Newsletter: November 2022
Dear Friends of Joseph House:
Not long ago, we had to wait for someone in the parking lot of a shopping center. It gave us the chance to do some people watching. We saw a man with gray hair timidly approach people and ask them something. He held out his hand in the unmistakable gesture of asking for money. Most people kept walking, but one man stopped and talked with him for a minute. This man then pointed to a fast food restaurant at the other end of the parking lot. The two walked over together. They went inside, and after about 25 minutes they left and parted ways. The second man had obviously bought the first man a meal and sat down and ate with him. The sight was so edifying to us. It was the Gospel brought to life.
Our time spent watching others reminded us that God is watching us, too. Not in a Big Brother sort of way, but as someone who loves us and cares about us. The actions of the generous man we saw in the parking lot made us smile and warmed our hearts. All of us can do the same for God with our everyday acts of kindness. And who knows, maybe someone else will take notice of what we do, though we know nothing about it. Without acting like a Pharisee, our good deeds can give inspiration and hope to others.
This is the time of year when folks like to name what they are thankful for. We are thankful for the quiet goodness of people. It’s what holds the world together, and it’s the foundation of the Joseph House.
Our work at the Joseph House Crisis Center and the Joseph House Workshop depends on unsung heroes, people who will go the extra mile when it comes to helping someone in need. Some donate their time and efforts, others gladly share their financial resources. It is all a gift of love. Our community of sisters is small; by ourselves we can only do a little, but with our volunteers and you, our faithful friends, the power of love is magnified. Thanks be to God!
A more loving world is what we all need, especially the people who feel alone and have many problems. Susanne, 52, is bipolar and contracted COVID-19 twice in the past year. She has lingering neurological symptoms including the onset of seizures. Her husband left her recently, and although he is still paying the mortgage on their house he is not helping with the other bills. At the moment Susanne has no income. She can’t pay her utility bills and relies on food pantries for groceries. Her disability application is still under review. The Joseph House was able to help her with $350 toward her electric bill to keep the power on in her home.
Trina, 46, was also knocked down by the coronavirus and is having a troublesome recovery. Unable to get back to work and pay her bills, the water was turned off in her home. Trina then found out she has to move in a few weeks because her landlord is selling the house she is renting. On top of all this, Trina began caring for her infant grandson after the baby’s father died in a car accident (the mother is out of the picture). Trina was beset with worries when she came to the Crisis Center. We could ease some of her burdens by paying the overdue water bill of $379.
Patrick is 65 and disabled. His car was stolen a few weeks ago, and although he got it back he had to spend money on repairs. Meanwhile, Patrick’s application for subsidized housing was finally approved. He had been anxious to move for a long time: not only did the rent take a big chunk of his check, it was for an apartment in poor condition crawling with rats. But now that he had the opportunity to move into clean and affordable housing, he didn’t have the money for the security deposit of $350. Fortunately, the Joseph House was able to help Patrick with the full amount.
Bernadette, 43, faced a similar dilemma. She is also disabled, and after being on the waiting list for subsidized housing she was approved. Her current rent was taking most of her check, so she did not have all the money to pay the deposit and first-month’s rent on the new apartment ($390). Affordable housing is critical for people with very low incomes—without it, they live permanently on the edge of disaster. The Joseph House paid $300 toward the move-in costs so Bernadette would not lose this chance for more secure and stable living.
Sharlene has an eight-year-old son. She has battled various health problems and in fact came to the Crisis Center on the day she was scheduled to have thyroid surgery. She wanted to see us before going to the hospital because the water was turned off in her home. People who are sick need to focus on their health; it’s terrible when they have to deal with difficulties like the lack of running water. That’s unacceptable. The Joseph House promptly paid the overdue bill of $234 and called the city to get the water back on. After Sharlene recovers she hopes to find a new job.
May God bless you for remembering those in need. Your generosity always makes a difference!
Holiday Giving
This is a hard year for many people financially. If you are in a position to do so, you can make the holidays a little brighter for struggling families by donating to our Thanksgiving and Christmas giveaway programs.
Frozen turkeys and chickens for Thanksgiving are needed by November 20.
Christmas toys and gifts (new and unwrapped) for children up to the age of 14 are needed by December 11. We prefer gifts that do not require batteries. Also, we cannot accept toy guns. Needed the most are gifts for older children between the ages of 7 and 14. Some suggestions: basketballs, soccer balls, etc., LEGO sets, board games, books, arts & crafts supplies, jewelry boxes. We also need hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and other small stocking stuffers for children of all ages.
Donations can be dropped off at our convent at 411 N. Poplar Hill Avenue in Salisbury.
Questions? Please call us at 410-742-9590 or use our Contact Form.
Thank you for helping us. Every family should enjoy a decent meal on Thanksgiving and every child deserves a present on Christmas morning. We hold you in high esteem for your never-failing generosity. We know that not everyone can give as desired, but every prayer for our ministry means a great deal to us. Rest assured that you are remembered daily in our prayers.
We hope this beautiful time of year touches your heart. Like the farmers who fill their barns to overflowing, may you harvest your blessings in abundance. Isn’t it amazing how we can look at our lives and realize we have received so much more than we ever seemed to give? We’ll say it again, thanks be to God! Our prayers are with you for a happy celebration of Thanksgiving.
Your Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary
We give thanks for our friends and benefactors every day, for being the active expression of God’s Providence. Please send us your prayer requests so we can pray for your needs: Contact Form.
Our ministry depends on people like you. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Visit this page to help us: Donate.
A Letter from a Man We Helped
I am 50 years old. I’ve struggled my whole life, in and out of jail, homelessness, and even lived on the streets. Never got to do basic things like bowling, movies, fishing or any normalcy type of activities or gatherings. I’ve been in survival mode all my life. Took care of myself since I was old enough to walk.
Never got the chance to know about God and His graciousness until I came to St. Joseph’s Church for help with rent to get off the streets. I took the $350, paid my rent, got a job caretaking for a guy who sold me his 5-room house at a very reasonable price, and I remodeled it with help all the while getting paid to care for the gentleman. I rented out the other 3 rooms and bless people now who are struggling themselves.
I took the blessing as a hand-up not a hand-out. Then I paid forward what I can to help someone else. This has warmed my heart and taught me how one blessing can multiply into many. This in itself is teaching me about God’s love and helping me to be a better man.
I now am stable, have a beautiful home, a job I love and a very spiritual girlfriend who is to be my wife. She is further helping me to know, love, and obey God, His word, commandments, and share His love with all that I can and He calls me to do.
Thanks to St. Joseph’s Church, I turned my life around and have found my way to God.
The Crisis Center is not a church, but we are pleased that our friend recognized, as we do, that it is holy ground and place of welcome and love.
We wanted to share this letter with you to remind you that your support of our work results in profound and positive changes in the lives of the people we serve.