Not really a newcomer, SCI has welcomed thousands each year to its International Seafarers’ Center in Port Newark, NJ. For two years, however, SCI has operated from a smaller temporary space during construction on the 50-year-old facility, which needed extensive repairs.

In the fall, SCI reopens its large, comprehensive Center, and we invite you and the entire community to share in the impressive refurbished resource for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

With new assets come new responsibilities, and we need your support.

First opened in the 1960s, SCI’s Port Newark International Seafarers’ Center (ISC) became in this decade a proud ship in need of dry dock. After hosting more than 60,000 seafarers, truckers, and port workers each year, the public spaces looked threadbare and all mechanical systems required serious overhaul. SCI needed to rebuild to meet the needs of tomorrow’s seafarer.

With the substantial scope of construction and a failing economy, less committed organizations would have thrown in the towel. SCI knew that its mission depended—and seafarers depended—on its Center in Port Newark. We carefully examined our choices.

In a leap of faith, SCI began construction. New mechanical systems and a bright new entrance breathed life into the ailing structure. Now, with electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and life safety systems in place and inner walls taking shape, SCI begins the home stretch for partial reopening in August with a full launch several months later.

SCI maintains an unshakable stake in seafarer welfare and hospitality. Every day, our chaplains and volunteers welcome the stranger into the East Coast’s largest port with ship visits, van transportation, and access to—now—the greatest hospitality center in the world.

The ISC provides a safe and welcoming space to renew body, mind, and spirit.

SCI’s new Center offers • Communication resources• Recreation opportunities• A chapel and quiet space• Business services• Food options

And, close to the action in the Port, SCI’s new Center houses

• Center for Seafarers’ Rights• SCI’s Christmas at Sea volunteer

knitting program • Officesforportchaplains• Meeting rooms for groups

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SCI needs your support to guarantee our mission to serve seafarers, truckers, and port workers for years to come.

Earlier fund-raising efforts yielded some $4 million, but project capital costs total nearly $13 million. SCI needs to close the gap in these capital costs, existing in addition to the facility’s $400K annual operating expenses. Otherwise, we face the potential of burdensome loans and dangerous draws on battered capital reserves.

Your tax-deductible gift makes this dream a reality. One-time gifts or larger gift pledges payable over several years help dramatically. Gifts will be recognized at a rededication ceremony, in SCI’s Annual Report, and with a Donor’s Book to reside at the ISC.

International Seafarers’ Center118 Export StreetPort Newark, NJ 07114

(212) 349-9090(212) 349-8342 Fax

seamenschurch.org

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