Greetings from Interim Executive Director Jennie AdamczykDear Friends,

What are you under the influence of? Here at Providence Ministries we deal with a population that understands what it means to be under the influence. Whether it be drugs, alcohol

or a mixture of the two, they have been there. We take the term ‘under the influence’ and automatically associate it with a negative. For some people negative things have come from it. Loss of family, money and possibly even their freedom. What if there was more? What if we could shift what we are under the influence of?

One of the greatest things that we can be ‘under the influence’ of is empathy. Empathy keeps us grounded. Empathy keeps us humble and Empathy shifts how we see the world. Without it, we become so inwardly focused that we can’t do any earthly good. We don’t have to understand addiction to know that it must feel hopeless and debilitating. We don’t have to understand homelessness to know that it must feel lonely. We don’t have to understand hunger or not being able to feed those we love to know that it must feel like failure and disappointment. Empathy allows us to feel. To feel what we may never encounter, but to feel it regardless.

When you donate to Providence Ministries, you aren’t just empathizing with the many situations that those we serve find themselves in, but you are putting that emotion into action! When we give out half a million pounds of food (In 2019 we gave out a million pounds of food and we are already at half of that in a 4 month period) you are with us filling bags. When we help residents struggling with addiction transform their lives, like our story about Doug you will read later, you are there mentoring and guiding with us. Not one penny you donate is in vain. It is empathy in action, it is love in action and it is grace. So I ask again, what are you under the influence of?

With a heart of gratitude,

Jennie Adamczyk

Summer Bulletin 2020

PMN Programs

Kate’s Kitchen51 Hamilton Street, Holyoke

413-532-0233

foodWorks@Kate’s Kitchen413-536-9121

Loreto House51 Hamilton Street, Holyoke

413-533-5909

Margaret’s Pantry & St. Jude’s Clothing Center

56 Cabot Street, Holyoke 413-538-8026

Broderick House SRO56 Cabot Street, Holyoke

413-536-9109

McCleary Manor SRO40 Brightside Drive, Holyoke

Consider paying tribute to a friend or loved one by dedicating a gift in their name to Providence Ministries

Established by the Sisters of Providence in 1980

Providence Ministries for the Needy, Inc. 51 Hamilton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 • 413-536-9109 • Fax 413-536-1137

provministries.org • questions@provministries.org • @provminHolyoke • ProvidenceMinistriesHolyoke

Please select us as a designeewhen you donate or shop!

from everyone at Providence Ministries

‘Under the Influence’ ofEmpathy

Providence Ministries Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Please consider making a contribution today that will help Providence Ministries

rebuild lives and nourish hope in our community.provministries.org

Susan Fournier is our newest hire at Providence Ministries and works as a Resident Advocate on the weekends. She works full time at Finck and Perras Insurance Agency in Florence, Ma and has 2 adult sons and a daughter in law that live in Maine. What does Susan love about working at Providence Ministries? “If I can touch just one life every day, then I am happy. I love the opportunity to be a part of a solution. People are hungry and we are feeding them. People need help and a fresh start and we provide that. There are plenty of problems in the world, not many people get to take part in a solution, I do, and I love it.” We are so happy to have you be a part of our Providence Family!

• Margaret’s Pantry has served 5,300 families and given out 566,567 pounds of food.

• Kate’s Kitchen has served 18,291 people

• Loreto House has given 2,938 nights of shelter

Your giving enables us to continue the work of these vital community programs. We can’t do this without you and we thank you for your continued support!

