How to Help

As we follow important safety guidelines and preventive measures such as: washing our hands, practicing social distancing, there are ways we can still be of service to our community and help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

AmeriCorps Seniors at Lifespan is recruiting volunteers to serve as drivers to help older adults get to medical appointments, including COVID-19 vaccination sites. We also need drivers to deliver meals to homes of individuals who no longer have access to senior nutrition programs because of COVID-19 restrictions.   Email: dpalumbos@lifespanrochester.org

Bethany House Reopens after long hiatus (brought on by COVID-19)

Here are some ways you and your community could be involved:

First of all, we just started in-person prayer experiences on Wednesday evenings again.  These are most often Word services held at 5:30pm in the Bethany House chapel.  We are also open to Communion Services and Mass. Due to health and safety concerns, we are not opening the services to anyone other than the house staff and guests and the presider(s).  This is followed by a meal and the presider(s) is invited to stay for dinner.  If you would like to offer a prayer experience and are uncomfortable in person, we welcome any pre-recorded reflection that we can post to Social Media so that the wider community of Bethany House supporters can join in prayer with us.  

Secondly, we are happy to welcome small groups of old or young (or inbetween) to help unpack and organize donations of food, baby items, etc.  Also, if your community would like to do a drive for Bethany House, we operate a robust Food Pantry (serving on average 40 households per week) and are always in need of non-perishable staples.  If you call us ahead of time, we are happy to provide you a list.

Finally, if your community would like more information about Bethany House, it’s history, mission, and current reality, I am happy to come speak with small and large groups.  I am comfortable in person or meeting virtually.  

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.

Sr. Karen Dietz, SSJ, Bethany House Chaplain
karen@bethanyhouserocny.org 

Hope Ministry, Holy Trinity Church, Webster

Hope Ministry has an extensive food pantry, complete with fresh produce and is open four days a week.

The current needs include:  Coffee, Cooking oil, Salad dressing, Canned pineapple, Granola bars, Crackers, Cleaning supplies, Facial tissues (Kleenex), Laundry soap, Dish soap and Shampoo and Conditioner.  (No soup, peanut butter or diapers needed at this time.)  to learn more Click here

Catholic Family Center

Catholic Family center provides comprehensive and coordinated services all serving one mission: to help people – especially the vulnerable and those facing poverty – achieve their full human potential. 

The Catholic Family Center has created an Amazon Registry with basic necessities that their clients are in need of due to the impact of COVID-19.   If you have any questions, please contact Ally Ewing at aewing@cfcrochester.org

Amazon Registry Link: Click here 

Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach  

Mary’s Place is a non-profit refugee outreach center in Northwest Rochester, NY who needs your help in providing hygiene products for those they serve.  Items needed include: shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, tooth brushes, tooth paste, and feminine hygiene products.  Contact Charlsey Bickett at charlsey.bickett@marysplaceoutreach.org to arrange pick up or delivery.  To learn more about Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach:  Click Here

St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality Current Needs:

Please contact us to arrange for any drop-off donations.  We are a 501(c)3, and all donations are tax deductible. Please make any checks out to St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, P.O. Box 31049, Rochester, NY 14603. http://www.saintjoeshouse.org/blog/donate/

“It’s not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.”

– Mother Teresa