St. John’s Outreach serves all of Niagara County as well as northern Erie and Orleans counties.  We respond to referrals from over 30 public and private agencies. In September the Outreach Center provided backpacks and schools supplies for 300 local children. For Thanksgiving, more than 500 families will receive food. For Christmas, families will be adopted.  They will receive food and Christmas gifts for each member of the family. Another 550 families will receive food baskets and have the chance to select gifts at no cost. Volunteers are always needed. Call Jim Haid at 433-5252.

St. John the Baptist Outreach Center offers the following services that are staffed by parishioners and volunteers from other churches and organizations in the community:

o        Our Food Pantry distributes food three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday from Noon to 3pm and Monday evening from 6-8pm) in addition to special distributions of food at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Food is obtained through donations from parishioners, people in the community, local churches, farmers, merchants, civic organizations, and the WNY Food Bank. Each month our food pantry distributes enough food for over 13,000 meals.

o        Our Clothing Center distributes new and gently-used clothing, appliances and household items three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday from Noon to 3pm and Monday evening from 6-8pm). Clothing and household goods are obtained through donations from parishioners, people in the community, local churches, and civic organizations. Our clothing center serves approximately 2,000 people a month, Personal hygiene products are distributed to 300 people a month.

o        Our Emergency Outreach distributes gently-used furniture, beds, and appliances to people in need of basic home furnishings for victims of domestic violence and natural disasters, families who have been evicted, individuals coming out of emergency shelters or rehabilitation centers, and anyone else in need. 

o        Our Emergency Assistance underwrites the cost of emergency shelter at a local motel, prescription assistance, and other forms of immediate aid including gasoline vouchers. (We are hoping to create an emergency shelter in Lockport in the near future.)

Our old school building is bursting at the seams with organizations, activities and Outreach for people with all kinds of interests and needs.  Here is a list of what’s happening:

q       GED Classes meet every Monday through Friday at 9am for people who want a high school equivalency diploma. For information call Orleans Niagara BOCES at 433-2205.

q       Job Training Classes for people who need help writing resumes and making a good impression during a job interview meet every Monday through Friday at 9am.  Call Orleans Niagara BOCES at 433-2205.

q       Classes in English as a second language for Hispanics are offered weekly during the daytime and evenings.

q       Al Anon meets every Monday morning at 10:30am.

q       Alcoholics Anonymous meet every Tuesday evening at 8pm.

q       Consumer Credit Counseling Classes for anyone concerned about money, budgets, credit and other financial matters are held several times a year.  No reservations required. Details are in our weekly bulletin. All welcome.

q       COPE volunteers provide answers, offer assistance and make referrals for people who don’t know where to go to get help with a problem or question on Mondays from 6-8pm and Wednesdays from 12-3pm.

q       EPIC (Every Person Influences Children) offers parenting classes for people who want a better relationship with their kids. For information call 278-7966.

q       Health and Wellness Radical Makeover Program with Health Educator Victoria Porfilio RN, Ph.D.  Call 285-5752 for details.

q       New York State 5-Hour Pre-License Driving Training Classes are held every Thursday at 5pm.  It’s the class you need to take before scheduling your road test.  No reservations required.   Walk-ins welcome. Bring $25 registration fee and your permit.  For additional information call 674-2340.

q       ONWARD, a support group for people who are divorced or separated, meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m.  For information call Mary Lou at 434-0124 or Anita at 695-4615.

q       DIVAS (Devotional Inspirational Voices that Awaken our Spirituality) meet at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings to develop and strengthen their spirituality through faith-sharing, study and fellowship.  Women of all ages are welcome. For information call Anne Pollock at 434-9920.