Page 6 - Annual Report to Parishioners RTP 2024 - 8 Page v3_Neat

Outreach/Pantry

Thanks to the generous donations from you, our parishioners, and the dedicated
efforts of our many volunteers, we were able to feed 3,219 families last year—an
average of 60 families each week. This amounts to 8,016 bags of food, equivalent
to an incredible 130,000 pounds! For a small food pantry, this is truly remarkable!

Our food came from various sources, including numerous food drives organized
by our new family at St. Anthony Parish—especially the students' hard work at St.
Anthony School. We also received contributions from the Knights of Columbus,
Meeker Middle School, Issaquah Food Bank, and the Adult Teen Challenge Rehab
Center. Additionally, donations came from Big Lots of Renton, T-Mobile, Terrific Tuesday Meals, fresh produce from
parishioners' gardens, and holiday donations from WinCo Foods, all supported by the incredible generosity of this
parish. We are truly blessed to have your support!

Gabriel Project/Prepares
The Gabriel Project is designed to support pregnant women and families in need. Its primary focus is to provide
emotional, spiritual, and material assistance to those facing unexpected pregnancies or challenging circumstances.
Our volunteers typically offer resources such as baby items, clothing, and housing assistance, as well as mentoring
and counseling services. Our program highlights the importance of community involvement by partnering with our
parish and other organizations to build a supportive network. This holistic approach aims to empower families, guid-
ing them through their challenges with dignity and compassion. By fostering personal connections and offering
practical assistance, the Gabriel Project seeks to promote a culture of life and instill hope in those we serve. Last
year, we provided 858 diaper packages to the Food Pantry, totaling 34,660 individual diapers! This crucial donation
ensures that pantry families have access to diapers for their children.

St Vincent de Paul - St. Stephen's Conference Overview

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is dedicated to assisting those in need, regardless of their background or faith.
Founded in 1833 in France, it focuses on helping individuals and families experienc-
ing poverty, homelessness, and other hardships. In addition to material assistance,
the St. Vincent de Paul Society promotes a culture of compassion and respect, en-
couraging volunteers to build relationships and provide emotional and spiritual sup-
port. Our mission is rooted in the principles of charity, justice, and the inherent
dignity of every person.
Our volunteers from St. Stephen the Martyr conduct home visits to families in our
neighborhood, providing tailored support with rent and utility assistance, food, and
other essential social services. These visits are at the heart of our mission. St. Ste-
phen’s Conference is always looking for new volunteers—fresh faces, diverse perspectives, and compassionate
hearts—to help us reach out to neighbors in need. To get involved please contact:
China Krismer chinasvdp@gmail.com / 206-393-0672 Theresa Paine theresapaine22@comcast.net / 206-714-7168

Terrific Tuesday Meals
Tuesday Meals (TTM) was established in June 2010 and, as of January 1, 2022, relies on dedicated volunteers from
our community and several local churches to prepare and deliver weekly meals to families in need, those facing fi-
nancial hardships, and individuals experiencing homelessness. When necessary, we connect our guests with addition-
al resources for support.
In February 2014, we expanded our outreach by providing weekly meals to women and children at the Kent HOPE
Women’s and Children’s Day Center. The following year, we began serving dinner to many homeless individuals in
downtown Kent at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. By May 2016, we were also offering weekly dinners to clients at Vine
Maple Place, who attended parenting and life skills classes. Both Kent HOPE and Vine Maple Place play crucial roles
in assisting women and families in crisis by addressing immediate needs and providing support services that foster
self-sufficiency. As of April 2022, TTM serves between 125 and 145 dinners each week. Contact Terrific Tuesday Meals
via email: terrifictuesdaymeals@gmail.com