When did our conference begin serving the local community?
Since 2003. We served our first client on April 9, 2003, and our Food Pantry opened in December 2004
How/Why was the Mother Teresa Conference organized?
· This conference evolved out of a Social Justice Discussion Group. The group recognized the need for our Parish to reach out directly to those less fortunate in our local community. Forming a conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul gave us an effective way to do this.
Who do we help and how are donations spent?
· Families & individuals in Rogers, Lowell, & Parishioners regardless of location.
· Home visits are done with all families requesting assistance by two members of the conference.
· Utilities: 80% Rent: 5% Other: 15% (Food, fuel, transportation, etc.)
· Funds are used to help people become self-sufficient again. (Empowering Support)
· Average amount of assistance per family/individual: $200
· 95% of donations received are used to help those in need. (5% administrative costs)
Number of Families/Individuals helped:
· 2003: 60 2004: 63 2005: 161 2006: 255 2007: 331 2008: 341 2009: 440 2010: 481 2011-2022: Over 450 each year.
Where do the donations to our conference come from?
· 50% Black Bag collections (quarterly collections from parishioners)
· 32% General donations
· 10% Fund raisers (Friends of the Poor Walk, coat sale)
· 5% Others
· Food donations from parishioners, vendors, and corporations.
Food Pantry - Families Served:
2005 1,032
2006 2,348
2007 4,144
2008 6,792
2009 9,217
2010 9,463
2011-2022 Over 10,000 each year.