The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC) serves the community in many ways through ministries focused on serving the most vulnerable populations. Twice a week, PHJC volunteers deliver food and supplies to two transient hotels and a trailer park in Plymouth, Indiana. The program continues throughout the year and is needed especially during the holiday season.
Sister Connie Bach, PHJC, spearheads the program. The program is created to help those in need who cope with unstable living situations.
“The PHJC Volunteer program has made a community impact for Plymouth’s most vulnerable residents living in transient hotels,” said Bach.
By addressing the needs of Plymouth’s citizens, the PHJC food ministry has provided the following benefits in the first half of 2021 alone: 3,280 sack lunches; 1,295 extra sandwiches; 2,940 frozen meals; 3,928 grocery bags; and 384 hygiene bags. These totals don’t include the charitable donations that Poor Handmaids make beyond just Plymouth, Indiana. Going into winter, the program grows to meet the needs of the community.
“It’s not just a bus full of food, hygiene products, coats, and other necessities. It’s more than things! It’s about wellness checks, getting to know the people and helping them with self-esteem,” said Bach. “With the new Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Vision statement, we are called to be catalysts. We are called to collaboration for the common good. We serve the ‘houseless,’ rather than homeless.”
Bach stressed the importance of creating a food ministry that meets more than just the community’s nutritional needs. The PHJC food ministry also creates a safe atmosphere for its recipients.
“Sure, we deliver food to people’s doors. But just like Meals on Wheels and other such programs, it’s more than just this. Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ volunteers offer a smile, a kind word, a caring gesture, a bit of listening, and a positive response when times are tough and people feel lost and broken,” said Bach. “Our volunteers keep a watchful eye on those we serve and offer supportive links to information and resources in the community. We offer compassion and hope when the poor and marginalized feel abandoned and forgotten. We bring laughter and the deep assurance that others are remembering and praying with and for them.”
Fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the Plymouth community is just one way that PHJC volunteers starts a chain reaction of kindness and charity.
“Beyond all this, we offer the children of those we serve life lessons in caring for others as they help deliver items to fellow residents. They, in turn, share their toys with one another. Who knows where this lesson will take them as they become adults in society?” said Bach.
“Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Volunteers develop trust and keep our word whereas the residents have too often experienced broken promises and dreams. We become a bridge to social services and programs provided to lift them up. We offer a way to hold on through a tough time along with tips to get their voices heard.” said Bach.
Services such as the food ministry through the Poor Handmaids are a welcomed offering this season and every season. While the food ministry efforts can be seen as a gift to the community, Bach sees the program as a present to volunteers.
“In return, we receive the best gift of all – hearing words like: ‘You don’t know how much this helps us get through’ or ‘I would not have made it this far without all of you.’ Better yet, ‘I am moving out of here and am moving into a place of my own! I can’t believe I made it this far!’ or ‘I found a job! I am working and getting a paycheck!’” said Bach.
During the season of giving, what better way to give back than to donate to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Volunteers to ensure that the food ministry program can continue to make differences in the lives of community members? Visit https://poorhandmaids.org/index.php/donate-new to help make a difference today.
