Diocesan employees volunteer at Emmaus Ministry
Above: (L to R) Eileen Jevis, Catholic Sun; Bishop Douglas J. Lucia; Emily Long, Elyse Simon, and Beth Hoey, Foundation Office. Photo courtesy of Beth Hoey
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
According to the Stanford Center on Longevity, one out of four people say they don’t volunteer because no one asked them to. And, according to the Mayo Clinic, while volunteers can make an immeasurable difference in other people’s lives, it can be beneficial to your health, too.
As life gets more difficult for those struggling with food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, affordable medical care and multiple other factors, now more than ever, we as Christians can extend our hands and hearts to those in need.
Recently, a group of diocesan employees took turns volunteering at Emmaus Ministry, located at 127 E. Glen Ave. in the valley section of Syracuse. Emmaus Ministry is a volunteer outreach ministry rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, serving the poor and homeless in Syracuse.
(L to R) Brian McAuliffe, Risk Management, Rosemary Smith – Human Resources, Liz Landry, Catholic Sun and Taylor Wolfe, Human Resources. Photo courtesy of Rosemary Smith
Those from the Diocese who spent the morning at the outreach center agreed that we received much more than we gave. It wasn’t just the gratefulness given by those we served; it was witnessing the resilience and strength of the guests that inspired us. They share more than a meal. They listen and support each other and inquire about those they haven’t seen in a while. They are a community.
Brian McAuliffe, risk and claims manager for the Diocese, said his volunteer experience was enjoyable and fulfilling. “The staff and volunteers are fantastic. They have such a great spirit about them and serve those in need with great energy.”
Like many of us, McAuliffe connected with the guests and learned of some of their stories. “Volunteering is something we are called to do as children of God,” he said. “It blesses us and enriches our lives while we help others in need. It felt good to be the hands and feet of Christ for a day.”
The facility is run by an organized and compassionate team of staff and volunteers who oversee the many critical services offered to its guests. Each week, more than 60 people generously volunteer their time to serve and give hope to the guests. From making hundreds of sandwiches, serving coffee, and washing dishes, to packing grocery bags and distributing meals, those on duty do it joyfully.
Taylor Wolfe, human resource coordinator, was impressed with the organized, bright, and clean facility. She found the volunteer experience gratifying. “Every item on the shelves was easily accessible and visible and everything ran very smoothly, “she said. “It was a very fulfilling experience and seeing firsthand all the amazing things the ministry provides to the community was very inspiring.”
Showers, groceries, and laundry services are just a few of the amenities available. Clothing, back-to-school supplies, Christmas presents and in-house activities are also provided to the children who visit.
The St. Marianne Cope Health Center, located behind the outreach center, is a crucial part of Emmaus Ministry. The health center is open to those in need of medical and dental services who are uninsured. The clinic has an incredible team of volunteer dental hygienists, dental assistants, doctors, nurse practitioners and other skilled practitioners.
The medical clinic is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. The hours of the dental clinic vary and appointments are required. Call the clinic at 315-961-3067 for more information.
Currently, there is an urgent need for dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists (one 3-hour shift per month) and physicians (one 4-hour shift per month). The outreach center is also seeking hairdressers to cut hair and trim beards once a month between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., preferably on a Tuesday or Thursday. Call 315-928-5191 for more information.
To learn how you can volunteer in the outreach center or clinic, make a monetary donation or donate much needed items, email [email protected], visit the website at www.emmausministry.org or call 315-928-5191.
