemed insufficient, we found solace in the belief that the Lord would provide, and indeed, new helpers invariably stepped forward. We are deeply grateful for the time and energy each volunteer has dedicated to our cause, knowing that their selfless service has made a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.
For two decades, the fruits of our labor and the strength of our ministry's roots have left an enduring mark on the community, providing sustenance, support, and hope to those who need it most.