Resident Spotlight

Staff Spotlight

Douglas Paige had a life not uncommon with the lives of many people we help here at Loreto House. He spent time with the wrong crowds, picked up bad habits and did jail time. Doug struggled with an off and on addiction with Cocaine for over 18 years that caused him to make choices he isn’t proud of, but not reflective of who he is today! Doug has been a resident at Loreto House for 10 months and will celebrate 1 year of sobriety in July. When asked what made the difference he said “Loreto House made the difference. I changed my people, places and things like they tell you to. I love going to Bible Study and Group Sessions. The staff at Loreto are the best. They are helpful, understanding and willing to give you a second chance if you are willing to change. I don’t miss my old life, I am paying my bills, responsible, more trustworthy and have new friends. My goal is to get a car, a job and my own place and I know with my commitment to myself, and Providence Ministries’ commitment to me that I can do anything.” We agree Doug, and love the transformation we see in your life and that we get to be a part of it!

18,2915,300 2,938

akeventMEBelieve-

“the event no one can come to,

but everyone can support”

One of the greatest things that we can be ‘under the influence’ of is empathy. To welcome in Summer, empathize with us by helping those less fortunate. Here’s how you can help give someone a new beginning.

Host a digital fundraiser: on GoFundMe or Facebook

Consider Amazon Smile when ordering online

Direct your United Way gift by using donor designation

Consider a recurring monthly donation

Name Providence Ministries as beneficiary. As you sign up for a race or triathlon consider doing it in our honor

Make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches to offer to our Kate’s Kitchen guests as take-aways for their next meal.

Volunteer your time. Special projects like painting or running workshops for our residents, join the fall events planning committee, host a house party to introduce your friends to our work, take a tour to deepen your understanding and affiliation.

PANtRy AND KItCHEN WISH LISt

• nutrient rich canned soups• tuna fish• meals-in-a-can (box)• canned vegetables• hamburger helper• canned meats• pancake mix• cereals• tomato sauce• peanut butter • baby food• casseroles & meals • spices & condiments• furniture in good condition• bedroom storage centers including:

- dressers- wardrobes- desks- chairs - mirrors

Thank You!

August 18, 2020 • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmon Facebook

SAVE tHE DAtE!

1. Mailing and Administrative Offices are now at: 51 Hamilton Street Holyoke MA 01040

2. Kate’s Kitchen is now open on the weekends from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. for to-go service.

3. Raffle tickets for the Make-Believe Event can be purchased at provministries.org

Providence Ministries’ Make-Believe EventAugust 18, 2020 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PM

Our Make-Believe Event is the “event no on can go to, but everyone can support”! Please join us on Facebook for an evening of fun, special guests and prizes!

Visit Providence Ministries on Facebook or provministries.org

Providence Ministries51 Hamilton StreetHolyoke MA 01040

NoN-profit orgaNizatioNUS poStage paid

Holyoke, MaperMit No. 141

Sober LivingIn 2019 267 men were assisted at our transitional recovery housing program at Loreto House. We were able to provide 8,255 nights of shelter to men dealing with addiction and the issues that arise from addiction such as homelessness and trauma.

46 additional men have enjoyed supportive sober living in our two permanent houses Broderick House and McCleary Manor.

Kate’s KitchenServed 70,656 individuals a hot nutritious meal 365 days no questions asked in 2019.

20 dedicated volunteers provided casseroles and PB&J along with a host of regular volunteers that assist with the day to day needs of the kitchen.

the positive, encouraging impact Providence Ministries has had on our community in 2019.

Margaret’s PantryIn 2019 we served a total of 15,303 individuals; of which 4,777 are new families based on the increasing need in our community.

We proudly provided 1,217,451 pounds of food; including 189 donated turkeys to bring joy to families during the holidays.

St. Jude’sOur Thrift Store, St. Jude’s, collaborated with the Department of Social Services to assist over 500 voucher recipients with their individual clothing and household needs. We assisted families & individuals displaced by nearly 35 fires!

We provided Christmas joy to 1,082 children in our adopt-a-family program where we had the privilege of partnering with local companies, churches and organizations.

All this work is made possible by a team of 10 FTE, 5 PTE dedicated professionals and volunteers who tirelessly have donated a total of

57,489 hours throughout 2019.

FoodWorks31 individuals have successfully graduated, of which 20 now enjoy steady employment.