Those in need give back to others
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
Charles Dickens wrote, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
The spirit of Christmas is a time for giving and a time of togetherness. It’s a time when we think about others in our community and give to those in need. At the Emmaus Ministry Outreach Center, these ideals are practiced each day by the staff, volunteers and guests who gather there.
Shoes and coats are collected to distribute to guests.
Michael, a regular guest at the Center, was excited to learn the organization would host a Thanksgiving dinner. He immediately offered to donate food using his food stamps.
Juan, a young father raising his 18-month-old daughter, sometimes visits the Outreach Center for lunch. While he and his daughter shared a sandwich, two female guests came over to talk to him. They told Juan they had baby clothes and a warm jacket for his daughter.
“We will get that baby ready for winter, don’t you worry,” said Lenora. Lenora remembers her encounter with Juan. “Every time I came here, he was with his baby. When I asked him where the child’s mother was, he became emotional,” she said. “The baby had no socks, no shoes, no coat. He was struggling to take care of her.”
Lenora told him about the 211 helpline that connects people with local human and social services. She also offered to babysit if he was able to find a job. When they left the table, Juan put his head down and began to cry.
“I know how hard it is,” said Lenora, “finding someone you can trust to babysit your kids.” Lenora hasn’t seen Juan since that day and worries about him and the baby now that winter has set in. “But I’m still here,” she said. “to help him if he needs it.” She wants people to know they are not out in the world by themselves. “We all fall victim to things, you know? This isn’t an easy world. What happens to you affects the whole family.”
Lenora is continually busy helping her children, 20 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She also looks out for elderly neighbors, takes food to the homeless and offers those who are hungry a ride to the Outreach Center for a meal.
Stefanie, a staff member at Emmaus Ministry prepares dinner.
Corey, another patron, has been visiting the Center for four years. He is unable to work after an accident that required him to have neck surgery. Corey, who has three children and two grandchildren, said the Center is like a close-knit family that not only supplies essential food and services but also provides a lot of love. “The staff is phenomenal,” he said. “They listen to you; they help you out. They have things for the kids to do on the weekends. There are good people here. You don’t have to worry about anyone being harmed.”
“When people are down on their luck and don’t have anything to eat, they can always come here for a meal,” added Lois, a 77-year-old grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Lois visits the Center daily, sometimes bringing her great-grandchildren to play with the other children. She spends time each week giving a neighbor a ride to and from work. She also drops off her grandson to his job and transports some of her other grandchildren to school. “There are a lot of things people need but they aren’t able to get to support services because they have no transportation,” Lois said.
These are just a few examples of the love and kindness those who visit the Center have for each other. It is a testament to how those with little want to give and not just receive.
Road to Emmaus Ministry is a volunteer outreach program rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church that serves the poor and homeless in Syracuse. It began in 2008, when Father John Manno, then pastor at St. James Church, challenged his parishioners to reach beyond its walls and bring the presence of Christ to individuals and families impacted by poverty, drugs, crime and homelessness on the city’s south side. In response to father Manno’s challenge 15 years ago, the parishioners made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a way to bring the love of Christ and the Catholic Church to those struggling. That was the start of a life-changing ministry that provides respite, friendship and essential services to those facing life’s many challenges.
Sheila Austin is the executive director of Emmaus Ministry. As of November 22, they provided 100,000 meals in 2024. The organization runs through the dedication and commitment of 70 volunteers and seven staff members. Austin said most volunteers are Catholic, but others come from parishes throughout the county representing all denominations. “They, too, are looking for a place where they can put their faith in action,” Austin said. According to Austin, the 13205 zip code ranks number two in the nation for child poverty. “It speaks to how impoverished and poor this area of Syracuse is known for,” she said.
Executive Director Sheila Austin poses with a guest.
The Emmaus Center is a full-service outreach program. It offers medical and dental clinics and eye exams. “There is a barber and even showers for those who want them,” Lois said. “There are a lot of people who don’t have anywhere to live or any place to go, you know?”
Austin said for her, the job has been life-changing. ”I’m not the same person I was when I started here 15 years ago. It’s a very unique and rewarding environment full of joy and respect. Our guests come into our building and say, ‘God bless you’ or ‘Thank you.’ They are at ease with expressing their love and appreciation for what we do. Every day we learn from our guests’ humility and gratefulness and how all of our blessings come from God,” she said.
When asked what she wishes for in the New Year, Lenora said, “I wish I could help those I can and I pray for those I can’t. I wish that we can make this world a better place and that we would be kinder to other people. You never know when you’re going to walk in someone else’s shoes.”
Juan added, “I wish I could get better so I can come and volunteer myself; to help out and give back, you know?”
The Outreach Center at Emmaus Ministry on Glen Avenue provides meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Monday and Friday, the Center offers one sandwich, fruit, protein, a snack and beverages. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, hot meals are offered, in addition to a sandwich, fruit, protein, a snack and beverages. Meals are free. Pre-registration is not required.
The food pantry is open on the third Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and distributes grocery bags and personal care items to families in need. Guests may register during meal distribution or call 315-928-5191.
For a full list of services, or to volunteer or donate, visit the website at https://emmausministry.org/.
