Social Issue: Poverty

United Way of St. Joseph County FOCUS: To mobilize the community collectively to reduce poverty. ACTIVITIES: Involvement in projects including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, People Gotta Eat food pantry support, Kindergarten Readiness Camps, and Born Learning Academies. HOURS: MON–THU 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; FRI 8:00 a.m.–noon REQUIREMENTS: Spanish—helpful but not required; 18 +; background check PLACEMENTS: up to 5 CONTACT:Sheri Niekamp574-232-8201sniekamp@uwsjc.org

United Religious Community of St. Joseph County FOCUS: To encourage interreligious dialogue and to provide basic assistance to individuals in need. ACTIVITIES: Case management; data project; work at Advocacy Center supports homeless individuals, families, and the working poor with education and financial assistance when funds are available for utilities, prescription meds, transportation, work clothes, and identification. HOURS: Office: […]

St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Joseph County FOCUS: To offer food, clothing, and household necessities as well as emotional, spiritual, and financial support through one-on-one interactions with those who are less fortunate and living in poverty. ACTIVITIES: Volunteer in food pantry, client services, food assistance call center, Sweet Dreams Bed Ministry, and Christmas program. HOURS: District […]

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. FOCUS: To provide jobs, training, and placement services for people with barriers to employment. ACTIVITIES: Work with individuals with barriers to employment who are in the process of overcoming their challenges. Can also work directly in restorative justice settings. HOURS: MON–FRI 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; possible evening hours REQUIREMENTS: Spanish – helpful but […]

Christ Child Society FOCUS: To offer, in the love and spirit of the Christ Child, personal service and clothing to all children and infants in need. ACTIVITIES: Provide bilingual assistance (Spanish/English) during client intake; work with clothing inventory and distribution. HOURS: Fall semester: WED 8:00 a.m.– noon; some Sundays and special events. Not open for clients during spring […]

Catholic Charities FOCUS: To serve those in need as Christ would have us do. Our vision is to eradicate poverty and strengthen families to help create Generation Zero, the first generation free of poverty. ACTIVITIES: Organize a charity drive to collect items to be distributed to those in need; assist to maintain green space around the West […]