The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is pleased to announce eight Catholic Social Ministry grants totaling $78,600 were awarded to support eight projects during its summer grant cycle. Grants are awarded in this area to ministries and projects that embrace and align with Catholic social teaching and are answering the Gospel call to respond to needs within the community.
Saint Joseph Parish/Bread of Life Community
in Erie received a grant to update and expand the space for Saint Clare’s Clothing Store, the parish’s free clothes store. “Saint Clare's Clothing Store has long served as a beacon of compassion, offering free clothing and household items to individuals and families in need,” Jean Malthaner, Director of Ministries, wrote in her application. “As economic demand grows and our vision expands, we seek to remodel and enlarge our space, transforming it into a more welcoming, efficient, and impactful resource for our community. This project will enhance our ability to serve with dignity, increase outreach, and lay the foundation for future programs that empower lives beyond clothing.”
Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services serves clients throughout the Diocese of Erie. Their grant will provide emergency financial assistance and underwrite uninsured and underinsured counseling clients. Saint Elizabeth Center in Oil City is committed to the sacredness of human life and the betterment of society and does so by assisting those in need with securing basic necessities. Their grant will provide financial assistance to their clients to prevent or reestablish utility shut offs or evictions. Saint Patrick’s Haven in Erie, a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, is a nightly refuge for homeless men. Their grant will support purchase of materials to refurbish the storage that holds guests’ personal belongings and essential health and hygiene supplies.
Prince of Peace Center in Farrell has a mission to strengthen families, build community, and reduce poverty. They received Robert M. Gallivan Charitable Endowment grants for two projects. The first grant will support the purchase of a point-of-sale system for the center’s thrift store and boutique for a better experience for their clients as well as a more efficient workflow for the volunteers who run the store. The second will support the Q Academy program, which provides mentoring and educational support for young men in grades 7-12 who lack the presence and influence of a father figure in their home.
Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in Corry will use their grant to support Hearts & Hands: Cooking with Compassion, the parish’s community meal outreach program, through the purchase of meal containers and packaging supplies as well as supporting other needs of the ministry. “These materials are crucial for maintaining food safety, temperature, and dignity in delivery,” Melissa Silka, Business Manager, wrote in her application. “Every week, our volunteer-operated ministry that is composed of approximately 40 parishioners cook and deliver a meal directly to the homes of those facing food insecurity, mobility issues, or isolation. Our goal is to serve over 150 individuals each week, offering both nourishment and a meaningful point of human connection.”
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie is a community of women religious where 65 women live, pray, and work together as they seek God. A first-time grant recipient, their grant will support the new Benedictine Peacemakers program. This is a year-long monastic immersion experience for women ages 22-30. “The Benedictine Peacemakers program is a unique experience for women who have a desire for social change, an openness to community, and a longing for spiritual and personal growth,” Michelle Basista, Development and Communications Associate, wrote in her application. “Thank you for supporting this effort to bring new young talent to Erie while inspiring them to live the rest of their lives with the values they learn while in the program.”
Click below for full list of grantees.
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The Catholic Foundation has been blessed by generous donors who give with their heart in support of the mission of the Catholic Church now and forever. Thanks to these committed Catholics, the Foundation manages over 130 funds that provide grants and distributions to parishes, schools, and Catholic ministries in northwest Pennsylvania. These Catholic Foundation competitive grants are made possible through our Catholic Social Ministry Endowment and the Robert M. Gallivan Charitable Endowment. Donations in any amount designated for these endowments increase our capacity to award grants for impactful Catholic social ministry initiatives throughout northwest Pennsylvania today and for future generations.
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