Community
Of
Hope
Ministries
Board of Trustees
Ted Foley,
President
The Rev. Douglas J. Reans, Vice President
Cliff Biroc,
Treasurer Denise Acquista,
Secretary
Robert Andrews
Ralph
Evans
Kathy Foley, L.C.S.W. Dorothy Gabbett
Alice Meyers
Alice Ryan, Executive Director
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CUP Food Pantry Our food pantry is located at Woodmere Senior Housing. CUP (Churches United for People) was started in the 1990’s as a ministry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Spotswood Reformed Church, and Trinity United Methodist Church. The pantry receives continued support from these same churches, grants, and donations from the community and local businesses. Our clients are welcome to visit our pantry once a month and receive a $10 Shoprite card when funds are available. Due to current economic conditions, we currently welcome about 100 clients per month – a 40% increase over 2008. |
| Backyard Gardeners Community of Hope Ministries is partnering with AmpleHarvest.org to help home gardeners use their surplus to feed people in need. Fresh produce is a luxury that most food pantries cannot afford. By contacting Community of Hope Ministries or going on AmpleHarvest.org, gardeners will now have a worthwhile outlet for their abundant harvest. |
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Community Fellowship Suppers
– About 15 years ago St. Peter’s Episcopal Church began a ministry of
opening its doors once a week to provide fellowship and a nutritious home
cooked dinner to people in the community. This weekly experience continues
today and has become a staple for many. These suppers are supported by St.
Peter’s Church, grants, and the donations of time, talent, and treasure of
many good hearted people. Meals are enthusiastically served by the youth of
the community, giving them an early experience of service. Last year we
served almost 5,000 meals. In 2009 our attendance has grown by 46%. |
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Case Management
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This ministry helps individuals and families on a personal one-on-one basis.
Community of Hope has 2 licensed social workers to help people find
assistance for food, energy, mortgage and rent, senior services, etc. We
also provide advocacy for those unable to negotiate the system and apply for
assistance. In addition, we have a psychologist who will provide testing for
children whose parents suspect they have a learning disability. All of these
services are provided at no cost. |
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Income
Tax Assistance:
In 2009,
Community of Hope Ministries began a program to assist people with low
income file their Federal and NJ State tax returns. A key component of this
program is to encourage families with children to apply for the Earned
Income Tax Credit and similar benefits that ultimately provide purchase
power to the individual and bring financial resources to help build the
local economy. |
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If you know of
someone in need, please do not hesitate to contact Alice Ryan at
732-967-4883. Please contact us if you would like to talk about volunteer opportunities at Community of Hope. If you would like to make a donation please make checks payable to “St. Peter’s CDC” and reference “Community of Hope” in the memo line. Checks can be sent to Community of Hope, 505 Main Street, Spotswood, NJ 08804. We thank you for any support that you are able to give.
Community
of Hope Ministries |
